It's Slippery Slope Season with Your Favorite Chopped Uncs - DWA! Podcast Ep. #938
Driving While Awesome
Driving While Awesome Jun 4, 2026
It's Slippery Slope Season with Your Favorite Chopped Uncs - DWA! Podcast Ep. #938

It's Slippery Slope Season with Your Favorite Chopped Uncs - DWA! Podcast Ep. #938

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It's Slippery Slope Season with Your Favorite Chopped Uncs - DWA! Podcast Ep. #938
Chevrolet Corvette
Car

Chevrolet Corvette

A Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car built for fast driving. People bring it up because it can accelerate quickly and is designed to be fun to drive. The podcast is talking about that performance side.

Term

exhaust work

“Exhaust work” is a broad term for modifications or repairs to the exhaust system, such as adjusting components, replacing sections, or addressing leaks and fitment issues. In this segment it’s tied to chasing a rattle, suggesting the exhaust area and nearby heat shielding were part of the problem.

Term

firewall insulation

The firewall is the wall between the engine area and the inside of the car. Insulation there helps keep heat and noise down, but if it sags and touches the hot exhaust, it can rattle and cause problems.

Term

transmission header area

The “header area” is where the exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases before they go down the exhaust system. Because it’s close to other parts near the transmission, anything that moves—like insulation—can end up touching it.

Term

OEM bespoke

“OEM” means it’s made by the car’s original manufacturer. “Bespoke” here means it’s custom-shaped for that specific car, so it should fit right—unless it loosens and shifts.

Term

refinish the driver's seat

“Refinish the seat” means repairing the seat’s surface so it looks better again. Instead of replacing the whole seat, you restore the color/finish to make it look clean and even.

Term

Dakar yellow

“Dakar yellow” is just a named yellow paint color. People who care about BMWs often recognize it because it’s associated with certain special cars and looks distinctive in person.

BMW M3
Car

BMW M3

The BMW M3 is BMW’s high-performance version of the 3 Series. It’s the kind of car enthusiasts buy for handling and driving feel, and here they’re talking about one finished in a standout color called Dakar yellow.

Term

M sports interior

“M sports interior” means the car’s cabin is trimmed in an M-style, with sport seats and materials meant to match the performance character. Here they’re pointing out that the fabric/finish looks especially good.

Term

post rally inspection

After a rally, people do a quick check to make sure nothing got damaged. The goal is to find leaks or broken parts early—before they turn into a bigger problem.

Term

oil change

An oil change is when you replace the engine oil so the engine stays properly lubricated. It helps keep the engine clean and reduces wear.

Term

tires

Tires are what actually grip the road. If you drive hard—especially turning and accelerating quickly—you can wear them out faster.

Term

throttle

The throttle is the pedal/command that tells the engine how much power to make. More throttle usually means faster acceleration, but it can also make tires wear out quicker.

Term

bumperettes

Bumperettes are the smaller pieces on the ends of a car’s bumper. They’re there to help protect the car in small crashes, and they can sometimes be replaced without replacing the whole bumper.

Term

factory ones

“Factory” parts are the original parts the car manufacturer put on the car. Here, they’re talking about expensive original bumper pieces versus cheaper replacements.

Term

European knockoff ones

“Knockoff” parts are cheaper replacement parts made to copy the original. They can work fine, but quality and fit can be different, so you want to make sure they mount correctly.

Term

fill these two holes or plug them

If the replacement bumper pieces don’t line up with the original mounting spots, you may have to close the leftover holes. That’s usually done before painting so the bumper looks smooth and finished.

Term

paint work

“Paint work” is the whole process of repairing and repainting a damaged area. It’s not just spraying color—it’s also prepping the surface so the new paint blends in and doesn’t look patchy.

Term

molded rubber bumper

A molded rubber bumperette is a bumper piece made from rubber that’s shaped in a mold. Rubber parts tend to flex and take impacts better, and they can behave more like the original factory piece.

Term

accordion bumper

An “accordion bumper” is a type of bumper design with flexible, accordion-shaped sections. It was used to help the bumper take a hit without getting destroyed, and keeping it means the car still looks like it did when it left the factory.

Term

sunroof tram

A sunroof has tracks and guides that help it slide smoothly. If something is “poked up,” the sunroof may be sitting wrong, which can lead to rattles, leaks, or it not closing properly.

Concept

original paint

“Original paint” means the car still has the factory paint on most of it. If only the hood was repainted, it may look slightly different or wear differently than the rest of the car.

Term

rock chips

Rock chips are little paint-damage spots caused by small stones hitting the car. They can look minor, but if water gets in, the damage can grow over time.

Term

lizard skin

“Lizard Skin” is a coating people put on cars to help protect surfaces and reduce vibration/noise. If it’s on the hood, it can also make painting more annoying because the material can make the surface harder to prep.

Term

front bumper

The “front bumper” is the front impact-protection structure and styling panel at the car’s lowest front area. It’s a common target for damage from road debris and low-speed contact, so it’s often repainted during collision or chip repair work.

Term

primer spot

A primer spot is where the car’s paint was damaged and someone put a base layer (primer) down to protect it. When you repaint, that spot usually needs extra attention so it doesn’t show.

Term

toothbrush

Using a “toothbrush” for paint touch-ups is a DIY technique for applying small amounts of paint into chips or primer areas. It can work for tiny spots, but it often leaves visible texture or edges compared to proper spray blending.

Term

front air dam

The front air dam is the low piece at the bottom of the front bumper. Because it’s so close to the ground, it gets bent or scraped a lot, so it’s common to repaint it when you’re fixing the front.

Term

mirrors

They’re talking about the side mirrors. If they’re scuffed or worn, repainting them can help the color match the rest of the car’s refreshed front.

Term

patina

Patina is the natural “worn-in” look a car gets over time. It can show up as faded paint, color changes, or worn edges instead of a perfectly new finish.

Part

door seal

The door seal is the rubber strip around the door that helps keep rain and wind from getting inside. If it’s old or not fitted right, water can leak in and you may hear more wind noise. Replacing it is often about getting the rubber seated correctly in the channel.

Term

generic seal

A “generic” seal is a replacement rubber strip that’s made to work for many cars, not necessarily the exact factory part. It can still work, but it might not line up perfectly, so installation has to be careful. If it’s not seated right, it won’t seal as well.

Chevrolet C30
Car

Chevrolet C30

The Chevrolet C30 is a type of heavy-duty truck. It’s built for tougher jobs like hauling and towing. In the episode, they’re talking about going after one of these trucks.

Term

timing chain tensioner

The timing chain tensioner is a device that keeps the timing chain tight. If it stops working, the chain can get loose and the engine can start making noise or run incorrectly.

Term

chain slap

Chain slap is when the timing chain starts moving around more than it should. That can create rattling noises and can mean the chain isn’t being held tight enough.

Term

timing chain guide

The timing chain guide is like a support track for the timing chain. If it wears out, the chain can start vibrating or making noise.

Term

new cams

Cams (camshafts) are parts that control when engine valves open and close. After you install new ones, the surfaces can need a break-in period, and that can change what you see in the oil at first.

Company

Blackstone

Blackstone is a company that analyzes used engine oil. They can tell whether the oil contains unusual metal particles that might suggest engine wear problems.

Term

glitter in your oil

“Glitter” means tiny metal bits floating in the engine oil. Too much can be a warning sign of wear, but a little can sometimes happen during normal break-in.

Term

oil cooler

An oil cooler is an extra part that helps your engine oil stay from getting too hot. If something goes wrong with it, the oil can overheat or leak, and that can cause bigger engine problems.

Term

VTIC solenoid

A VTIC solenoid is an electronic part that helps control engine timing by moving oil where it needs to go. Because it depends on oil, if the oil has metal or plastic debris, it can get trapped and cause problems.

Term

screen

Here, the “screen” is basically a small filter that catches tiny bits floating in the oil. If it’s clean, it can be a sign that there isn’t much wear debris circulating.

Term

oil pressure actuated solenoid

This kind of solenoid works using oil pressure from the engine. Because it’s controlled by oil, dirty oil—or oil with tiny metal/plastic bits—can clog its filter screen and cause issues.

Term

valve guides

Valve guides are parts inside the engine head that help the engine valves slide in a straight, controlled way. If they wear out, oil can get where it shouldn’t and the engine may start smoking or using oil. The host is worried that this engine might have weaker valve-guide durability.

Term

blow by

Blow-by is when hot combustion gases slip past the piston rings and get into the area under the pistons. When that happens, it can cause oil to get dirty and the engine may smoke. The host is basically asking how much blow-by the engine would have if the valve guides were weak.

Term

knocking

Knocking is a bad-sounding pinging or tapping noise from the engine. It usually means the fuel is burning in an abnormal way. The host is saying they’re listening for that kind of sound as a sign something is wrong.

Term

oil pump

The oil pump is what moves oil through the engine. It keeps metal parts from grinding by supplying lubrication under pressure. Removing it usually means you’re doing deeper engine work.

Term

labor

“Labor” means the time a mechanic spends working on the car. If they say it’s 10 hours of labor, that’s 10 hours of shop work you’re paying for.

Term

bearings

Bearings are small parts inside the engine that help moving parts spin smoothly. If they’re worn, the engine can start making noise and wear out faster, so rebuilds often replace them.

Term

boroscope

A boroscope is like a tiny camera that you can insert to look inside the engine. It lets you check cylinder condition without tearing the whole engine apart first.

Brand

Michelin

Michelin is a tire company. They’re saying Michelin tires tend to last longer than the alternatives they’re comparing.

Polestar
Car

Polestar

Polestar is a car brand that makes electric cars. Here, they’re talking about how different tire brands wear out when used on their Polestar.

Brand

Continental

Continental is another tire brand. They’re saying Continental tires held up well for them, and they’re comparing that to Michelin.

Chevrolet Nova
Car

Chevrolet Nova

The Chevrolet Nova is an older American performance car. People still talk about it because it’s a well-known model from the muscle-car era. In this episode, it’s mentioned as part of a specific detail or reference.

Term

starting grid paddock

A “starting grid paddock” is a fan/participant area near where cars line up to start the race. The closer and more connected it is to the start area, the more engaging the event feels.

Topic

Velocity Invitational

Velocity Invitational is a yearly motorsport festival. In this segment, they’re talking about where it’s held and why those tracks fit the event well.

Place

Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway is a big race track in California that hosts NASCAR and other events. The speaker is saying the venue layout—especially the pit area and paddock—works well for this kind of festival.

Porsche 962
Car

Porsche 962

The Porsche 962 is a famous Porsche race car from the Group C era. It’s known for being a serious endurance racer and a big deal in vintage racing.

Ferrari 250 GTO
Car

Ferrari 250 GTO

The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most famous vintage Ferraris ever made. It’s a rare, highly collectible race-style car that people love to see at classic events.

Term

Group B

Group B was a rally racing class from the 1980s. The cars were brutally fast and are still remembered as some of the most exciting rally machines ever made.

Brand

AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer is a company that works on BMWs for racing and performance. In this context, it’s being used to describe a particular BMW-related car look or build you’d see at events.

Brand

Alpina

Alpina is a performance brand that makes special BMWs. Their cars are known for being tuned to feel more special than a regular BMW.

Term

Batmobile

“Batmobile” is a nickname for a car that looks really wild and dramatic, like something from Batman. Here it’s describing the look of that specific car group’s vehicle.

Term

M Sport livery

A “livery” is the car’s full paint-and-sticker design. “M Sport” usually means it’s styled to look like BMW’s performance branding.

Term

M paint scheme

“M paint scheme” refers to BMW M-style livery cues—distinctive stripes/colors associated with BMW’s M performance brand. In this context, it’s describing the visual theme on the white car, not a mechanical specification.

Porsche 935
Car

Porsche 935

The Porsche 935 is a famous Porsche race car based on the 911. It’s known for being very track-oriented, and the “white and pink” part is just the special paint/livery on that particular car.

Term

wide-eyed and bushy taste

That phrase is just a funny way of saying the new guy is still really impressed and excited. It’s about attitude, not a car feature.

Ford GT race car
Car

Ford GT race car

This is Ford’s purpose-built race version of the GT. It’s made for endurance racing—events where cars run for a long time and have to stay fast and reliable.

Term

Le Mans prototype style

Le Mans prototype cars are special race cars built for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They’re designed to be fast for a long time, with shapes and construction meant for endurance racing.

Term

tube frame

A tube frame is a car’s skeleton made from metal tubes welded together. It’s common in race cars because it can be strong without being too heavy.

Term

F1 car

An F1 car is a Formula 1 race car—open-wheel, single-seat, and built for the top level of racing. It’s designed differently than endurance race cars, so comparisons need to account for the car type.

Person

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers ever. Here, they mention his F1 car because it’s associated with a lap-time record they’re comparing against.

550 Maranello
Car

550 Maranello

The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a Ferrari with a big V12 engine. People love it because it’s a real grand touring car—fast and exciting—but also comfortable enough to drive longer distances.

Term

paddocks

A paddock is the team area near the race track. It’s where mechanics and teams set up, park their cars, and do work between races.

Term

pseudo garages

They’re basically temporary work areas that act like garages. Teams use them so they can work on the cars and keep tools handy during the event.

911 cup cars
Car

911 cup cars

“911 Cup” refers to Porsche 911 race cars used in a one-make racing series. Since they’re competing at a high level, the teams usually have to adjust and fix things between runs.

Tesla Semi
Car

Tesla Semi

The Tesla Semi is an electric big rig, meaning it’s a large truck that runs on electricity. It’s designed to move freight like traditional semi trucks, but without diesel power. The podcast is highlighting how huge it is.

Place

Laguna Seca

Laguna Seca is a well-known race track in California. It has tricky corners and big elevation changes, so it’s a favorite place for sports-car racing.

Term

road legal

“Road legal” means the car can be driven on public streets legally. Track-only cars usually can’t be used the same way without special permissions or modifications.

Mercedes-Benz Clk Gtr
Car

Mercedes-Benz Clk Gtr

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a rare supercar made by Mercedes. It’s known for being closely connected to racing and for being uncommon. The podcast mentions it because they’ve seen it at a track event like Laguna Seca.

Nissan Gtr
Car

Nissan Gtr

The Nissan GT-R is a sports car built for high performance. People talk about it because it can be very quick and capable on the road or track. The podcast mentions it as part of a lineup of cars they’ve seen at a major track event.

Term

blip shift

A “blip shift” is when you quickly add a little throttle while downshifting. It helps the engine and transmission speeds match so the car shifts more smoothly.

Fisker Karma
Car

Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma is a fancy car that runs mostly like a hybrid/plug-in electric. It has an electric system, and a gas engine helps generate power so it can go farther than a pure battery-only car.

Mclaren F1
Car

Mclaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a famous, ultra-rare supercar. It’s known for being very lightweight and for putting the driver in the middle seat so you get a better view and feel more in control.

Term

run group

At track events, a “run group” is like a wave of cars that go out together. It helps keep the track organized and safer by separating cars that are driving at different speeds.

Topic

NASCAR

NASCAR is a popular American racing series with stock cars. The hosts are using it as a reference to say that the grandstands were only really packed during big events like NASCAR. It’s more of a crowd-size comparison than a technical discussion.

Topic

Top fuel

Top fuel is a type of drag racing where the cars are the most extreme in the sport. They’re built for very fast acceleration over a short distance. Here, it’s mentioned because those events also tend to draw big crowds.

Mazda 767B
Car

Mazda 767B

The Mazda 767B is a special race car Mazda built for endurance racing. It’s famous because it was part of Mazda’s serious push at events like Le Mans. Even though it’s not the exact one that won, it’s still considered a major, important Mazda race machine.

Mazda 787
Car

Mazda 787

The Mazda 787 is another Mazda race car from the same general era as the 767B. The key point here is that the host says the 787 is the one that actually won Le Mans. That makes it especially famous to racing fans.

Ferrari F40
Car

Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40 is a famous Ferrari supercar known for being raw and fast. It’s the kind of car that shows up at car events because a lot of enthusiasts consider it a classic. Here, it’s mentioned as part of the impressive cars on display.

Gordon T50
Car

Gordon T50

The Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 is a rare supercar made in small numbers. It’s built to feel special to drive and to deliver high performance. The podcast mentions it because they saw it displayed along with other cars from the same maker.

Person

Gordon Murray

Gordon Murray is a famous car designer/engineer. The hosts are saying there was a display of cars associated with him, so it’s a clue that the event included vehicles with a particular engineering style. Even if you don’t know his work, the name helps you understand why those cars are special.

Car

1906 Ford hill climb racer

This is a very old Ford race car built for hill climbs—racing up a hill. The host is saying it was stripped down to the extreme to save weight, with almost no protective parts.

Term

valve cover

A valve cover is a protective cover on top of the engine’s valve area. Saying there’s “no valve cover” means the engine’s top parts are exposed instead of protected.

Term

no muffler

A muffler is the part that quiets the exhaust. If there’s “no muffler,” the exhaust is basically not silenced, so it’s much louder and can affect engine sound and behavior.

Place

Laguna sake

This sounds like “Laguna Seca,” a well-known race track in California. Car people mention it a lot because it’s a popular place to drive and race.

Term

rod bearing failure

Rod bearing failure is when the small bearings inside the engine that help the crankshaft move smoothly start to wear out or run without enough oil. If it gets bad, it can seriously damage the engine fast.

Term

Radwood era

“Radwood” is a car scene that celebrates older cars from the 1980s and 1990s. When someone says “Radwood era,” they mean that particular time period and the kinds of cars people show and talk about there.

Topic

DTM

DTM is a German touring-car racing series. The hosts are using it as an example of the kinds of racing that influenced what enthusiasts want to see.

Topic

BTCCs

BTCC is the British Touring Car Championship, a major UK race series for touring cars. They’re mentioning it to reference the racing culture around these kinds of cars.

Ferrari Sp3 Daytona
Car

Ferrari Sp3 Daytona

The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a very rare, very expensive supercar made by Ferrari. It’s designed for high performance and is usually discussed because only a small number were made. The podcast is mentioning it in a collector context, like where it would be displayed.

Term

Astro turf

AstroTurf is fake grass. Here, the speaker is saying the event setup looks generic—like it’s just staged with fake grass and fences instead of being thoughtfully curated.

Term

dirt go carts

Dirt go-karts are small race cars made for driving on dirt tracks. They’re built to handle loose, bumpy ground where tires need to grip differently than on pavement.

Term

no suspension

Suspension is what helps a car/kart smooth out bumps. Saying “no suspension” means the kart would be much stiffer, so it would bounce more over rough dirt.

Term

kidney bean shape track

A “kidney bean” track is just a nickname for a track layout that’s rounded and compact, like a bean shape. It tends to make the driving feel tight and twisty, with lots of turns close together.

Term

banking

Banking means the track corner is angled upward on one side. That helps the kart/car stay planted in the turn instead of sliding outward.

Term

keep a tire around for a month

They mean the tires wear out way too fast. That can happen if you drive really hard, or if the car’s alignment or tire pressure is off so the tire doesn’t roll smoothly.

Term

ghost break

They’re talking about lightly tapping the brakes instead of braking hard. It’s usually meant to slow the car smoothly or stay in control, but doing it all the time can wear things out faster.

Concept

spec thing

“Spec” means the exact way a car is ordered from the factory—like the color, interior materials, and options. Some people love that detail, and others think it’s not that important.

Term

Alcantara interior

Alcantara is a soft, suede-like material used inside some cars. It’s popular because it looks nice and feels grippy, especially in performance-oriented interiors.

Term

deviated stitching

“Deviated stitching” means the stitching pattern in the interior is customized so it doesn’t line up the usual way. It’s the kind of detail people notice when they’re picky about how the car’s interior looks.

Term

LSD

LSD means a limited-slip differential. It helps the car send power to the wheels that have grip, instead of letting one wheel spin uselessly.

Toyota A90
Car

Toyota A90

The Toyota Supra is a sports car made by Toyota. It’s designed to be quick and fun to drive. The podcast is talking about remembering the specific details of its engine or setup.

Jeep Commander
Car

Jeep Commander

The Jeep Commander is an SUV, which is a larger vehicle meant for carrying people and gear. In this episode, it’s mentioned as part of a fun reference or story. They’re not going into technical details—just calling out the model.

Hyundai Santa Cruz
Car

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small vehicle that mixes the feel of an SUV with a pickup-style cargo bed. It’s made for people who want some truck capability without going to a big truck. The podcast mentions it as part of a personal memory connected to the name “Santa Cruz.”

Term

EV

EV means electric vehicle. Instead of using gasoline, it runs on electricity stored in a battery and you charge it by plugging it in.

Car

Geely Xing Yuan

The Geely Xing Yuan is an electric car made by Geely in China. The same car is sold in some other countries under a different name (EX2). They mention it because it’s one of China’s top-selling EVs and they give an estimated driving range.

Term

range estimated 298 miles

“Estimated range” is how far the electric car is expected to go on one full battery charge. They’re saying this model is estimated at about 298 miles before needing a charge.

Term

300 mile EV

They’re talking about an electric car that can go about 300 miles on a charge. That’s basically how far you can drive before you have to plug it in again.

Concept

heavily subsidized by the government

They mean the government is paying part of the cost (or giving incentives) related to these EVs. That can lower the price you pay at the dealership.

Term

90% automated

They mean most of the factory work is done by machines. That can help the cars come out more consistently, with fewer mistakes.

Brand

BYD

BYD is a car company that makes electric cars. The host is saying the cars look well put together and that BYD is selling a lot of them.

Brand

Xiaomi Su7

Xiaomi Su7 is an electric car model from the tech company Xiaomi. They’re using it as a comparison to show which EV brands are selling more.

Brand

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV. The host brings it up to compare how other electric cars stack up against Tesla on options and price.

Tesla Model
Car

Tesla Model

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV, meaning it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. People talk about it a lot because it’s practical and because Tesla can add updates over time. The episode mentions a newer upgraded version of it.

Term

promotional pricing

Promotional pricing is a limited-time deal that lowers the price. It’s usually not the permanent “regular” price.

Term

80% in five minutes

They’re talking about how quickly the battery fills up. “80% in five minutes” means the car would gain a lot of charge very fast, though real charging can slow down as the battery gets fuller.

Term

three to 400 mile range

Range is how far your electric car can go before the battery runs low. “Three to 400 miles” means the car is expected to drive roughly that distance on a full charge.

Term

cobalt mineral materials

Cobalt is a metal that’s commonly used in lithium-ion car batteries. People bring it up because where it’s mined can raise cost, supply, and ethics questions.

Term

charging

Charging is how you put electricity into the EV battery. How fast it charges depends on the charger and what the car can accept at that moment.

Term

35, 40%

Those numbers are how full the battery is after charging. People talk about “35–40%” because it tells you how much charge you gained during a quick stop.

Place

New Leaf on the west side

This is the place the speaker goes while their EV is charging. The point is that charging can fit into normal errands instead of being a dedicated trip.

Dodge Charger
Car

Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is a performance car that’s built to be powerful. In this episode, they’re talking about whether the car can handle a certain kind of charging or power setup. The key point is matching the car’s capability to the equipment being used.

Term

300 watt charger

The charger’s power (watts) is basically its “speed.” A lower-power charger can only add energy at a limited rate, so the car won’t charge as fast as it could on a higher-power setup.

Term

ice

“ICE” means a gas or diesel engine that burns fuel to make power. The speaker is saying they might not want that kind of car as their everyday driver anymore.

Term

daily

“Daily” just means the car you drive regularly, like every day for work and errands. Here, they’re contrasting it with something else they don’t want to use as their everyday car anymore.

Term

Chinese EV market

The “Chinese EV market” refers to China’s large, fast-growing electric-vehicle industry, where both domestic brands and foreign automakers compete. The hosts use it as context for sales rankings and pricing comparisons.

Volkswagen ID three
Car

Volkswagen ID three

The Volkswagen ID.3 is an electric Volkswagen hatchback. Instead of a gas engine, it uses an electric motor and a battery.

Volkswagen Id
Car

Volkswagen Id

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van. It’s designed to carry people like a bus, but it uses an electric motor instead of gasoline. The podcast is mentioning it because it’s selling well.

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