Opinion

Put your money where your mouth is

RBC | Facebook. Happy little dings, memes, being able to share something with people without actually having to talk to those people (or put on pants)—what’s not to love?

A lot, actually. For me, Facebook is how I tune out the chaos of daily life. Lately I’ve found myself subconsciously opening the site or app whenever I’m in front of a screen. It’s a warning sign I’m not living in the present.

I found this out when I was dealing with mental health issues a few years ago. I suppose Facebook is a “better” vice than some things, but it hinders recovery all the same. During my battles with postpartum depression, I’d spend literally days online, masterminding a happy little universe in which I was cool and collected and showered regularly and didn’t struggle with basic life tasks.

Now that I’m going through one of life’s inevitable rough patches again, I’m wary of falling into the same internet black hole. For all its merits, Facebook’s product is one thing: us. Our attention, time and energy are what drive their bottom line, but they do an excellent job of seeming innocuous and indispensable while serving up ads and mining personal data. Blessed be the algorithms.

We’ve forgotten that humans have been communicating with each other for thousands of years, and only recently have traded meaningful connection for one-dimensional artifice (mixed with 17 ads for something you dreamed about once in fifth grade … seriously, HOW?)

Mostly as a precaution, I’ve decided to do a little Facebook detox for 21 days, starting Dec. 4. I’m nowhere near what I think of as “the edge” mentally, but after cliffhanging a few times, I’ve wised up a bit. I’m putting it in print because accountability is good, and for all the joking about the utter lameness of a “Facebook addiction” (believe me, I totally agree), there is solid science behind the site’s “dopamine dings,” which are especially addictive when your life isn’t exactly peachy.

The real question? What the heck am I gonna do with myself if I can’t share all my magniloquent opinions from the bathroom?

By CAITLIN WALKER | [email protected]

 

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Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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3 days ago
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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