Drifting on Arroyo
Childhood friends from Los Angeles decide to make a podcast. Listen as they ramble about growing up in the 80's, 90's, and now life living in their 40's.
Episode 153 - Mileage Taxes, Gas Prices, And The Hidden Cost Of Living In California
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A mileage tax sounds like a tiny number until you do the math and realize it could follow you everywhere you drive. We kick things off from California with voting on our minds and real frustration about gas prices, taxes, and how new “solutions” always seem to land on regular drivers, whether you’re in a gas car or an EV. We also ask the practical question nobody answers: how would a mileage tax even be tracked, and what happens when you road trip out of state?
From there we pivot into a...
Episode 152 - From Tulum Seaweed To Vegas Golf Chaos
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Vegas will humble you fast, whether you’re trying to find your ball in the rough or watching someone torch a stack of purple chips in real time. We kick things off with a full rant on fantasy football and why the modern NFL makes weekly performance feel like pure chaos: committee backfields, unpredictable targets, and those random swing games that flip your whole matchup. If you’ve ever stared at your lineup wondering how you lost to a kicker, you’ll feel seen.
Then we rewind to our Mexico travel storie...
Episode 151 - Heat, Time, And A Lost Camera
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He thought he packed the perfect travel setup, then Mexico ate the action camera and took all the footage with it. We’re back after a break, overheating, catching up on life, and getting hit with that uncomfortable truth that time moves fast: nephews turning 30, the “babies” growing up, and a new pregnancy announcement that makes the whole family timeline feel real.
From there, the conversation turns into a travel diary through Quintana Roo and the Yucatán Peninsula, with stops in Tulum, Coba, and Bacalar. We talk Mayan ruins, jungle roads w...
Episode 150 - From Floods And Hurricanes To Heat On The Job
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The world feels like it is doing the most right now, and we start there: floods, mudslides, and the kind of disaster videos that make you stare at the screen and think, “That can’t be real.” From the Pacific Rim of Fire to hurricane forecasts headed toward Southern California, we talk about what extreme weather looks like on the ground, how flash floods actually happen, and why the desert can get hit hard even when your neighborhood seems fine.Â
Then we bring it back to everyday survival: running jobs in triple...
Episode 149 - Teaching English In China And Coming Home With Wild Lessons
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He went to China to teach English and came back with stories you can’t make up. David “Vampiriti” Navarro joins us to talk about landing a STEAM Academy teaching program, helping students build and present projects in English, and what surprised him most about how much English shows up in Chinese high school materials. We also get real about the teacher mindset, especially in ELD, where the payoff is watching a student go from barely speaking to confidently holding a conversation a year later.
Then the travel talk gets specific: Beijin...
Episode 148 - World Cup Talk And Real-Life Tangents
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People swear they “watched the game,” but what they really watched was the internet’s opinion of the game. We kick things off by unpacking the World Cup final and the chaos that follows any major soccer match: accusations of favoritism, arguments about yellow cards and dirty play, and the endless Messi vs Ronaldo debate. We’re not pretending to be global soccer analysts, but we are honest about what we see and how fast fan narratives can replace the actual match.
From there, it turns into the kind of hang our list...
Episode 147 - Team Lazy Smoker
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A nickname can tell your whole history if you let it. We open by explaining why Rick is “RK67” and how a high school football number somehow becomes a lifelong tag, then we spiral into the real comedy of adulthood: the day a company rep asks for your email address and you have to say that teenage “unique” handle out loud, letter by letter, with your dignity on the line.
From there we catch up on what’s around us right now, from thick LA smoke to the practical annoyances of Juneteenth...
Episode 146 - Work Van Stolen Overnight
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A stolen work van is not just a bad morning, it’s a direct hit to your time, your money, and your ability to earn. We walk through what happens when the cops show up at the door, the van turns up dumped in another city, and the tow yard hands you a bill anyway. Then comes the gut punch: thousands of dollars in tools gone, from power tools and batteries to the small stuff you never think anyone would bother stealing.
We also get into the stuff nobody warns you ab...
Episode 145 - Analog Nostalgia In A Digital World
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Big hats are funny until they turn into a theme: how much of what we love is about the vibe, and how much has to actually work in real life. We kick things off with the debut of the “noggin” hat, then get serious about a very specific piece of nostalgia tech a Bluetooth cassette player with USB-C and aux. The question is simple: can you relive your old tape collection in a modern truck without it becoming a daily headache, and does that scratchy sound still hit the way you remember?
...
Episode 144 - Cinnamon Nuts And Pop Culture
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HBO locks us out and somehow that turns into a perfect night of stories, recommendations, and nostalgia. We’re snacking on brown sugar cinnamon mixed nuts, laughing at our own chaotic intro, then jumping into a Renaissance fair recap where pirate costumes are mandatory and a Jack Sparrow lookalike is almost too real.
From there we do what every friend group does when the TV is on and the scroll won’t stop: we argue about franchises, streaming services, and what’s actually worth your time. We get into Paramount+ browsing, the vi...
Episode 143 - Pepper Balls And Project Cars
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Your weekend can go from “quick errands” to a full-on life audit fast, and that’s basically our energy here. We start with CCW renewal and the firearm safety certificate questions that always pop up right when you realize something might be expiring. Then we get into the real reason the topic matters: driving for work through downtown and tougher areas, and how you think differently when your tools and your crew are in the van. We talk non-lethal self-defense options like pepper ball pistols, what “non-lethal” really means in practice, and why avoiding l...
Episode 142 - Marathon Reality Check
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We disappear for a bit, then come back like we never left: cracking jokes, catching up, and admitting we basically “fasted” from recording for Lent. From there the mic turns into a time machine. We talk about the Chuck Norris news we saw, the flood of classic internet jokes, and why some icons feel untouchable because they could laugh at themselves. That turns into a bigger point about growing up on martial arts movies and old-school music where everyone had a style you couldn’t copy.
Then we get personal with Easter...
Episode 141 - Tools, Terms, And The Card Break
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Ever notice how a simple name can carry a whole history? We start with the tool bench—crescent wrench vs adjustable, drill bit vs twist bit, brand names turned into everyday nouns—and realize those words aren’t just labels. They’re memories from job sites, mentors, and the way craft travels from hand to hand. That opens the door to a bigger question: when we call ourselves things like “short kings,” are we building strength or just polishing the mirror?
From there we dig into the heart of Lent. Not the performa...
Episode 140 - Storm Hype, Taxes, And A Honeymoon Lazy River
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A wedding pulled together in under four weeks. A church ceremony that felt right. A long table filled with family, steaks, and perfect Old Fashioneds. Then we slipped away to a lazy river honeymoon where the Super Bowl emptied the pools and we took the win: sun, space, and quiet.
Back home, we unpack the game that didn’t deliver and the futures ticket that kept it fun. That opens a door to bigger questions about California taxes, why a Super Bowl bonus can turn into a net loss, and how po...
Episode 139 - Phone Fails, Coffee Fixes, And Road Trips
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The port is broken, the insurer says no, and curbside pickup swears your order is ready—until it isn’t. We kick off with real-life tech friction and the absurd dance of policies, stock systems, and “missing items” that somehow still get charged, then pivot to the pure joy of Dutch Bros: the 911 jolt, Golden Eagle comfort, and how a well-run drive-thru can become a weekly ritual. Along the way, we trade local intel on low-wait spots, talk neighborhood shifts and home projects, and laugh at the AI bear that once stood in when a c...
Episode 138 - Vegas Traditions Broken: Betting, Food, And Changing Vibes
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The annual wild card pilgrimage to Vegas used to run on rails: a packed sportsbook, easy drink tickets, horse racing between games, and a steak dinner to cap the night. This time, the city made us work for every moment. We battled a cough, a supposed “cooler” at a Pai Gow table who never bought in, and a craps crew so sloppy the dice kept leaving the felt. The Strip looked thinner, table minimums grew fatter, and comps turned into math problems—Resorts World asked for $300 in wagers for a single drink ticket and cu...
Episode 137 - New Year, New Routines, Same Crew
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New year, same crew, tighter habits. We kick off season five by getting honest about the small routines that make life easier: sleeping better, sharpening memory, and keeping our cars running smooth without breaking the bank. The conversation bounces from holiday food and family updates to a thoughtful look at aging, why some people stay sharp into their 90s, and how tiny, repeatable practices add up.
If you’ve ever blanked on a PIN at a flipped keypad or spiraled through password “special character” chaos, you’ll feel seen. We trade practica...
Episode 136 - Youth Fads, Old-School Grit
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The show kicks off with a spicy takedown of empty trends before sliding into a rain-soaked Christmas drive and a candid look at EV ownership that car ads won’t give you. We talk real numbers—home charging, subscription fees, and those shockingly frequent tire replacements—then compare them with weekly gas runs to see where the savings actually land. If you’ve ever wondered whether a Tesla is cheaper, easier, or just different, this conversation gets past the headlines.
From there, we get under the hood. Oil weights, manufacturer intervals, and what...
Episode 135 - Jury Duty, Weddings, And Weight Loss
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Missed weeks, messy schedules, and a jury duty spiral set the stage for a catch-up that feels like real life: imperfect, funny, and unexpectedly honest. We own the delays, laugh at the chaos, and then pivot into the good stuff—two family weddings that brought everyone together, a couple of surprise listeners we didn’t know we had, and a renewed push on health goals that might actually stick this time.
We dig into a 36-hour fast, the psychology of accountability, and why simple metrics beat complicated plans. There’s a side-b...
Episode 134 - Late Nights, Lost Apps, And Oktoberfest
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Ever waited 20 minutes curbside for a prepaid $5 meal while watching ten cars breeze through the drive-thru? That’s where we start—where “convenience” breaks—and then we chase the thread through a month of life: an AI that couldn’t load a simple floor plan, a hike that cleared our heads, and an Oktoberfest run that reminded us what real, analog joy feels like.
We kick off with game-night jitters and sleep debt, then dive into the AI hype-versus-reality moment that turned into a buffering black hole. From there, the fast-food app fiasco t...
Episode 133 - Beyond Borders: Conversations with El Vampiro
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The world opens up through conversation as we welcome back David El Vampiro after a three-year hiatus from the show. A gifted educator with a passion for global exploration, David takes us on a journey from the classrooms of Southern California to the coffee fields of Colombia and the ancient temples of Cambodia.
David's career trajectory reveals how life's unexpected turns often lead to the right destination. After leaving a challenging situation in Fresno, he found his calling teaching English Language Development to high school students in the Inland Empire. His...
Episode 132 - Drift and Weight: A Journey to Better Health
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Returning from their summer hiatus, the Drift Down the Road podcast crew kicks off with a technological upgrade that brings their first-ever remote call-in guest. Between laughs about a Home Depot "crop dusting" incident and cravings for chile relleno burritos, the conversation takes a serious turn when health becomes the focal point.
A recent stroke scare involving one host's father becomes the catalyst for the episode's most compelling segment - a weight loss challenge where each participant commits to losing 20 pounds. But this is no ordinary fitness pact. The hosts develop...
Episode 131 - From Vegas Encounters to Youth Baseball: Building Community Through Sport
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The moment Sylvia Racinos walked into our studio, twenty years of friendship filled the room with laughter, inside jokes, and the electric energy that comes from shared history. As our first-ever female guest in 131 episodes, Sylvia brought a fresh perspective while helping us unpack a story of coincidence, community, and commitment that spans decades.
What makes this episode special isn't just the nostalgia—though there's plenty as we reminisce about 90s LA nightlife at spots like Villa Sorriso and McMurphy's—but rather how life's random connections create meaningful purpose. Despite growing up j...
Episode 130 - Childhood Nostalgia, Seasonal Jobs, and Community Connections
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Reuniting the full crew after a brief hiatus, this episode brings together all the familiar voices you've been missing as we drift through a nostalgic journey of childhood favorites, workplace experiences, and modern concerns.
We kick things off with a deep dive into our cherished memories of Voltron and Thundercats, speculating about potential live-action adaptations while reflecting on what made these shows so special to us growing up. The conversation takes a turn toward the realities of today's workforce as we break down how media often misrepresents seasonal layoffs at companies...
Episode 129 - Holy Water and Fading Traditions: A Fourth of July Reflection
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Have our neighborhoods become ghost towns? Miguel and Lano reflect on a surprisingly quiet Fourth of July, wondering where all the kids and families have gone as streets once filled with fireworks now sit empty on holidays. This opens a heartfelt exploration of fading traditions and disconnected communities in our digital age.
The conversation takes a hilarious turn when Miguel recounts accidentally drinking holy water at his niece's quinceañera. After the church ceremony for his 15-year-old goddaughter, he unwittingly gulped down holy water his aunt had collected, leading to jokes a...
Episode 128 - Sports, Justice, and Society: Examining Current Events Through a Fresh Lens
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What makes a true athlete in today's sports landscape? The answer threads throughout our latest episode as we return from hiatus to tackle everything from the mesmerizing talent of WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark to the fundamental differences between old-school and modern training regimens.
Caitlin Clark has proven herself more than just hype, selling out arenas nationwide with her Steph Curry-like shooting range that's revolutionizing women's basketball. We break down how her game compares to fellow rookies and why the WNBA showcases more fundamental basketball than what's often seen in today's NBA...
Episode 127 - Behind the Camera: Film Director Legacies
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From Hollywood blockbusters to the death of the penny, this episode takes listeners on a wild conversational journey through pop culture, film criticism, and the craft of acting.
The crew doesn't hold back their scathing review of Gladiator 2, tearing apart its predictable storylines and ridiculous Colosseum flooding scene complete with imported sharks. "That was so stupid," they agree, lamenting how the sequel fails to capture the original's magic despite Denzel Washington's involvement.
When talk shifts to streaming recommendations, enthusiasm builds for "Duster" with its 70s aesthetic and "Mobland" starring...
Episode 126 - The Diesel Mechanic Life
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Remember when you could recite every word to "Freaks of the Industry" but couldn't recall what you went to the store for? That strange quirk of memory serves as just one fascinating tangent in our latest episode, where we explore how certain songs become permanently etched in our neural pathways despite decades of dormancy.
Between bites of fresh Baja seafood and navigating California's latest regulatory labyrinth, we dive into the realities of running a diesel mechanic business during transitional times. California's new emissions requirements for commercial trucks have created a perfect...
Episode 125 - Boomer to Alpha: The Generational Decline
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Remember when concert venues would sell out in minutes and album releases were cultural events? Those days might be fading as we explore a startling demographic shift affecting how generations connect with entertainment and each other.
Through a fascinating conversation about Disneyland trips and concert experiences, we uncover a profound generational disconnect that's reshaping our cultural landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: Boomers (71 million) had Gen X children (65 million), who had Millennial children (72 million), who had Gen Z children (69 million). But now, Gen Z is producing significantly fewer children in...
Episode 124 - From Harbor Freight to Hollywood: The Tools We Love and Shows We're Watching
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After nearly a month away from the microphones, we're back with renewed energy and a ton to discuss! This episode kicks off with the story behind our extended absence, including one host's brutal battle with norovirus that cost him almost two weeks of work and a surprising amount of weight.
Our conversation quickly shifts to tools and hardware, where we dive deep into the surprising quality improvements at Harbor Freight. The Icon brand tools have become serious contenders against premium brands like Snap-on, while maintaining reasonable prices. We break down the...
Episode 123 - Spider-Bots and Dino's Burgers: A Casual Chat Among Friends
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What happens when friends gather to celebrate birthdays and end up contemplating our robot future? This episode takes us on a journey through life's milestones and technological revolutions that are reshaping our world in unexpected ways.
Mark shares his triumphant LA Marathon story, revealing the specialized training and nutrition strategies that finally helped him overcome hip pain and cramping. His detailed breakdown of slow-release proteins, potassium supplements, and training techniques offers valuable insights for runners or anyone looking to push their physical limits. The satisfaction of completing his 19th marathon and...
Episode 122 - Back to Drifting: Tales of Tech Woes and Tools
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Welcome to our latest episode of Drifting on Arroyo Podcast, where laughter and honest conversations intertwine! From the get-go, our podcast sparks with energy as we navigate technical challenges and explore fan interactions that lead to spontaneous banter. This episode stands out with a humorous mix-up as we discuss artists RZA and SZA, making for memorable content that our audience will relate to and enjoy.Â
The episode unravels as we share poignant stories from our community, including a touching moment when a dedicated listener offered much-needed assistance to a tradesman affected b...
Episode 121 - Roofing Rumbles and Melodic Moments: Ceiling Catastrophes, Super Bowl Splashes, and Stylish Soundwaves
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Ever wondered how a windstorm could turn a peaceful closet into a waterfall? Join us on Drifted on the Royal Podcast as we navigate through the chaos of LA's severe weather that left us with a collapsed ceiling and a roof that just won't quit leaking. We share our journey of home improvement, complete with tips on using infrared tools to uncover those hidden leaks. And amid all the dust and debris, we made time to catch the Super Bowl, where our hearts were in a tug-of-war over the Kansas City Chiefs' victory...
Episode 120 - Whirlwind Wonders and Culinary Quests: Weather Woes, Vallarta Ventures, and Football Feats
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What if your New Year's party plans got derailed by a gust of wind—or a flying Christmas tree? This episode takes you through our adventures surviving the infamous Santa Ana winds in Southern California, dodging airborne debris, and bracing for unpredictable weather events like power outages and earthquakes. As we recount our festivities, or rather the quiet holiday marked by illness and a cozy half-day work celebration with Santa, you'll find humor in the chaos and tips on being better prepared for nature's curveballs.
Get ready for tales of sun-soaked ad...
Episode 119 - Card Craze and Hip-Hop Hypes: Rookie Revelations, Snoop Spins, and Spotify Surprises
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What if the next card you pull is a ticket to a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates? Join us on an exhilarating card-breaking adventure as we aim for the elusive Paul Skeens Rookie Debut Autograph 101. The stakes are high with premium seats and exclusive meet-and-greet packages up for grabs, and we can't help but sprinkle in some laughter about smartphones and the quirks of modern tech. Our lively banter is sure to keep you entertained as we explore the rising value of collectible cards and Topps' innovative promotional strategies.
Ever...
Episode 118 - Black Friday Frantics and Collectible Ventures: Bargain Battles, Tyson Talks, and Vinyl Victories
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Ever wondered if those Black Friday deals are really worth the hype? Join us as we wade through the chaos of post-Thanksgiving shopping madness with some laughter and skepticism. Lano and RK67 recount turkey feasts that left us in food comas and a hilariously botched fishing trip attempt. As we navigate the transition from traditional in-store bargains to the depths of online shopping, we poke fun at the endless Home Depot runs and ponder if we should finally invest in a studio coffee machine to fuel our bargain-hunting escapades.
Power tools...
Episode 117 - Coastal Conundrums and Sporting Spectacles: California Politics, Dodgers Delights, and Hip Hop Highlights
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Ever wondered how California's tech millionaires and celebrities are reshaping the political landscape? Join us as we navigate the complexities of state politics, questioning stereotypes and examining the unexpected leanings of the wealthy coastal elite. With personal anecdotes and insights into local governance challenges, we explore the shifting dynamics of voter engagement post-COVID and what these changes mean for California's future as a purple battleground.
Our conversation takes a turn towards the lighter side of life, from the excitement of the Dodgers' championship win to the ever-enthralling world of hip hop...
Episode 115 - Halloween Hijinks and Culinary Commotions: Haunted House Mishaps, Johnny's Delights, and Future Tech Tales
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Ever been startled by a lifelike Michael Myers figure while house-sitting? You won't want to miss my hilarious recounting of exactly that as we gear up for Rick's legendary Halloween bash. While Rick is busy turning his home into a haunted wonderland, I take you on a culinary adventure at Johnny's on Adams. Our cozy chat over Cali style French dip and traditional deli-style pastrami sandwiches is sure to leave your taste buds tingling and your sides aching from laughter. With fewer voices in today's episode, the conversation remains spirited and mouthwateringly delicious.<...
Episode 116 - Monster Mash and Broadcast Bash: Halloween Highlights, Sportscaster Insights, and Tribute Triumphs
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What happens when Halloween meets a birthday celebration? You're in for a treat as we recount the thrill of throwing a monster mash party that doubled as Trevor's birthday bash. From elaborate decorations built from motors and PVC piping to a Michael Myers display that stole the show, we've got stories to share that will make your party planning escapades seem like a breeze. And let's not forget the Starlighters' unforgettable performance that had everyone dancing, while our Instagram uploads kept the fun alive. As the Dodgers gear up for the World Series...
Episode 114 - Nostalgic Pizzas and Charismatic Chronicles: Local Eateries, Maui Mike's Tales, and Batman Debates
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Remember the days when local pizza joints were the highlight of our weekends? We do too. Tune in as we share a slice of nostalgia, reminiscing about iconic spots like Follieros and Luigi's, where the pizzas were as unforgettable as the staff. From the charm of cash-only transactions to our beloved meatball sandwiches and simple salads, these conversations will leave you savoring the flavors of yesteryear, longing for those delicious moments that made these places feel like home.
Meet "Maui Mike," the man whose stories are as colorful as a Hawaiian...
