Viñedos en Flor 2025: Wine, Art & Causes Worth Toasting To

Experience Viñedos en Flor: A Festival of Wine, Food, and Fun

“Terruño, Identidad y Vocación” (Which basically means: This land was made for wine—and we’ve got the talent to prove it)

This June 13 and 14, Ensenada will bloom—literally—with the 19th edition of Viñedos en Flor. It’s where wine, art, food, and social causes come together in the prettiest season of the year.

Hosted by the Provino Committee, the event will unfold at Rancho San Gabriel. Organizers describe it as a family-friendly festival filled with education, sustainability, and, of course, wine.

A Program with Purpose

On Friday, June 13, the event begins with Conferencias en Flor at CEVIT Auditorium at CETYS University in Ensenada, Baja California. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in both English and Spanish.

Speakers will explore topics like water conservation, migration, and land care. The lineup includes voices from the Berry Good Food Foundation, Capacity is limited to only 100 seats.

The main event takes place on Saturday, June 14, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Rancho San Gabriel. This celebration will feature:

  • 80 local wineries
  • 160 wine labels to sample
  • An ecological corridor and educational zones
  • Entry capped at 1,000 guests only

Tickets cost $950 pesos and include a wine glass and unlimited tasting. Kids under 18 enter for free.
🍇 Buy tickets here 🍇

Eat, Sip, Give

Chef Miguel Bahena leads the food section, joined by chefs who work by donation. In addition, organizers are seeking fruit and vegetable donations to support local, seasonal cooking.

Furthermore, dishes will highlight regional flavors and pair beautifully with the wines. You’ll eat well, drink better, and support a great cause—all in one bite.

Besides, a farmers market will showcase bread, cheese, honey, lavender, and more. Every product comes straight from the Ensenada valley.

Meanwhile, kids get their own fun:

  • Art workshops for ages 3–11 (Prisma Academy sponsor)
  • Kite-making
  • A mini zoo from Pai Pai
  • A child-friendly food area, thanks to La Canasta

Art With a Mission

The event’s signature fundraising moment is the “Artists & Kids” art auction. Proceeds will support schools, sports fields, and the Porvenir Fire Department, which received 96,000 pesos last year.

This year, organizers expect to raise over 735,000 pesos. This isn’t a commercial festival—it’s a community effort.

Who’s Running the Show?

The logistics are managed by Daniel Sánchez Olivares, who’s been coordinating the event for six years. His wife, Gaby Melchum of Hacienda Guadalupe, is also rumored to be lending her magic touch.

Viñedos en Flor isn’t just about sipping under the sun. It’s about roots—of vines, people, and purpose. And like a good vintage, this event just keeps getting better with time.

From podiums to politics: Sheinbaum, Marina del Pilar, and Trump caught in the storm over U.S. visa revocations.

The Diplomatic Mystery: U.S. Revoking Visas of Mexican Politicians


Blacklist or Power Move? The U.S. Tightens the Visa Grip on Mexican Officials

Something’s shifting between Mexico and the U.S.—and it’s not the tectonic plates.

Lately, a growing number of Mexican politicians have had their U.S. visas revoked. There were no big press releases. No formal charges. Just quiet denials, awkward press conferences, and canceled trips.

Who’s on the List?

That part’s still murky. Depending on who you ask, there are either 35 or 44 names. What’s more, those names aren’t small. Reports from ProPublica, El Universal, and the Diario de Yucatán point to governors, mayors, lawmakers, and even military officers.

The alleged reasons vary. Some involve organized crime links. Others mention fuel smuggling—a.k.a. huachicol fiscal.

Here are just a few of the names making the rounds:

  • Marina del Pilar Ávila, Baja California governor
  • Américo Villarreal, Tamaulipas governor
  • Alfonso Durazo, Sonora governor
  • Samuel García, Nuevo León governor
  • Layda Sansores, Campeche governor
  • Mario Delgado, federal Education Secretary
  • Ricardo Monreal and Adán Augusto López, Morena power players
  • Several mayors from Tamaulipas and Chihuahua
  • At least four high-ranking generals
  • And even Manuel Bartlett, still in the headlines somehow
Map of suspicion:
U.S. visa revocations ripple through Mexican politics, with 44 names rumored and Uncle Sam keeping the list sealed.

Map of suspicion: U.S. visa revocations ripple through Mexican politics, with 44 names rumored and Uncle Sam keeping the list sealed.

So… Are These Claims True?

That depends who you ask. Some governments, like Tamaulipas, first called the visa reports “fake news.” Later, they downgraded the statement to “unconfirmed.”

Others went the quiet route. Alberto Granados, mayor of Matamoros, reportedly had his visa yanked while trying to cross into Brownsville. He denied it. But the story didn’t go away.

Marina del Pilar simply said, “It’s not a requirement to govern.” She’s right. But being on a U.S. blacklist doesn’t exactly boost your image either.

What’s Washington Doing?

Apparently, a lot—without saying much.

According to a U.S. official quoted by journalist Tim Golden, canceling visas sends a message. It shows the U.S. is no longer looking the other way.

Instead of courtrooms and criminal cases, Washington is using its travel system as a pressure valve. No charges, no trials—just a silent pushback.

This quiet strategy lets the U.S. act without sparking a full-blown diplomatic firestorm. For now, it’s working.

Why This Matters

Even if there are no indictments, the consequences are real. A revoked visa can hurt relationships, business, and international credibility.

It also raises bigger questions. If the U.S. is willing to act alone, what comes next? Will there be sanctions? Will the public ever see the full list?

More importantly: how will the Mexican government respond if the quiet list keeps growing?

One thing is certain—this isn’t just about travel. It’s about power, politics, and pressure.

And for many Mexican politicians, the message seems clear: stay clean—or stay home.

If you’re wondering whether this is the start of something bigger, the answer might be: yes, and it’s already happening.

A Different Kind of Construction

Empowering Rosarito: Supporting Kids with Beat the Cycle

Rosarito just got a little closer to hope.

Something unusual is happening in Rosarito—and it’s not another Starbucks or beachfront development.

This week, the nonprofit Beat the Cycle broke ground on a center for kids dealing with real struggles: autism, illiteracy, hunger, and poverty. While other projects target tourists or retirees, this one is all about local families who need help now.

Founders Irene Donnell and Sol Carrola lead the effort. They secured the land at Gabriel Esquivel Alvarado 22706, and they’re not wasting time. “We’re not just building walls,” said Donnell. “We’re building futures.”

A Celebration with Purpose

The group plans to host a community celebration on Sunday, May 25 at 12:30 PM, right at the site. Residents can stop by to learn more, meet the team, and sign up to help.

Visitors will hear directly from the founders and see how the land is being transformed. They’ll also find out how to get involved—whether that means donating, volunteering, or just spreading the word.

The center will provide therapy for kids with autism, literacy support, job training, and daily meals. Although modest in size, the facility represents a huge step forward for the neighborhood.

“This is more than a building,” said Carrola. “It’s a safe space where forgotten kids will finally feel seen.”

What’s Needed Now

While the first stage of grading is done, much more remains. Beat the Cycle needs funding, supplies, and local hands to keep moving forward.

Even small contributions can make a big difference. Tools, food, paint—anything helps. Volunteers are also needed to support construction and future programming.

Importantly, this isn’t just charity. It’s a smart investment in Rosarito’s next generation. And it sends a strong message: every child deserves a shot at success, no matter where they were born.

To get involved or support the project, visit www.beatthecycle.org. Because some cycles need to be broken—and this one is finally getting cracked open, shovel by shovel.

Cuauhtémoc vs Brooklyn Bridge — The Unexpected Collision

The Cuauhtémoc Crashed—And It Wasn’t All Its Fault

Mystery at sea… in reverse.

On May 17, the pride of Mexico’s Navy, the Buque Escuela Cuauhtémoc, left a mark on New York City—literally. The tall ship, known for its elegant sails and globe-spanning goodwill missions, slammed stern-first into the Brooklyn Bridge.

Two sailors died. Over twenty more were injured. And in less than 90 seconds, a picture-perfect farewell turned into a maritime mess.

Cuauhtémoc vs Brooklyn Bridge — The Unexpected Collision
Cuauhtémoc vs Brooklyn Bridge — The Unexpected Collision

At first glance, it looked like a simple navigational error. A ship backs up into a bridge? Must be the captain’s fault, right?

Not so fast.

Turns out, the Cuauhtémoc wasn’t sailing solo. During the maneuver, a U.S. harbor pilot was in charge. A tugboat was nearby to assist. And conditions on the East River weren’t exactly calm. So what really went wrong?

Let’s break it down.

The Cuauhtémoc began its departure from South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 around 8:20 PM. The plan was simple: back out with help from a tug, then pivot and sail away with style.

But something went sideways—literally. Instead of pulling away, the ship began to drift in reverse, heading directly toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Just four minutes later, at around 8:24 PM, the ship’s rear mast struck the underside of the bridge. All three masts collapsed like dominos.

Key Facts of the accident

According to reports, the tugboat assisting the ship wasn’t even tied to it. So when the Cuauhtémoc began to drift, there was nothing holding her back—except hope and a late reaction.

U.S. media noted that the harbor pilot had between 80 and 90 seconds to act. That’s not much time, especially with crosscurrents, wind, and an untethered tug.

Also, a mechanical failure might have played a role. Investigators suspect a delay or malfunction in the propulsion system. Without thrust, the ship was at the mercy of the river.

So was it the Navy’s fault? Not entirely.

Was it the pilot’s? Maybe not exclusively.

This wasn’t one mistake. It was a chain of them—some human, some technical, and some just plain unlucky.

The crash also revealed something deeper: a breakdown in coordination. The Mexican Navy and U.S. port authorities had one job—get the ship out safely. But between communication gaps, a poorly positioned tugboat, and unclear roles, that job fell apart fast.

As of now, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

Meanwhile, Mexico mourns the loss of two sailors who died far from home, and dozens of others recover from injuries both physical and emotional. The Cuauhtémoc, beloved by generations, is now docked and undergoing damage assessment.

There are lessons here. Big ones.

Even the most beautiful ships, with the most experienced crews, need precision and teamwork—especially when you’re sailing in New York City traffic.

We’ll be watching. Not to point fingers. But to make sure the next time Cuauhtémoc sails out of a foreign port, she does it with all her sails up—and her stern facing the right direction.

𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨’𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐝 (𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈𝐭)

Baja’s Big Water Fix Starts in Rosarito

No more excuses. Baja is finally doing something about the water problem.

Governor Marina del Pilar signed the deal this week. CONAGUA’s director, Efraín Morales López, showed up too. Together, they greenlit the Rosarito Desalination Plant.

This time, the promise comes with muscle—12 billion pesos and the backing of President Claudia Sheinbaum.


CONAGUA’s Director, Efraín Morales López, and Governor Marina del Pilar

The goal? Bring clean, reliable water to Tijuana and Rosarito, where people have been rationing buckets like it’s 1944.

The plant will sit on a 20-hectare plot in Playas de Rosarito, right next to the Presidente Juárez Thermoelectric Plant, operated by the CFE. Why there?

Simple—access to seawater, an existing discharge channel, and a steady energy supply. It’s also close to where the water’s actually needed. Smart, right?

It will use reverse osmosis to turn salty seawater into fresh agua. And because it’ll share infrastructure with the neighboring power plant, environmental impact should be minimal. That’s the plan, anyway.

Proposed Rosarito Desalination Plant

For years, locals asked, begged, and even protested. Now, leaders say this is the fix. Construction starts soon. If all goes well—and that’s a big “if”—families might actually enjoy full showers, not just polite rinses.

Meanwhile, the government calls it “historic.” We just hope it doesn’t turn into another expensive blueprint for the archives.

Stay tuned. We’ll keep you posted, especially if someone forgets to turn on the pump.

No speeches, just tacos and protest

Massive BBQ Protests: Baja’s Flavorful Activism

When people start bringing charcoal to a protest, things are officially getting spicy. And in Baja California, nothing says “we’re fed up” like throwing a carne asada in your governor’s honor—without inviting her.

That’s exactly what happened in Mexicali on Saturday, May 17. Locals gathered for what they dubbed a “Carne Asada Masiva contra Marina del Pilar”—or, in English, a Massive BBQ Protest Against Marina del Pilar. Somewhere between 5,000 and 25,000 people assembled with grills, music, folding chairs, piñatas, and a whole lot of political seasoning.

But this wasn’t just a quirky protest—it was the flame-roasted symptom of something bigger.

The political heat turned up earlier this month when the U.S. reportedly revoked the visas of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and her husband Carlos Torres Torres. While no formal charges have been announced, speculation about corruption has been simmering for years.

Now, with travel restrictions in place and zero public clarity from her office, Baja residents are asking: Is this finally the beginning of the end for unchecked power? Or is it just another round of political smoke with no fire?

# Tijuana Massive Protest BBQ Against Marina del Pilar

Following the meat-fueled protest in Mexicali, another one is already marinating. “Carne Asada Masiva en Contra de Marina – Versión Tijuana” is now set for Friday, May 24 at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Palace of Tijuana.

So far, thousands have RSVP’d on Facebook, promising to bring both beef and beefs (yes, we went there). The event is being organized by a local figure known as “Chucky de Tijuana”—and no, we don’t think he’s just offering tacos.

Meanwhile in Ensenada, the same “carne asada against the governor” event is being planned at the Civic Plaza by the Three Heads monument, but so far only 9 people have marked themselves as interested. As for Rosarito, no similar event has been announced there—at least not yet. Looks like the grilling spirit hasn’t quite made it to the coast.

To some, this looks like a satirical spin on activism. But to many Baja Californians, it’s the only language left that gets attention—after years of silence, scandals, and public trust grilled to a crisp.

Whether you’re lighting the grill or just watching from the sidelines, one thing’s clear: the people are fired up, and they’re seasoning their demands with tortillas, laughter, and loudspeakers.

So if you’re in Tijuana this weekend and smell grilled arrachera? It might just be democracy—served Baja-style.


Question for our readers:

Is this just performance protest, or is Baja finally standing up to power in the most Baja way possible?

You bring the opinion—we’ll bring the salsa.

A wide, clean gallery view with vibrant art and strong lighting

🎨 Benito’s Big Weekend: Artwalk Rosarito Doubles Down on Culture

Cancel your beach nap. You’ve got plans. Artwalk Rosarito returns May 24–25 at CEART Playas de Rosarito, and this year it’s not just another art fair—it’s a full-on cultural upgrade.

Originally a modest setup of scattered tents, the event has now evolved into a polished pavilion experience. That leap is thanks to the bold vision of Benito del Águila, a local artist turned cultural architect. His mission? Elevate Rosarito’s creative scene and give artists the platform they deserve.

So yes—Benito, we see you. Turning creative chaos into a structured, inspiring space takes more than talent. It takes guts and community spirit, and you’ve brought both.

Now, for those coming from the U.S., this is your Memorial Day weekend excuse to skip the BBQ and head south. Instead of traffic jams and outlet sales, you’ll get art, music, and color—just a quick ride from the border.

Art That Crosses Borders (Without a Visa)

At the heart of the event is the featured exhibition “The Line That Connects: Cross-Border Connections.” It brings together over 50 artists who explore what it means to live between worlds. Sculpture, painting, photography, and textiles all blend into a collective narrative—no passport required, just curiosity.

You’ll walk through works that speak not just to identity, but also to resilience, memory, and connection.

In addition to the visual spectacle, visitors can enjoy live performances, poetry readings, and an enigmatic gastronomic area. And yes, we said enigmatic. Will it be tacos? A churro? Something that comes wrapped in banana leaves or just bacon?

No spoilers here—but odds are your cravings will thank you.

To top it off, the music lineup promises a mix of soloists, orchestras, and folk ballet. Picture yourself listening to a string quartet while sipping agua fresca, surrounded by Baja’s boldest creativity. Doesn’t sound too bad, right?

The Real Star? Baja.

Big names like Francisco Javier Macías Rosales will definitely draw attention, but the real power of Artwalk lies in its range. It’s not about one headline artist. It’s about the 90+ creators showing up with paint, metal, textiles, and pure Baja soul.

Why go to L.A. for a gallery when Baja’s beating heart is creating masterpieces right here?

🗓️ Plan Your Weekend Like a Pro:

📍 CEART Playas de Rosarito

📆 May 24–25

🎟️ Free entry

🐾 Pet-friendly

🎨 90+ artists and countless reasons to show up

Final thought? Don’t just come for the sea view—come for the local vision.

Benito laid down the canvas. Now it’s our turn to bring the crowd.

Are Checkpoints our New Welcome Mat?

(FYI: “Retén” = checkpoint. You’ll be using that word a lot down here.)


If you’re driving into Baja these days, don’t be surprised if you get greeted by flashing lights, a clipboard, and someone asking, “¿Y las placas, joven?”

Since April, security checkpoints have popped up like taco stands—starting at San Ysidro, rolling through Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito, the scenic highway, and greeting you again at Ensenada’s toll booths.

Whether you’re local, foreign, or just trying to find a decent beach, odds are you’ve passed at least one. Or five.

The official story? It’s part of a long-term plan to reinforce security across the state. Vehicles without plates, questionable tints, and anything that looks slightly too chill are fair game.

And while some say it feels like overkill, others see it as a welcome sign of order—finally.

The police say they’re just doing their job. Critics call it intimidation. We say: Is this the new normal in Baja? Or just a phase in high-vis jackets?


Your turn:

Have you been stopped? Ticketed? Or maybe you actually feel safer?

Let us know—because we’re all just trying to get to tacos without drama.

Cross-Border Cash Clash: When Dollars Meet Pesos Under a New Tax

The Debate Over the 5% Remittance Fee: Baja’s Perspective

There’s a new proposal making noise across the border—and it’s got Baja’s name all over it. U.S. lawmakers are pushing for a 5% fee on money sent through remittances. That might sound like a distant debate in D.C., but here in Baja? It hits close to home.

Who Sends the Money?

Baja California—especially Tijuana—runs on a two-country rhythm. According to government data and INEGI, over 75,000 people live in Baja but work across the border in the U.S. Every day, they cross, earn in dollars, and spend or send money back home. Whether it’s covering rent, buying groceries, or paying school fees, those remittances keep thousands of families afloat.

So, what happens if those wire transfers suddenly come with a 5% tax?

That’s the question everyone’s asking.

The Proposal That Started It All

Last week, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee gave the green light to a bill that would charge a 5% remittance fee. The catch? It applies only to people who aren’t U.S. citizens or legal residents. That includes visa holders and undocumented workers—many of whom pay taxes and contribute to the U.S. economy every day.

Supporters say it would fund border security. Critics say it’s a slap in the face to the same people holding up entire industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality.

Sheinbaum Fires Back

President Claudia Sheinbaum didn’t hold back. She called the proposal “unacceptable” and “unconstitutional,” pointing out that Mexicans working in the U.S. already pay taxes—on both sides of the border, in many cases.

She also warned that this kind of policy could backfire. “This will only encourage informal money transfers,” she said, “and hurt the people who rely on them most.”

Mexico has already started reaching out to U.S. lawmakers to push back diplomatically—and loudly.

Will Baja Feel It?

Yes, but maybe not how you think.

Since so many people live in Tijuana but earn their income in the U.S., they often spend their dollars directly here, not through formal remittances. That daily, cross-border flow of people and money keeps Baja’s economy humming.

Still, if this proposal passes, families who rely on transfers from relatives deeper in the U.S.—say in Arizona, Nevada, or California—will feel the squeeze.

And if workers start using informal channels to dodge the tax? That could make things messier—and riskier.

Will Baja Pay the Price for Earning the American Dream?

What’s Next?

For now, the bill still has to make it through the full House, then the Senate, then land on the president’s desk. Even if it passes, it wouldn’t go into effect until 2026 at the earliest.

But the message has already been sent—and Baja is paying attention.


Your Turn

Do you work across the border and live in Baja? Would this change how you send or spend money? Let us know—this is your story, too.

Precision and Fire: Where Nigiri Meets the Flame

Sabor Patrol Finds Love at Yatai

Expect a Tent. Get an Experience.

When someone recommended “Yatai” to us, I expected a fancy restaurant tucked away in Ensenada’s downtown. Maybe soft jazz. Maybe a waitlist. Instead, I found a carreta—yes, a literal street cart. But don’t let that fool you. This cart packs more fire (sometimes literally) than many fine-dining kitchens.

Yatai, which in Japanese means “mobile food stall,” is led by chef David Lara and Marco Antonio Salinas. Although it may appear modest, what’s happening behind the counter is far from ordinary. Chef David trained in Mexico, but his culinary compass points straight to Japan. In fact, he’s even performed ronqueos—the knife skills required to break down a whole bluefin tuna. It’s not just impressive; it’s sacred in Japanese seafood culture.

Chef David Lara shows off his yanagiba—Japan’s blade of choice for slicing sashimi with surgical precision and serious style
Chef David Lara shows off his yanagiba—Japan’s blade of choice for slicing sashimi with surgical precision and serious style

One Meal, Many Surprises

My husband Oliver and I chose Yatai to celebrate our wedding anniversary. At first, we weren’t even sure we’d found the right place. After all, you don’t expect high-end omakase under a tarp. But there it was—and as soon as we sat down, the team welcomed us with a complimentary sake. A small detail, but a thoughtful one. And yes, it was real Japanese sake (they even showed us the bottle).

We ordered the omakase—a Japanese tradition where the chef decides what you’ll eat. It translates to “I leave it up to you,” and when you leave it to Chef David, you’re in expert hands. He watched us as we tasted, quietly noting our reactions to guide the next course. That night, I discovered I like sea urchin more than I ever thought possible.

For our third experience, we brought Chef David and Marco to our home for a larger family gathering. Since Yatai only has six seats and we were a group of ten, this setup made more sense. That time, we had tuna from Bluefina. Every dish felt intentional, fresh, and beautifully executed. Here’s what we enjoyed during that experience:

  1. Seaweed salad
  2. Oyster with negitoro (minced tuna belly + green onion)
  3. Kampachi nigiri
  4. Akami nigiri (lean tuna)
  5. Chutoro nigiri (medium fatty tuna)
  6. Truffled tuna tartare
  7. Seared salmon nigiri
  8. Toro nigiri with truffle paste
  9. Spicy onion hand roll
  10. Truffle hand roll
  11. Miso soup
  12. Eel with foie gras

Yes, you read that last one right. Eel. With foie gras. It sounds insane—but it tastes like silk and smoke with a hint of “this is your new favorite dish.”

The Secret Is in the Ingredients

While the presentation wows, it’s the ingredients that make Yatai unforgettable. Every element is fresh, often local, and carefully selected. Take the oyster, for example. It came from Bahía Falsa in San Quintín—a great origin on its own. But the way it was prepared? That turned it into the best oyster I’ve ever eaten. The tiny flower on top wasn’t just decoration. It was flavor. It was purpose.

Then there’s the value. In a town where food prices keep climbing “Valle-style,” Yatai remains grounded. Chef David delivers top-tier ingredients without the high-end ego. And when you’re feeding a family of six like mine, that matters.

A Gringo Gazette North special ops unit (armed with chopsticks, forks, and questionable self-control).

Chef David isn’t just slicing fish—he’s crafting memories, quietly building something special under that awning. So if you find yourself lucky enough to land a seat at Yatai, don’t ask for the menu. Just let go. Trust the chef. Let the food speak.

After all, not every treasure sparkles on the outside. Some smell like seared toro… and taste like love.


Welcome to Sabor Patrol—the section where we hunt down everything worth tasting in Baja and beyond. No five-star rating scales. No white tablecloth snobbery. Just real stories, unexpected finds, and flavor with zero filter.

Whether it’s sushi served under a tarp or ribeye that makes grown men cry, we’re chasing the unforgettable—one bite at a time. Sometimes it’s sizzling. Other times it’s hidden behind a handwritten menu taped to a cooler. Either way, we’ll find it.

Of course, not everything lives up to the hype. If it’s overrated, we’ll let you know—gently. (Maybe.)

So grab your appetite, some napkins, and a sense of adventure.
Stay hungry, amigos.
Your taste buds have been officially warned..
Sabor Patrol: Sabor Patrol Finds Love at Yatai
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