Microsoft coders have released a new Sidebar gadget - The Windows Live What’s New Sidebar Gadget
Download PageThe Windows Live What’s New Sidebar Gadget (Beta) is a Vista gadget that displays your Windows Live “What’s New” feed on your desktop. You can receive real-time updates on what your friends are doing across multiple social networks right from your desktop.
Seems very useful. Though the description says Vista gadget, I'm pretty sure it will work with 7 too.