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    The Oregon Trail from Westward Expansion to Computer Game with Sharon McMahon

    enJanuary 12, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring LinkedIn for Small Business Hiring and Personal ShoppingLinkedIn is a popular platform for small businesses to hire professionals and for individuals to shop for mattresses, engagement rings, and more, offering access to a large pool of potential candidates and unique products.

      LinkedIn is a valuable resource for small businesses looking to hire professionals. It offers access to a large pool of potential candidates, many of whom may not be actively searching for new jobs but could be open to the right opportunity. Additionally, the platform's popularity means that over 70% of its users don't visit other leading job sites, making it a prime location for recruitment. Meanwhile, if you're in the market for a new mattress, consider Sleep Number's smart beds, which allow for individualized comfort settings. And if you're planning to buy a diamond engagement ring, check out Blue Nile's lab-grown diamonds, which are independently graded and offer significant savings. Lastly, Oregon, with its natural beauty, became a US territory in the mid-1800s due to the boundary dispute with Great Britain, leading to a westward expansion driven by the belief of "manifest destiny."

    • Manifest Destiny: The belief of America's divine right to expand its territoryManifest Destiny, a deeply ingrained belief in American culture, drove westward expansion through incentives like land grants and the famous Oregon Trail, despite opposition, due to the belief of fulfilling America's divine right to expand its territory.

      The belief of Manifest Destiny, which was the idea that it was the United States' divine right to expand its territory, played a significant role in westward expansion during the mid-1800s. This belief was popularized by John L. O'Sullivan, a Democratic editor, who wrote about European countries thwarting America's manifest destiny. The government incentivized this expansion with land grants, leading to the famous Oregon Trail, a 2,1100-mile long wagon route from Missouri to Oregon. Despite opposition from the Whig Party, the idea of Manifest Destiny became deeply ingrained in American culture, driving the population westward to claim land and fulfill their belief of fulfilling their divine right to expand.

    • The Oregon Trail was more diverse than commonly thoughtMost travelers walked alongside simpler wagons, covering 15-20 miles daily, for diverse reasons like economic depression and gold opportunities

      The Oregon Trail was not a single, uniform journey as commonly portrayed, but rather a diverse and varied experience for the estimated 400,000 people who traveled westward between the 1830s and 1860s. Contrary to popular belief, most travelers did not use covered wagons like the iconic Conestoga wagons, but instead used simpler, more efficient prairie schooners. The majority of people walked alongside the wagons, covering an average of 15 to 20 miles per day. The motivations for western migration were diverse, including economic depression, illness outbreaks, religious reasons, and the lure of gold and new opportunities. Encouraged by politicians, Americans sought to expand their territory and hold political power, leading to the settlement of the western frontier.

    • The Challenging Journey Westward vs. Overcoming Body OdorDuring the 1800s, 400,000 people traveled westward, facing challenges like crossing mountains. Today, Lume deodorant helps overcome body odor, providing 72-hour control with mandelic acid, while OneSkin's skincare products support self-care with their proprietary OS one peptide.

      The journey westward during the 1800s was a challenging and lengthy process for the estimated 400,000 people who made the trek from Missouri to Oregon. They didn't travel in covered wagons with horses but instead walked, pulling their belongings in a prairie schooner covered with a tarp. This journey involved crossing mountains, not an easy feat. Meanwhile, in a different context, Lume whole body deodorant offers a solution to an embarrassing problem – body odor. Powered by mandelic acid, Lume provides 72-hour odor control without using heavy perfumes that mask odor. It has over 300,005 five-star reviews, and new customers can enjoy a 15% discount using the exclusive code "sharon@lumeodeodorant.com." As we approach Mother's Day, it's essential to appreciate not only mothers but also caregivers who put others' needs before their own. Taking care of oneself, including the skin, is a crucial aspect of self-care. OneSkin's products, with their proprietary OS one peptide, are easy to incorporate into a skincare routine and have been a personal favorite.

    • From Narcissa's Letters to OneSkin's Innovation: Inspiring Skin LongevityOneSkin's groundbreaking approach to skin care focuses on cellular aging, using the first ingredient proven to switch off aging cells, making it easier and more effective to keep skin looking and acting younger for longer.

      Just as Narcissa Whitman's letters from the Oregon Trail inspired people back east to migrate and discover the wonders of the American west, OneSkin's groundbreaking approach to skin care, focusing on cellular aging, is inspiring people to prioritize skin longevity. By harnessing the power of the first ingredient proven to switch off aging cells, OneSkin offers a simple yet effective solution to keep skin looking and acting younger for longer. With the convenience of online shopping and a discount code (SHARON for 15% off at oneskin.co), it's easier than ever to join the skin longevity movement. The historical context of Narcissa's letters and the subsequent Oregon Trail migration illustrates the power of sharing transformative experiences and discoveries, and OneSkin is poised to do the same in the realm of skin care. As we continue to explore the world, both historically and in the present, let us remember the inspiring stories of those who blazed new trails and the innovative companies that continue to do so.

    • Learning from the Oregon Trail: Quality, Value, and Debunking MythsDuring the Oregon Trail era, merchants deceived pioneers into buying excessive provisions, leading to waste. Today, we value quality and ethical manufacturing, like Quince. Debunking myths, such as the constant conflict between pioneers and native tribes, is essential for understanding history.

      During the Oregon Trail era, merchants at trail starting points often deceived pioneers into buying excessive provisions, leading to waste and littered trails. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, which became known as Camp Sacrifice due to the abandoned supplies. Today, we can learn from this experience and appreciate the importance of quality and value, especially when shopping at places like Quince, which offers high-end essentials at discounted prices while ensuring ethical manufacturing. Another myth debunked from the discussion is the common portrayal of western pioneers being constantly under attack from native American groups. In reality, many native tribes were partners with pioneers rather than adversaries. When it comes to gifting, platforms like Celebrations Passport from 1800flowers.com offer free shipping and rewards for frequent gift-givers, making it easier to surprise loved ones with personalized cards from Moonpig, starting at just $5. Quince, with its commitment to safe, ethical, and responsible manufacturing, is a go-to destination for high-quality, affordable goods. By choosing Quince, we can elevate our style without breaking the bank. In summary, the Oregon Trail era teaches us the importance of quality, value, and debunking myths. By embracing these lessons, we can make the most of our shopping experiences and show appreciation to the important people in our lives.

    • Westward expansion: More than just native attacksWhile native attacks were a concern, diseases like typhoid, cholera, and dysentery claimed the lives of around 20,000 settlers during westward expansion. The Willamette Valley, with its rich resources and spiritual significance, holds a complex history of settler-native interactions.

      The journey of westward pioneers from approximately 1830 to 1860 was not as dangerous as often portrayed, with around 300 settlers dying in native attacks. However, the real threat came from diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery, which claimed an estimated 20,000 lives. The Willamette Valley, known for its lush greenery and popular wine region, holds historical significance in the form of the Willamette meteorite, the largest meteorite ever found in North America. This 15.5-ton meteorite, which likely crashed into Earth thousands of years ago, became a powerful spiritual symbol for Native American groups like the Clackamas Indians. They believed that the meteorite, which they called Tamanuos, represented the union between sky, earth, and water and served as a healing source. Despite the hardships and dangers, the spiritual connection between the settlers and the native groups highlights the complex history of the westward expansion.

    • The Controversial History of the Willamette MeteoriteThe Willamette Meteorite, discovered in 1902, was involved in legal disputes and ownership claims, eventually ending up at the American Museum of Natural History. Native American tribes claim spiritual significance and conduct annual ceremonies around it, while its popularity was boosted by the educational game Oregon Trail.

      The Willamette meteorite, discovered in Oregon in 1902, was the subject of a legal dispute and multiple ownership claims. Ellis Hughes, the first European settler to recognize its significance, moved it to his land but later lost it in a lawsuit to the Oregon Iron Steel Company. The meteorite was later purchased by Sarah Hoadley for a significant sum and donated to the American Museum of Natural History. However, in 1999, a lawsuit arose between the museum and Native American tribes claiming spiritual significance to the meteorite, leading to an agreement for the tribes to conduct annual ceremonies around it and the possibility of its return if the museum closes or no longer wishes to display it. The Willamette meteorite gained further popularity through the educational computer game Oregon Trail, which sold over 65 million copies and was created by teachers in Minnesota in the 1970s. The game engaged students in the history of westward expansion and became a cultural touchstone for generations.

    • The Creation of Pioneering Educational Game 'Oregon Trail'Three Minnesota student teachers created 'Oregon Trail' in 1971, using simple programming and showcasing its educational value. Despite potential financial gains, they prioritized student learning and shared it, leaving a lasting impact on education.

      The creation of the educational game "Oregon Trail" in 1971 by Minnesota student teachers Paul Dillenberger, Bill Malone, and Dawn McElheny involved typing the word "bang" on a keyboard to simulate hunting, showcasing the simplicity of early computer programming. The game, which included elements of chance and problem-solving, was later shared with a magazine in 1978, reflecting a lack of understanding of the emerging software market. Despite the potential for financial gain, the creators prioritized education and the game's impact on students. Today, updated versions of "Oregon Trail" can still be played, showcasing the enduring legacy of this pioneering educational software. The creators' selfless act of sharing their work serves as a reminder of the importance of education and the potential impact of early technological innovations.

    • The power of collaboration in creating engaging contentCollaboration between individuals with complementary skills and a shared vision can lead to high-quality, informative, and engaging content.

      Learning from this podcast is the importance of collaboration in creating engaging content. Sharon McMahon and Heather Jackson worked together on the research and writing of the podcast, while Heather also produced it and Jenny Snyder edited and mixed the audio. This team effort resulted in a high-quality product that was informative and engaging for listeners. It's clear that when individuals come together with complementary skills and a shared vision, they can create something greater than what they could have accomplished alone. So, whether you're working on a podcast, a research project, or any other type of endeavor, consider the value of collaboration and the potential it holds for achieving your goals.

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