Sonja Thompson

At this year’s BlogHer conference in Chicago on July 24-25, Microsoft Office hosted the MicroSpa, where BlogHer attendees could relax, check out the latest tech from Office, get technical assistance, enjoy refreshments (fruits, cheeses, pastries, sparkling wine), and sign up for one of three spa treatments — a back massage, hand massage, or make-up artistry.

In addition to thoroughly enjoying a back massage, I had the privilege of talking to Louise Rasho, a Senior Marketing Manager for Office Live, about the upcoming release of Microsoft Office 2010. Find out when Office 2010 will be released, what significant and important incremental changes we can expect to see, and how Microsoft differentiates itself from Google docs and Zoho in the Web app space.

To learn more about Microsoft Office 2010, check out the following resources:

• Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview
• 10 cool features to look forward to in Office 2010

BlogHer 2009 was held in Chicago on July 24-25. The conference officially kicked off when the BlogHer co-founders — Elisa Camahort Page, Lisa Stone, and Jory Des Jardins — took the stage. Their welcome speech included some statistics from BlogHer’s women in social media survey, which is highlighted in this brief video.

For more information about BlogHer, please visit http://www.blogher.com/.

The TechRepublic community has come together in the Discussions forum to share their love of gardening. The TR Garden Club actually began in 2005, and we’re just now compiling some of their photos to show off in a community photo gallery. Check out the most recent Garden Club discussion: TR Garden Club — Part 6, Spring 2009. If you have some garden photos that you’d like added to this gallery, please send it as an attachment to trol@techrepublic.com.

TechRepublic’s moderator, Tammy Cavadias, lists three of her top favorite free software programs. Join this discussion thread to add your favorites to the list!

There’s a lot to like about the Nintendo DSi — a multi-faceted, touch-screen, hand-held gaming device. The portability factor, accompanied by the long battery life, makes it a really great gift for gamers — children and adults alike. And while DS games tend to be pricey, the built-in Camera and Sound applications will keep you (and your kids, when you finally take a break) entertained and creative.

Assorted images for blogs.

IT professionals may or may not be a creative or artsy bunch, but quite a few TechRepublic members wanted a place where they could show off their body art.

Do you have a tattoo? Send a picture, along with your TR member alias to trol@cnet.com.

We all know that IT professionals have lives outside their jobs. Okay, well, most IT pros do anyway. In fact, quite a few TR members have pets at home, and this is the purrrfect place to show them off. If you have a pet picture that you’d like added to this gallery, please send it as an attachment to trol@techrepublic.com.

TROLOV (TR Out Loud on Video) is back in full swing this week, highlighting the most active discussions and members on the site. You’ll also get to see and hear the photos and voice messages that were sent in from the TR community.

To listen to this week’s TR Out Loud as just an audio file, download the mp3.

The TR Member Spotlight shines on one of the most requested interviewees from the women in the TR community. Prepare yourselves for the wit and wisdom of Neilb.

In the TR Out Loud podcast on April 4, 2008, Sonja Thompson answers a TechRepublic member’s question about whether she wears hats in public. Of course, seeing is believing.

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