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New Research Finds Severity of COVID-19 Does Not Differ According to Trimester

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Research shows that pregnant people who contract COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe complications, including hospitalization, ventilation, and death, compared to pregnant people without COVID-19. However, little is known about how the timing of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy might impact a pregnant person’s risk of developing severe symptoms. In a new study to be presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting™, which is being held virtually, researchers will unveil findings that suggest that the severity of COVID-19 does not differ by trimester. “Regardless of what trimester they are in, pregnant people are at risk of developing severe COVID illness,” said one of the study’s authors, Rachel Schell, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Researchers identified a group of pregnant people at a single urban hospital in Dallas, Parkland Hospital, and followed the progression of their COVID-19 symptoms. From March 18, 2020 to May 31, 2021, 1,092 pregnant people were diagnosed with COVID-19. Sixty-seven people (6 percent) were diagnosed in the first trimester, 309 (28 percent) in the second trimester, and 716 (66 percent) in the third trimester. There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. Across all trimesters, 993 out of 1092 people (90.9 percent) were either asymptomatic or had mild COVID-19 symptoms, and 35 out of 345 people (10.1 percent) who were initially asymptomatic developed moderate, severe, or critical symptoms. Among pregnant patients who were initially asymptomatic or had mild symptoms in any trimester, 5 percent developed moderate, severe, or critical illness. “This research is helpful for us in counseling patients who test positive for COVID,” said another one of the study’s authors, Emily Adhikari, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and medical director of perinatal infectious diseases at Parkland Hospital. “There is no reason to be hesitant to get vaccinated because you are early in your pregnancy. You’re still at risk of getting really sick from COVID in your first trimester.” Researchers are in the process of expanding their research to look at whether there are significant differences or changes in COVID severity by trimester due to the Delta variant. SMFM, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend all pregnant people get vaccinated against COVID-19, noting that the vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccination rates among pregnant people continue to remain low despite evidence showing vaccines can help to prevent severe illness during pregnancy. The latest figures from the CDC show that fewer than 36 percent of pregnant people are vaccinated; vaccination rates are even lower among pregnant people who are Black and Hispanic. The abstract has been published in the January 2022 supplement of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AJOG ) and can be accessed at no cost on the AJOG website. To view the presentation of this abstract or other Pregnancy Meeting™ abstracts and events, visit the SMFM website or contact Karen Addis at karen@addispr.com or 301-787-2394. ### The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), founded in 1977, is the medical professional society for obstetricians who have additional training in high-risk, complicated pregnancies. SMFM represents more than 5,000 members who care for high-risk pregnant people and provides education, promotes research, and engages in advocacy to reduce disparities and optimize the health of high-risk pregnant people and their families. SMFM and its members are dedicated to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes and assuring medically appropriate treatment options are available to all patients. For more information, visit SMFM.org and connect with the organization on Facebook and Twitter. For the latest 2022 Annual Meeting news and updates, follow the hashtag #smfm22. EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Feb. 3, 2022 9:00 a.m. EST Contact Details Karen Addis +1 301-787-2394 KAREN@ADDISPR.COM Company Website https://www.smfm.org/

February 03, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Osmo From BYJU’s Names Kar-Han Tan, Ph.D., Head of Computer Vision and Machine Learning

Osmo

Award-winning STEAM brand, Osmo from BYJU’S, announces Kar-Han Tan’s appointment as Head of Computer Vision and Machine Learning, effective immediately. With three decades leading teams in robotics and AI research and development, Tan will further the development of a world-class computer vision and AI platform that aids in the creation of new products, games, and devices incorporating gains made in deep learning technology. In addition, he will lead a growing global team to research, develop, and optimize new algorithms for computer vision and AI-enabled features such as object detection, object recognition, hand tracking, pattern matching, and hand-drawing analysis, among others, all in an effort to create the best learning tools and outcomes.. “We were impressed by Kar-Han’s extensive experience leading R&D teams in robotics, AI, and deep learning,” says Mark Solomon, Senior Vice President of Products and Platform at BYJU’S. “His background will help Osmo expand the usage of computer vision technology across BYJU’S various products and platforms, further meeting the needs of learners of all ages everywhere.” Tan, who was born and educated in Singapore, most recently founded Helpful Robotics LLC, which designed and built an AI-enabled autonomous assistive robot from the ground up, and fostered a collaboration between scientists and engineers located in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the University of California San Francisco, and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It’s an important moment for Osmo to capitalize on the explosive breakthroughs in computer vision technology driven by advances in deep learning in recent years,” says Tan, a father of two school-aged children who is passionate about kids’ at-home learning utilizing game-based play. “When combined with advances in neural engines and discoveries of new algorithms for devices, it offers a realm of new capabilities for all devices. Osmo is part of a new ‘space age,’ transforming what was previously imagined as sci-fi fantasy into a concrete reality within the realm of gamified learning and tools.” Between 2017 and 2019, Tan was Head of Product Research and Development at Singapore Telecommunications in Singapore, where he built and led an end-to-end research and development organization and led a number of engineering teams. He helped form the Singtel Cognitive and Artificial Intelligence Lab for Enterprise (SCALE) including a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), which focused on resolving various challenges faced by cities in keeping their infrastructure facilities in top working condition, through the use of smart sensors embedded with AI. Tan was also involved in product launches for a cloud-based open robotic fleet management platform, an AI-powered IoT platform, a smart camera system using Edge intelligence, and an immersive 3D physical security management system. Prior to this, Tan was Vice President of Engineering at NovuMind in Silicon Valley, where he formed and led the software and deep learning algorithms team, in addition to leading the development of a proprietary system for deep learning-based, real-time, unconstrained face recognition system that was installed in an office building in China, to monitor times of entries and exits. Before NovuMind, he was Principal Engineer at Hewlett Packard Personal Systems and later promoted to Head of Advanced Development. He served as technical lead for the computer vision software team for Sprout by HP, the first consumer product to integrate a 3D camera and incorporate 3D scanning capability. Tan’s research and development career also includes working for HP Labs, Epson, and Mitsubishi Electric Research Lab. Tan earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science specializing in computer vision technology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a M.S. in Computer Science specializing in robotics from UCLA, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from National University of Singapore. Tan holds over 60 patents, and his research has been published and cited in numerous academic and trade journals. About Osmo From BYJU’S Osmo is an award-winning STEAM brand, wholly owned by BYJU’S, the leading global edtech company. Osmo and Osmo Education products are used in over 2.5 million homes and 50,000 classrooms, respectively. Osmo builds a universe of hands-on, curriculum-based learning experiences that nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination. The brand brings physical tools into the digital world through augmented reality and its proprietary reflective artificial intelligence. Learn more at PlayOsmo.com and Osmo Education. About BYJU’S Launched in 2011, BYJU’S is the world’s leading education technology company for students Pre K-12 and is beloved by 100 million students around the world. By making learning contextual and visual, not just theoretical, BYJU’S is paving the way for new-age, geography-agnostic learning tools that sit at the cross-section of mobile, interactive content and personalized learning methodologies. To learn more, go to: byjus.com/us. Contact Details Osmo Lisa Fujioka lisa@tangibleplay.com Company Website http://www.playosmo.com

February 03, 2022 05:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Credit Reporting Industry: Helping Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals Prevent Potential Disruptions to Their Credit

Consumer Data Industry Association

The credit reporting industry has a long history of supporting consumers impacted by life’s circumstances – for example, what to do in the cases of marriage, divorce, natural disaster, and identity theft, among others. In keeping with our work to assist and empower consumers, the Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) is offering guidance for transgender and nonbinary consumers seeking to preserve their credit history following the legal changing of first and middle names. Since financial empowerment is a critical component of equity and as the primary body representing the credit reporting industry, CDIA is working to raise awareness about what people transitioning into their true gender identity can do to ensure a smooth credit update from their dead name to their new legal name. “To ensure a smooth update of credit history, the most effective action a transgender or nonbinary person can take is to directly inform each of the three nationwide credit bureaus of new identifying information after completing a legal name change,” said Eric J. Ellman, Senior Vice President for Public Policy & Legal Affairs at CDIA. “This small but important step provides the critical link to maintaining the integrity of their credit report during transition and potentially avoiding any misunderstanding with creditors or lenders.” The three nationwide credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) have committed to assist transgender and nonbinary consumers in protecting their creditworthiness. In recent years, the credit bureaus have found that sometimes following a legal name change, the credit report attached to the person’s new name does not contain the credit history associated with their birth name. Consumers can now find information on the name change process on each agency’s website: Equifax Experian TransUnion Traditional advice around last name changes advises that a person notify only their banks and creditors of their new legal name. This is typically sufficient if a person only changes their last name, such as after a marriage or divorce. In this situation, the credit bureaus will learn of the name change through the revision system from the lender or creditor and automatically update the person’s credit file. However, in cases that involve changing more than just the last name, CDIA recommends an additional step to support transgender and nonbinary consumers seeking to change a first or middle name. Informing each of the three nationwide credit bureaus of a first or middle name change can be done using their online customer support systems or by calling the credit bureaus directly. Either way, documentation of the new legal name may be required. Necessary documentation can include a court order, an updated Social Security card, or the updated Driver’s License or state issued ID card with the new identifying information. “CDIA and the credit reporting industry are in a unique position to address credit challenges facing people in the LGBTQ+ community and to advocate for their financial empowerment,” added Ellman. “We are committed to continuing to spread the word about very simple steps individuals who are transitioning into their true gender identity can take to preserve their credit history and build their future.” To learn more, visit https://www.cdiaonline.org/lgbtqnamechanges/. About the Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) is the voice of the consumer reporting industry, representing consumer reporting agencies including the nationwide credit bureaus, regional and specialized credit bureaus, background check and residential screening companies, and others. Founded in 1906, CDIA promotes the responsible use of consumer data to help consumers achieve their financial goals, and to help businesses, governments and volunteer organizations avoid fraud and manage risk. Through data and analytics, CDIA members empower economic opportunity all over the world, helping ensure fair and safe transactions for consumers, facilitating competition and expanding consumers' access to financial and other products suited to their unique needs. Find us online at www.cdiaonline.org. Contact Details Curley Company Lydia Niles +1 773-677-5327 lydia@curleycompany.com

February 02, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise in Winter Park, FL Celebrates 25 Years and Shares Secrets to Longevity and Growth

Minuteman Press International Inc

In 1996, Linda Sang decided to leave the corporate world and join the Minuteman Press franchise family, and she is now celebrating 25 years in business. Linda’s daughter Darcy has been along for the ride, saying in a recent newsletter, “It was a world that none of us knew anything about, but would quickly learn as every available hand was recruited to answer phones, hand collate and staple jobs and market the business for our intrepid leader. And we have been doing it ever since.” Being in business for over 25 years, Linda shares her biggest keys to longevity and growth. She says, “We keep pushing to get new customers in various methods. The pandemic initially cut down on the door-to-door marketing that has always been successful in the past for us. We currently do more social media, thanks to my daughter, Darcy, and some direct mail campaigns targeting local businesses and new businesses.” Linda continues, “We are also very attentive to our customers, keeping them informed and helping them find solutions/options for their needs. We respond to emails almost instantly and turn quotes around as quickly as possible, generally the same day if there isn’t a lot of research involved. When we make deliveries, each customer gets a ‘goody bag’ with notepads and other branded items. Many customers get excited about our deliveries, sometimes even more so for our giveaways rather than their finished jobs.” Over the past two years, Linda and her team have utilized various digital and print marketing tools available to them. She says, “We have gotten more into social media than in the past and have worked on getting high Google ratings, as customers do look at reviews. We do find that we are getting a lot of requests from Google and the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing program. We also test out the suggested methods from Minuteman Press corporate (such as the lumpy mailer and direct mail campaigns) and see what works best for us and our customer base. Otherwise, we are simply doing what we have always done through the years… provide solid customer relations.” What’s next for Minuteman Press in Winter Park? Linda says, “We hope to grow this year by reaching out to new prospective customers and generate more referrals.” Lastly, Linda reflects on the family business and says, “In our case, Darcy and I work together well and have the same goals and work ethic. My husband, Kelly, is semi-retired and helps out when we need him. When you have this situation, you don’t have to worry about someone showing up to work or leaving for other opportunities. There is always loyalty. We also find it key to treat our employees as if they are family as well. Not only does it create a pleasant working environment, but loyalty builds as well. We work lean and mean, which makes for some long days, but when you trust your employees and family, it is truly a joy.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Winter Park, FL, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/fl/winter-park. For Minuteman Press products and services, visit https://minuteman.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 31, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Nursery Furnishings Brand Babyletto Unveils New Brand Identity and Sustainability Mission

Babyletto

Today, mission-driven baby furnishings brand Babyletto announced their new brand identity, placing social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and approachable style at the forefront of the brand’s mission. With this relaunch, Babyletto is dedicated to inspiring all parents to create both the most beautiful and sustainable nurseries. Founded in Los Angeles in 2011, Babyletto consciously crafts nursery essentials like the celebrity-favorite Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and the best-selling Kiwi Electronic Recliner. Working closely with award-winning L.A. creative branding agency Ludlow Kingsley and with new imagery shot by acclaimed lifestyle photographer Justin Chung, Babyletto is embracing an aesthetic that feels like today’s modern parents. “We are thrilled to introduce our new brand identity that represents Babyletto’s values of style, sustainability, and affordability,” says Teddy Fong, CEO of Babyletto’s parent company Million Dollar Baby Co. Babyletto cribs and dressers utilize sustainably sourced New Zealand Pinewood, and seating is offered in waterproof and stain resistant eco-friendly fabric, made with 30% REPREVE recycled fibers from plastic water bottles. The foam used is CertiPUR-US certified, and each seating frame is made with FSC Certified Wood. “With our commitment to sustainability, we are well on our way to saving 10 million plastic bottles by 2024 from entering landfills as well as finding the most renewable lumbar sources in the world,” states Fong, “Babyletto and Million Dollar Baby Co. will continue to lead the industry in our sustainability efforts and goals.” Babyletto is dedicated to going beyond industry safety standards with rigorous product testing, including a full portfolio of GREENGUARD Gold Certified cribs, mattresses, chairs and dressers that are tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ensure the nursery has cleaner indoor air. Additionally, every inbound and outbound shipment is 100% carbon neutral. In partnership with CarbonFund.org and One Tree Planted, Babyletto plants trees and funds reforestation projects to offset every product shipped, saving 20,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year. “As the modern parent evolves, so does our brand,” says Fong “We have to continue to build brands that resonate with the modern parent and our new brand identity and sustainability commitments is just the first step towards that mission.” ### About Babyletto: Babyletto inspires parents to express themselves in the nursery with stylish and versatile modern nursery furniture that is well-made, consciously crafted, tested for safety and healthier for the home. For over 10 years Babyletto has designed the most awarded and recognized modern nursery furniture, like the best-selling Hudson Crib. These modern and thoughtful nursery essentials from cribs and dressers to seating and mattresses feel like an extension of parents’ personal style and empower them to create beautiful and safe nurseries. Babyletto has sold to over 1 million parents. Please find more information at www.babyletto.com, facebook.com/babyletto or Instagram @babyletto. Contact Details Michelle Cassidy press@babyletto.com Company Website https://babyletto.com/

January 27, 2022 03:20 PM Pacific Standard Time

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BitX Funding Triumphs With Record 2021 Results

BitX Funding

Fairfield, CT., January 24, 2022— BitX Funding, one of the most prominent alternative lenders in Southern Connecticut, announced a banner year for growth in 2021. Overall, revenue went up 10%, new users increased by 70%, impressions went up 300%, and business applications came in at a rate of 1,275% more than the previous year. Out of all the loans that BitX sold, Startup loans had the highest increase. “Our economy saw solid growth in small business lending and the startup loan category lead the way due to the great resignation”, said Todd Rowe, president of BitX Funding. “We continue to grow BitX revenue with support from internal sales, record marketing results, CT Innovations mentor support, and our raving fans. Our 2022 goals are to continue to build out our lending platform, grow our lender base, obtain our own lending facility, and drive client growth. Our goals are to increase revenue by 160%, have a 133% increase in units sold, and a loan amount increase of 200% in 2022.” Rowe continues to promote his company as a marketplace for small business loans, especially with young entrepreneurs. With one click, you can get a response to your loan request within 24 hours. That makes BitX Funding a partner you can trust in 2022. BitX Funding is an omnichannel marketplace for alternative small business loans and business insurance. BitX connects their clients with the right loan and lender from SBA 7a, start-up loans, short-term loans, mid-term loans to merchant cash advances and business lines of credit. BitX is where lenders compete for your business. Our top-rated lenders focus on real-life business data and cash flow, which means you can qualify for small business loans even if your credit score isn’t perfect. We care about small business and it’s our mission to secure the right funding when you need alternative small business loans within our small business loan marketplace. Contact Details BitX Funding Todd Rowe +1 203-763-1430 info@bitxfunding.com Company Website https://www.bitxfunding.com

January 27, 2022 01:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

Save the Redwoods League Debuts Season Two of its “I’ll Go If You Go” Podcast

Save the Redwoods League

Save the Redwoods League today launches the second season of its groundbreaking podcast, “ I’ll Go If You Go,” taking listeners on an audio adventure tour through California’s iconic coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. Created to highlight diverse voices and build community in the outdoors, the podcast introduces a new host in its second season: Emily Harwitz, a multimedia science writer and photographer who tells stories that foster community, provoke curiosity and inspire a deeper connection with the world around us. Season two includes six episodes that will be released on the fourth Thursday of each month from now through June 2022. Harwitz will forage for mushrooms with farmer Arthur Lee of Mazu Mushrooms, go forest bathing with certified guide Juan Lazo Bautista, go birding with nature artist Clay Anderson, take a canoe tour with a Yurok guide, and skateboard with skate industry veteran Kim Woozy and friends of Skate Like a Girl. All episodes can be streamed on the League’s website and all major podcast streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts and Pocket Casts. “There are just as many ways to connect with nature as there are people,” said Harwitz. “This season is really all about getting outside in the redwoods and experiencing new things—while learning about different perspectives and having fun.” Save the Redwoods League launched “I’ll Go If You Go” in 2021 as part of a larger effort to uncover stories of people from communities of color, which have been historically excluded from the wonders of the coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. Through conversations with emerging outdoor leaders, the League illuminates how Californians of all backgrounds think about and experience nature and conservation—in the redwoods and beyond. “While ‘I’ll Go If You Go’ is made for all of our community members to find joy and inspiration, we wanted to create something that showcases members of underrepresented communities engaging with these incredible natural places that have been protected by and for all of us,” said Leslie Parra, the League’s outreach program manager and creator of the podcast. “It all circles back to the name of the podcast—if people see themselves in others who are spending time doing fun things in the redwoods, they’ll be more likely to feel welcome giving it a try.” Parra, who hosted the podcast’s first season, now passes the microphone to Harwitz, a multiracial Asian American based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Harwitz’s work has been published in “Hakai Magazine,” “The San Jose Mercury News,” “Bay Nature” and elsewhere. In addition to chemistry and ecology, Harwitz is interested in Indigenizing science, plant communication and wildlife, as well as playing her flute and enjoying tea. To schedule an interview, contact Robin Carr at (415) 971-3991 or redwoods@landispr.com. Save the Redwoods League One of the nation’s longest-running conservation organizations, Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918. The League has connected generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forest. The nonprofit’s 29,000 members have enabled the organization to protect more than 216,000 acres of irreplaceable forest in 66 state, national and local parks and reserves. For information, please visit SaveTheRedwoods.org. Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-971-3991 redwoods@landispr.com Company Website https://www.savetheredwoods.org/

January 27, 2022 05:35 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Say Hello to Amazon Glow: Technology That Keeps Families Connected

YourUpdateTV

Families who live or spend time far from each other have long understood how technology can help keep people connected. Over the last two years, the need to stay connected has been more important than ever. Recently, Lifestyle Expert Bethany Braun-Silva teamed with Amazon on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss tips on connecting with family, keeping kids engaged, and how the new Amazon Glow can help. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/7Saw2MonRxg Connecting with distant family is especially important for kids – there is something so special about the smile’s kids bring to our lives, especially when they are shared with extended family and relatives. From playing games and drawing to reading and solving puzzles, the fun families and loved ones have together is so important. It is so hard to replicate these experiences when not in person together, but we try our best because we know these relationships can be so impactful. While video chatting has been a great tool over the last few years, how many times have we jumped on a call with relatives, only for our child to quickly get bored and wander off? The key to staying connected is keeping everyone engaged and visible, making virtual visits feel much more like being in person together. Amazon Glow is a new device that really makes it easy and fun for kids to spend time with remote grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends. It’s really a new way to create bonds across generations, even when distance is a barrier. During video calls on Amazon Glow, kids read stories, play games, use physical objects and can even create art using the touch-sensitive projected virtual space. At the same time, loved ones far away can engage with the same content on their tablet or smartphone using the free Glow App. Pick from thousands of children’s books to read together, draw pictures, or play early literacy games like ABC Bubbles or classics like Chess and Checkers. Activities on Glow create engaging sensory experiences with audio, video, and tactile elements similar to in-person fun. Children have access to books, games and art activities and can experience all of these in a whole new way with remote family and friends. It’s a great resource for parents looking to provide opportunities for their children to actively use their senses while simultaneously building new family memories and connections. For more information, visit Amazon.com/Glow About Bethany Braun-Silva: Bethany Braun-Silva is the former editor at Parenting.com, one of the most trusted resources for parents online! She received her Bachelor's Degree at New York University, where she studied theater arts and creative writing. She then received an M.F.A. from Pace University at the Actors Studio Drama School. She moved to Los Angeles in 2010 where she began her career in journalism. It was a particular Broadcast Journalism class at UCLA that confirmed her passion for telling stories and being of service to the community. She worked at various media companies before landing her first job as a parenting editor. It was there that she knew she could blend her love for writing with her love of being a mom—she had just welcomed her first son Eli! Since then, Bethany has worked for Understood.org, Big Apple Parent Magazine, CafeMom, RedTri, Mommy Poppins, OK! Magazine, Hollywood Life and various other parenting publications. She can often be seen interviewing celebrity parents and of course at her local playground with her two boys. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 26, 2022 05:01 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Kevin Hart’s 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner by Salvaggio Design

Salvaggio Design

Most people know international superstar Kevin Hart as a comedian and actor, but his friends know him as a car guy. He has a passion for American Iron; Detroit muscle cars that are both menacing and missile-fast. Hart doesn’t want to merely look at his collection; he likes to jump in and drive. In Los Angeles traffic. On hot summer days. And while the contents of Hart’s garage might be older than the owner, he enlists specialized craftsmen to ensure each car has the performance and reliability he needs. One of those craftsmen is Wisconsin-based Dave Salvaggio. The pair worked together on previous projects, and Kevin knocked on the door of the new Salvaggio Design workshop to outline his next ambitious plan. His vision was a tribute to the Mopar muscle of the late 1960s. He is also fascinated by Hollywood slasher movies, naming each car after special characters. They needed a car that would fit the bill, and a 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner was the ideal platform. Working with lead designer Sean Smith at Salvaggio Design, a timeless heritage build was imagined, embracing true Mopar muscle car spirit. Hart’s priorities were a Hemi engine, custom carbon fiber pieces, a sinister black and orange Halloween appearance, and aggressive stance with modern components. He wanted a vehicle that would appear simple and industrial, choosing traditional hubcaps to conceal the modern wheels, for example. They created a car people could admire from a distance, but only truly appreciate its sophistication when up close. Hart’s vision demanded the Roadrunner would be all about the detail. ROADRUNNER Starting with a sound donor car, the team at Salvaggio Design used 3D scanning to create a computer model before designing a custom frame with CAD software. Accepting valuable input from Detroit Speed & Engineering on its X-Gen 595 front suspension package, the frame was fabricated by Salvaggio team members Craig Provencher, Telly Violetto and Randy Russell. The result proved so successful that the frame will soon be available separately for all Mopar B body platforms. The same metalworkers built the rollcage, fabricated removable floors, a custom firewall, radiator support, wheel tubs, trunk, and more. They also shaved the drip rails to create cleaner lines without diminishing the original Plymouth design. When the paint was dry, the only original parts on the car were the roof, doors, fenders and rear quarter panels. Everything else was replaced, revised or rejuvenated. Among the new panels was a carbon fiber hood designed by Sean Smith who integrated styling cues from the Roadrunner’s A12 race package. Sean also devised the flush-fitting carbon fiber bumpers that adorn the vehicle, manufactured by Brothers Composites. The bodywork, metal finishing and paint was undertaken by Mark Klos at Salvaggio Design, along with Eric Johnson on paint finishing. Mark and the team spent countless hours sanding and shaping the Roadrunner’s sharp line and long panels until it was ready for multiple coats of pure BASF Black paint. It has a high gloss exterior, matte clearcoat for the interior, and matte orange pearl underneath. While the bodywork was underway, Sean designed a plethora of billet parts. Each was created in 3D by Mike Gundert from RAZ Technical Solutions and machined from solid aluminum. The headline act is the three-piece grille that borrows from the original but turns it up to 11. The machined metal was finished in brushed nickel by the artisans at Ogden Chrome, who contributed significantly to the project. The next billet project was the driver’s door mirror. Inspired by the original again, it takes the mirror to a place never imagined in 1969. The finish repeats the brushed nickel and adds a Halloween orange flourish to catch the eye. Billet tail light surrounds accommodate LED halos for turn and brake light functions. Each corner is hinged, giving access to the fuel filler on the driver’s side and battery disconnect on the other. The door handles were also inspired by the originals and machined from billet. Sean was able to slim the profile, remove the lock, and carve a pocket into the leading edge like a chef’s knife, improving its ergonomics. The final exterior embellishment was a set of three-piece billet hub caps that conceal HRE wheels. The hub caps pay tribute to the ’69 Roadrunner’s original “dog dish” caps but introduce far more detail, texture and solidity. You won’t see these caps fly off when Kevin takes a tight turn! Billet elements were incorporated inside the car as well, with door handles added to the exquisite door cards, and the Roadrunner steering wheel given a thorough makeover. The wheel is intended to give Kevin more connection to the car as we grabs the billet gear shifter, which resembles a slasher movie knife. As before, all billet parts received a brushed nickel finish with strategically placed Halloween orange highlights as needed. HEMI Built by Mario Abascal at Gearhead Fabrication, Salvaggio describes the 426ci Hemi as a hybrid Demon / Hellephant motor that was designed to run on California 91-octane fuel. It develops a phenomenal, dyno-proven 940hp. Internally, the V8 was equipped with a Winberg crank, CP pistons, Boostline rods, ARP hardware, Dodge Demon camshaft, ported Demon heads, Holley Dominator EFI fuel injection, and a Magnaflow exhaust. The engine is crowned by a Whipple 3.8L supercharger with bespoke CNC housing painted Orange Candy satin. The monstrous engine rests in a handcrafted bay designed to expose the rollcage and highlight some of the mechanical aspects. It creates an industrial look that conceals the induction system and throttle body, allowing the custom supercharger to take center stage. The Hemi valve covers were redesigned to echo the industrial theme, while a power steering reservoir was machined to replace the stock plastic part. To cool the Hemi in LA traffic, Salvaggio fitted a Power Cool radiator with SPAL fans, and to cool Kevin there’s air conditioning by Vintage Air. At Kevin’s request, the Hemi is regulated by a Tremec 6060 six-speed manual transmission, which was strengthened for this application. John’s Industries fabricated the rear axle assembly using a 9” center section and 3.70 gear ratio. The axle is a favorite of Dave Salvaggio because they’ve always proven exceptionally strong and every axle is dyno tested to ensure quiet running. As we mentioned, the DSE Gen-X 595 front suspension was an integral piece of the chassis design. It was grafted into the Salvaggio frame rails to create a full frame body. Fitted with JRI shocks front and rear, the suspension system will provide both the comfort and handling Kevin requires. The brakes are the latest equipment from Brembo, utilizing lightweight six-piston calipers at the front and large 14” rotors, while the rear has four-piston calipers and 13” rotors to get the job done. The high-spec braking equipment is somewhat hidden behind the black HRE wheels. Manufactured in lightweight aluminum, the 18x10” front and 20x12” rears are designed to resemble traditional steel rims to retain the classic appearance when fitted with the billet hub caps. The wheels are wrapped in high-performance Michelin rubber, measuring a healthy 345/30 R20 in the rear to provide ample grip. And for this project even the tires were customized, Diamond Back Classic Radial adding an orange stripe to reinforce the Halloween accent. INTERIOR As one of the premier upholstery shops in the country, Salvaggio has worked with Gabe’s Custom Interiors for many years and the Roadrunner would be no different. Gabe’s team used black Italian leather throughout, including perforated sections. They also went the extra mile by creating a unique orange Halloween splatter effect. It was achieved by sending color samples of the engine paint and tire stripe to Italy, where it was applied to several hides. The result is a combination of black, perforated and splattered leather used to upholster the Recaro front seats, custom rear seats, headliner and door panels. All stitched with contrasting orange thread. The trunk is far from conventional, repeating the industrial architecture of the engine bay, exposing parts of the rollcage and wheel tubs, and finished with leather panels matching the interior. As mentioned, Kevin has a custom billet steering wheel and shifter but we should also mention the billet instrument cluster. It houses Dakota digital gauges that plug into the CANbus system and communicate with the Holley Dominator engine management system. If you look closely, the gauges were airbrushed by Randy Russell with easter eggs that hint at the slasher name Kevin gave his Roadrunner, which also crops up elsewhere around the car. FINALLY With pieces of splatter leather remaining, Salvaggio Design enlisted Rey Marquez at Reymar Footwear to create a pair of custom Nike shoes, belt and wallet, allowing Kevin to match the car whenever he drives it. As a shoe specialist, Reymar bought and dismantled a pair of Nike Air Max 90 sneakers and reconstructed them using the orange splatter leather, which itself had been inspired by the splatter effect on early Air Max sneakers. He also took strips of genuine carbon fiber used to build the car and stitched them into the shoes, finally adding aluminum Roadrunner badges created for the Plymouth. The car and wardrobe elements were presented to Kevin at a secret unveiling held at Bruce Meyer’s car gallery. Expecting to shop for a wristwatch, the Roadrunner was revealed to Kevin as he rode with it in a freight elevator with his Plastic Cup Boys, Harry Ratchford and John “Burgandee” Clausell. After claiming it was impossible to “punk” him, Kevin admitted he no idea what was happening and was overjoyed at the result of his quickest build to date, with the entire project taking only ten months to complete. TECH SPEC Kevin Hart’s 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner by Salvaggio Design Engine: 426 cubic-inch (7-liter) Hemi built by Gearhead Fabrication with Winberg crankshaft, CP pistons, Boostline connecting rods, ARP mains studs, head and rod bolts, Dodge Demon camshaft, ported Demon heads, Holley Dominator EFI, bespoke Whipple 3.8L supercharger with CNC housing, Magnaflow exhaust, high-pressure Melling oil pump, Power Cool radiator with SPAL fans, air conditioning by Vintage Air with EZ Clip AC hoses Transmission: Built Tremec 6060 six-speed manual, John’s Industries Ford 9” axle with 3.70 gear ratio Chassis: Laser-cut and TIG-welded Salvaggio Design B body chassis frame with full rollcage, Detroit Speed & Engineering X-Gen 595 front suspension package, four-link rear suspension with Panhard bar, JRI shocks front and rear, Ididit steering column Brakes: Brembo six-piston calipers, 14” rotors front, four-piston calipers, 13” rotors rear Wheels / Tires: 18x10” front, 20x12” rear black HRE Steelies Are Tough wheels with Salvaggio Design three-piece billet hub caps, 285/35 R18 front and 345/30 R20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport tires with orange sidewall stripes by Diamond Back Classic Radials Exterior: Design, scanning, CAD, metal-shaping, bodywork, paintwork by Salvaggio Design including removable floors, custom firewall, radiator support, wheel tubs and trunk, shaved drip rails. Carbon fiber hood and bumpers manufactured by Brothers Composites. Custom billet three-piece grille, driver’s door mirror, door handles and window trim finished in brushed nickel by Ogden Chrome Interior: Black, perforated, and splattered Italian leather upholstered by Gabe’s Custom Interiors on Recaro front seats, custom rear seats, headliner, door panels and trunk using orange contrast stitching. Salvaggio billet steering wheel, shifter, door handles, and instrument cluster with Dakota digital gauges Thanks / Sponsors: The Plastic Cup Boys, Sean Smith Design, Advanced Speed Components, Brembo, Brothers Composites, Dakota Digital, Detroit Speed & Engineering, Diamond Back Classic Radials, Gabe’s Custom Interiors, Gearhead Fabrications, Greening Auto Company, Holley Performance, HRE Wheels, Ididit, Image Detailing, John’s Industries, Magnaflow, Michelin, Ogden Chrome, Perfect Carbon, Rock Valley Parts & Tanks, Vintage Air, VSI Design, Whipple Superchargers EDITOR’S NOTE More images are available here: dropbox.com/sh/a9vnjfxf9dnlhmo/AAC0IWRkQkGaIpsaP2i5pm1la?dl=0 Please view and share the video here: https://youtu.be/5boJu140wrk High-resolution images for print are available on request. Please use the Media Contact address below. ABOUT SALVAGGIO DESIGN Wisconsin-based Dave Salvaggio was born into an Italian family that has been involved in automotive design, racing, and engineering since 1919. He established his own business in 2003 and currently holds five patents for carbon fiber manufacturing processes. As a car builder, he has been responsible for a string of award-winning SEMA muscle cars since 2006, with a number of vehicles appearing in Hollywood movies. Throughout his career, Dave has been fortunate to build very special cars for special people and embarked on the next chapter at Salvaggio Design with a new workshop and small team of dedicated craftsmen. His aim is to focus their collective passion into building bespoke vehicles that encapsulate the best design, modern components, and the customer’s vision. The team utilize modern techniques including in-house CAD design, 3D printing, carbon fiber production, and more. Vehicle design is led by renowned designer, Sean Smith. Visit salvaggiodesign.com for more information. Contact Details Salvaggio Design Dave Salvaggio dave@salvaggiodesign.com The ID Agency Greg Emmerson greg@theidagency.com Company Website https://www.salvaggiodesign.com

January 26, 2022 05:55 AM Pacific Standard Time

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