It's been a great year for women in general. In politics, comedy and on the day to day, it seems that this year proved to be particularly prosperous for us and looking down the list of MSN's most influential females of '08, I was surprised to see not just a few names I recognized but also a few that I didn't.

Topping the list, surprise surprise!, is none other than Mrs. Hilary Clinton and while she didn't come as a surprise, a few of the others on the list did and I have to admit, I was thrilled to see Whitney Thompson screech onto the list at 12.

Here's hoping 2009 will be just as successful for us! Head on over to MSN for the full list!