Original Air Date:
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday Live in Chicago - California Wildfires:
The panel, minus Ali, opened the show Friday by talking about the wildfires that were burning near Oprah's neighborhood in Montecito, California. Thursday night near 5:30 in the evening fires started in the Los Padres National Forest. At the time of Oprah's broadcast, more than 100 homes had been destroyed and 5,400 people had been evacuated; many with only their kids and pets.
Scott Reiff from KABC-TV appeared via satellite from a helicopter over the area to show the destruction the fires had caused.
Scott reported that the winds had stopped in the area making it easier for the firefighters to stop the blaze from spreading. The flames had been difficult to defend because of the high winds that gushed through the night before when the fires began. No reports of the cause of the fire had been announced at the time of the broadcast, but everyone had escaped the blaze as of Friday afternoon; there had been reports of minor injuries.
Oprah called her neighbor, actor Rob Lowe, to get his first hand account of the state of the neighborhood.
Rob described his evening of watching football with his kids when his wife called to alert him of the fire and warn him to leave the area. With no sirens, warnings or smell of smoke, Rob would not have known about the fire if his wife hadn't called. After he fled his own home, he helped neighbors leave their homes as well. On the phone, Rob described seeing smoke out his home office window. Rob's house, as well as Oprah's, were safe because of the winds blowing in the opposite direction; but many others were not that lucky.
Friday Live in Chicago - Melissa Etheridge on Prop 8:
Oprah welcomed Melissa Etheridge, her wife Tammy Lynn Michaels, and their 2 children to the show via satellite to discuss the passing of Prop 8 in California. 52% of California voters chose yes on 8 which overturned the May ruling that legalized gay marriage. A set of clips were featured showing the fallout and protests of the passing which included video from The View, Keith Olbermann, Melissa Etheridge and Madonna.
Melissa shared that her first reaction on election night was to celebrate Obama's victory, while she also felt that the country took a step back by passing Prop 8.
Gayle added how surprised she was for Prop 8 to pass in California, a state she viewed as more liberal. Oprah questioned Melissa if she thought the wording of the prop was deliberately confusing to throw off voters. Melissa stated she felt that the campaign was based on lies and fear intended to scare people into supporting the proposition. Mark added that he didn't look at Prop 8 from a religious standpoint, but as a civil rights issue.
Tammy Lynn spoke of her family that would have supported Prop 8 because of their lack of exposure, but that she still loves them and doesn't care about the word marriage.
Tammy Lynn instead chooses to hold on to love not get bogged down by the passing. Oprah shared that she thinks the word marriage is what gets people fires up, when really it is about having equal rights for everyone.
18,000 couples married in CA since gay marriage became legal in May, but courts now have to decide if they will nullify those marriages and in turn take their rights away from them. Melissa expressed her frustration at the idea of denying or taking rights away from people but taking their taxes regardless. She does have hope for the future and appreciation for the support from different communities.
Friday Live in Chicago - Time Magazine's Best Invention of 2008:
The panel moved on to discuss Time Magazine's best invention of 2008 - a retail DNA test from 23andMe that costs $399 and gives consumers information for more than 90 traits. The panel talked to founders Ann Wojcicki and Linda Avey via Skype about their invention. Ann and Linda spoke about the importance of making the technology available to the public at an affordable price and giving people the option to know more about themselves and their children. The process includes a home saliva test that is sent off to the lab, with results available in 4-6 weeks.
Dr. Oz also joined the show via satellite from his office in NY where he shared that he has been to a "spit party" where multiple people take the test. Dr. Oz expressed how this technology will make customized care available for patients where doctors can tailor medications and treatments to what will work best for each person.
Friday Live in Chicago - Presidential Inauguration:
Oprah presented the picture of cover of the Chicago Sun Times which showed the Bush's and the Obama's together for their first official meeting. The panel also commented on President Bush's gracious interview where he commented on President-Elect Barack Obama's sense of family and how that will be an important part of his presidency.
The panel moved then to the Presidential Inauguration and how Oprah cannot get people tickets, but 240,000 free tickets will be given out the week before the event. Contact your state senator or congressperson to request tickets.
Friday Live in Chicago - Saying Goodbye to Solomon:
Oprah announced at the end of the show that she lost her beloved chocolate Cocker Spaniel, Solomon recently and wanted to take a look back at her 14 years with him. Footage was shown of Oprah with Solomon starting in January of 1995 after Oprah had received a puppy from Stedman for Christmas. Oprah shared how Solomon had traveled the globe, met celebrities and even became somewhat of a celebrity himself. He loved the park, biscuits, chicken and having his belly rubbed. He offered pure and unconditional love, making Oprah a better person because he loved her back.
