Ready to Wear Oprah?

Now you can purchase the clothes off her back or at least from the back of her closet. Lightly used Oprah clothes are for sale in her Chicago store. Read all about it at the link to NY Times article right here and yes, the marvelling continues...

The Power of Oprah

When did it happen? When did Oprah's reign as chief influencer of female America begin? My colleagues and I asked ourselves this question after once again marvelling at her power.

Here is a timeline but I ask you dear readers, what was the tipping point?

1984-January 2, First episode of A.M. Chicago

1986-September 8, Show expands to one hour and is broadcast nationally. Harpo Productions is formed the same year.

1987-Oprah wins her first EMMY.

1988-Harpo Productions obtains ownership and production responsibilities for her show from ABC-TV station, WLS in Chicago

1989-Recipient of NAACP's Entertainer of the Year Award.

1990-Produces and stars in Brewster Place

1991- Initiated the National Child Protection Act and testified before Congress

1992-Bob Green appointed supervisor of her exercise program.

1993- Hosted an interview with Michael Jackson which reached an audience of one hundred million.

1994-Co-authored the book In the Kitchen with Rosie

1995-Became first woman on Forbes list of 400 Richest Americans.

1996-September 16, Oprah announced the start of her on-air book club.

1996-Dr. Phil debuts on her program

1997-Formation of Angel Network

1998-Formation of Oxygen Media

2000-April, Oprah launches O magazine

2002-O magazine named Most Successful Start-Up Ever by Forbes magazine

2004-Time Magazine names her one of the 100 People Who most influenced the 20th Century.

2004-Fall, Oprah gives a Pontiac G6 to everyone in the audience.

2005-Named "The Greatest Woman in American History" as part of a public poll.

2005-May 23, Tom Cruise couch incident.

2006-Oprah signs 3 year contract with XM Satellite Radio.

2007-May, Oprah endorses Barack Obama

2007-Oprah opens Multi-million dollar school for girls in South Africa

2008-March, Oprah's Big Give debuts

There are now an average of 8.5 million viewers per original airing.

Another Question: Can you think of any other person in America with more influence?