Marriage Debate Goes Viral

If you're part of social media, it is hard not to notice all the people changing their profile pictures to a red and pink image of an equals sign.

Facebook users all over have been showing their support for equal marriage rights since the beginning of the week as the hearings were taking place in Washington. Justices were hearing cases that regarded the marriage equality argument, specifically California's Proposition 8.

Why "="? Basically, it stands for equality--marriage equality. The Human Rights Campaign's logo is originally a blue and yellow "=" image, and because of the tension surround this issue recently, this red adaptation has gone absolutely viral. This is a testament to the power of social media and the Internet.

Social media users could say that marriage equality has been a "trending topic" and it has definitely sparked its fair share of Facebook statuses and Twitter posts. A lot of hate has surrounded it, though, with those who support traditional marriage values being branded haters and homophobes--which is really nothing new for them. But there's hate spitting from the anti-marriage equality side, too. It would probably be more beneficial to listen to one another instead of shouting slogans and firing insults.

In a world which is now online, it is important for everyone to realize the power of the Internet. Individuals have a way of speaking out and sharing their opinions with anyone who cares to read it. Flammable posts on social networks and controversial blog posts get comments because people are more empowered to raise their voice. Everyone wants to be heard and the Internet, in many ways, makes it possible.

The power of one image to travel to hundreds of thousands of Facebook users and for the debate to rage online even as it was being heard in the Supreme Court is incredible. We live in an age that makes instantaneous communication and rallying possible like never before. Let us use it wisely in our future.

posted by Diana Eales

                                                     

St. Augustine Farmer's Markets

    St. Augustine is home to several farmers markets throughout the week. Going to these markets is a fun way to get local produce and goods that are almost always fresher and cheaper than any supermarket. These markets offer a great way to get out of the house and help support local vendors. The farmers market has live entertainment, fresh seasonal vegetables, local art, handcrafted cheeses, fresh baked good and so much more. Supporting these local vendors does more then just give you the freshest groceries and unique local art. It helps your community grow financially as well as pumping tax dollars back into your own county. The town has two markets that stand out to me. The Old City Farmers Market and St. Augustine Beach Farmers Market.

           The Old City Farmers Market is every Saturday at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on A1A South. It starts at 8.30am and goes till 12.30 pm. Admisson is free and this market is large and offers accessible parking. The vendors are lined up along the entrance of the amphitheater. This market, being the bigger of the two, offers something for everyone in the family. The Old City Farmers Market has a larger variety of and more specialized group of vendors then the Beachside Market. A few that stand out to me are the Banzi tree, the orchid vendor and the local meat vendor. Although at times the market can be very crowded, it is still a great market to take the whole family to shop on a Saturday morning.

         The St. Augustine Beach Market is every Wednesday from 7.30am to 12.30pm. It is located on 350 A1A Beach Blvd at the Pier.  Parking is located in the pier parking lot that is just minutes from your car. I personally like this market more then the Saturday market. The set up at the pier allows people to flow around the market more freely and see all the vendors without feeling cluttered by the crowd. Also the fact that this market is on a Wednesday keeps the crowd to mostly locals that want to help supports the community. I find this market to be more focused around art & crafts with having 60 artisans as vendors. It does offer local produce, but I feel it lacks in the variety that the Saturday markets offer.  Don’t let me fool you, this markets offers more than enough to fill your fridge for the week.

           

Go see for your self the great products that the St. Augustine Farmers market has to offer. For more information go to www.staugustinefm.com and www.localharvest.org/st-augustine-beach-farmers-market-M17276

By Joe Scheerer