Original Air Date:
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Where Are You?:
Millions of people are using Skype, many introduced to the technology through Oprah, a free internet based video calling system. To start the show, Oprah showed a clip from The Jetson's cartoon 46 years ago when the technology was seen as futuristic. The cartoon showed the family using a system called a Televiewer to communicate with one another. Oprah was thrilled to announce that we are now living like the Jetson's!
Pushing the limits of Skype to the edge, Oprah dedicated an entire episode to speaking to people around the world using the technology.
Camera Placement:
Three cameras were set up to catch people passing by while Oprah spoke live to planned individuals around the world. The cameras were located outside of Harpo Studios by the sign where people often take pictures before and after show tapings, inside a Best Buy in New York City, and in Harrods in London. Oprah was able to surprise people by saying hello as they looked in the camera.
Skype Sketch Artist:
Oprah first introduced viewers to Barbara Muir, a sketch artist who works from screen images she gets from Skype. Barbara took a picture of Oprah at the top of the show and promised to have a completed sketch by the end of the episode.
Visiting the Poles:
Testing the limits of Skype's technology, Oprah visited with Janice Anderson in Grise Fiord, Canada, just South of the North Pole. With only 141 residents, the downtown only has 1 store, which is open for just 28 hours each week. With temperatures of -1, the residents were determined to make the technology work, and succeeded.
At the opposite end of the world, Oprah checked in with Neal Scheibe at Palmer Station, Antarctica, just North of the South Pole. Living and working at the research station, Neal along with 30 others experience an isolated yet active life with their small community. Dr. Bruce Sidell from The University of Maine also spoke with Oprah and explained the many changes that have occurred in the area since 1987, with the most drastic change occurring in recent years. The scientists at the station are able to work with support of the National Science Foundation.
The Highs and Lows:
Moving to the sky, Oprah connected with a Virgin America flight #780 moving 120 passengers from Seattle to LA at 37,000 feet. Mandy, a flight attendant, spoke with Oprah and explained that Virgin had just released in-flight internet available to all passengers.
60 feet below the surface of the South Pacific, Oprah connected with John Seger on the USS Louisville, a submarine off the coast of Hawaii. With 146 men on board, Seger gave Oprah a tour of the torpedo room and a brief look at where the men eat, sleep and bathe.
Skype CEO and Corporate Offices:
Oprah was joined by Skype CEO Josh Silverman from the company's London offices. Josh credited Oprah for pushing the technology to the limits and introducing so many people to the service. More than 400 million people are using the free service and have started accessing the technology for more than just social communication, gaining the ability to connect with others for education and much more.
Wine Tasting:
With the CEO on hand via Skype, Oprah introduced Randall Graham from the Bonny Doon Winery in Santa Cruz, CA. Oprah, Josh and Randall shared how inclusive Skype can be as they shared a wine tasting experience together from California, Chicago and London.
Thank You:
Oprah thanked all of her guests for doing their part to show how Skype can make the world feel like a smaller place. Checking in one last time at Harrods, Best Buy and outside the studio, Oprah surprised a few more viewers. To end the show, Oprah's portrait was revealed and she shared her gratitude to Neal for giving her the idea to use the technology for education, saying she would be able to teach a class to her girls in South Africa now using the service.
