Let's face it: shopping for men is stupid. We want to get them something they'll love, something other than grilling tongs or cologne, and so every year we ask hopefully, "What would you like for Christmas?" And every year we hear the same, mumbled, "I dunno."

Shortly after I learned I was pregnant, I went to a party where I ran into a first-time mom bouncing her infant in her lap. I asked her how things were going. She replied with a slightly manic expression and an air of triumph: "I made eggs today!" I didn't really understand. Eggs? Is having a baby really that hard? Certainly not. Certainly it would be different for me. Right? I simply couldn't fathom ever being so all-consumed by a baby as to be triumphant about eggs. Since my child was born in early July, I've had sex with my husband precisely twice.

Planning to attend BlogHer '09? Why not let everyone know? We've got the goods below -- our tried and true, BlogHer Badge Basics. But we're also looking for great ideas for new badges, too! As you may recall, last year we made a few less traditional, more fun buttons as well, including: "I'm breastfeeding at BlogHer '08" "I'm geeking out at BlogHer '08" "I'm drinking at BlogHer '08" "I'm wearing cute shoes at BlogHer '08"

One of the many things that makes BlogHer an amazing organization is that it -- they, we -- believe in what we're doing. We believe in The Blogosphere. We get why women are blogging in record numbers, and we aren't surprised in the least that blogs continue to change the way the whole world communicates.  This is an organization whose founders "walk the talk" every day.  Perfect example: I can't think of another organization that would actively encourage me to blog this.

Every year, we announce that our annual BlogHer event will have something for everyone. And every year, we get lots of feedback like: I don't think I'm a big or important enough to go... I won't know anyone there.. I can't go, I'm a dude! I'm not techie enough for a blog conference... I'm way too techie for a blog conference... So in case you -- or someone you know -- is feeling hesitant, here's our take. Please pass it on! For new and beginning bloggers