New York Ancient Art Gallery Unveils New Exhibition



'Sacred Scents and Flames from the Ancient World'-
Phoenix Ancient Art

Phoenix Ancient Art, a dealer of rare and exquisite antiquities, recently unveiled a new exhibition called “Sacred Scents and Flames from the Ancient World.” The gallery, which will be displayed at the art dealer’s New York gallery, will showcase numerous items that were previously unpublished.

“The exhibition gives a fascinating opportunity to see an important selection of ancient lamps and the incense burners and to explore how the ancient civilizations of Pre-Classical and Classical world designed their lighting devices,” explained Ali Aboutaam, president of Phoenix Ancient Art.

“From the very beginning, various religions worshipped the eternal, divine flame, and even the most powerful kings had to pay a tribute to a flame. Incense, which is closely linked to fire and flame, quickly became the important element in the liturgical ceremonies in various religions,” he continued. “An Islamic bronze censer shaped as a feline, which is dated to the 11^th century A.D., is a masterpiece of the bronze cast technique; its surface is an open work in the shape of floral motifs, which allowed the perfumed smoke to escape and spread.”

Mr. Aboutaam went on to say that “Beside sensational gold and silver incense burners, elaborate and also expensive bronze lamps, there is a great number of rather simple clay Roman lamps which were apparently affordable for many at that time, but what an amazing information a contemporary collector can get looking at their reliefs. The bucolic scenes inspired by Virgil’s verses; a libation onto a small altar accompanied by a music; the images of Capitoline deities, the gladiatorial fight- it is like the life of the great Rome is reviving on these small representations.”

Sculpture Aims to Help New Yorkers Think Big

A new sculpture is up in Manhattan, and it is impressing Midtowners and tourists alike. Made from bronze and standing 12 feet tall, Jim Rennert's "Think Big" is located on 57th, and aims to encourage passersby to think big, and realize what people can accomplish both as individuals and as a race.
According to Rennert, the sculpture took five months to make.

IDT Energy Offers Incentives to New Customers

Electricity consumers living in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Illinois are eligible to participate in an innovative money saving plan when they sign up as a new customer with IDT Energy. There are two parts to the offer for new customers:

• A maximum of $50 on one month of electric service to be paid in the form of a rebate after the third billing cycle. In addition a second month of free electricity will be given, also with a maximum of $50, which will be rebated during the ninth month after sign-up.

• For no additional cost IDT Energy is offering an appliance protection plan for 6 months. Customers can choose to insure either their washing machine, dryer, oven or refrigerator. The plan does not require the customer to pay a deductible payment, nor are there any exclusions if the appliance has any pre-existing conditions. The plan covers both parts and labor, providing the customer with no unexpected or sudden bills for repairing their appliance.

Customers who already receive their electricity from IDT Energy are also eligible for a different money-saving plan. These customers can enjoy a 10% rate discount for any monthly Home Services plan which IDT offers through their Complete Protection service.

Residents of New York State are not yet eligible for either offer yet, but this program should be available to New York residents soon.

New York Religious Awakenings

The city that never sleeps could also be described as the city that always philosophizes.  At least, there are certainly a whole slew of opportunities for those who enjoy talks on different subjects who find themselves in the Big Apple.

For New Yorkers seeking to explore their Jewish routes, the Jewish Center provides “advanced educational initiatives, offering engaging and relevant courses on a wide variety of Jewish topics.” Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the goal of the center is to “make the study of Torah and the pursuit of wisdom accessible to our members and the broader Jewish community.”

Rabbi Tully Bryks is another address for Jewish soul searchers in New York.  He can be reached online at all times with any questions on life, the world and the universe. The self-described “Rabbi With Answers,” Bryks’ focus is on a whole slew of philosophical subjects ranging from faith in God to finding one’s soul-mate. Bryks is also available to come to you to give a talk on your chosen subject related to religion.

For New York Christians – or just New Yorkers who want to get more involved in establishing a Christian presence, in their lives – New York’s Crenshaw Christian Center established more than a decade ago by Dr. Frederick K. C. Price offers training programs, baby dedications, classes for children, study sessions for adults and more.

Wannabe Buddhists can check out the city’s Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America, Inc. that offers daily Buddhist devotions, documentaries, celebrations and more.   For those specifically seeking happiness through Buddhism, Happy Science was established “to create utopia on Earth – to save all humankind through the worldwide dissemination of the universal Truth as taught by El Cantare, the Lord of all Gods.”

Midtown Manhattan Hosts Children's Literature Exhibit

The New York Public Library is celebrating children's literature with a new exhibit in Midtown Manhattan. The project, which features books ranging from 'The Cat in the Hat' to 'The Hobbit', lists 100 great books from the last 100 years.
The list also included books such as 'Where the Wild Things Are', 'Pippi Longstocking' and 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.'

Beloved children's author Eric Carle, famous for books like 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar', and 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?', as well as Judy Blume, author of  'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing' and 'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret', joined several librarians for a reading and panel discussion.

Leonard Marcus, moderator and curator of the exhibit, said: "Viewed over time, children's books are the collected memory of our hopes and dreams. They are the message in a bottle that each generation tosses out to the next generation in the hope that it may wash ashore and be read and be taken to heart."

Blume discussed her book 'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing', explaining that when she was in fourth grade, the stories were already forming in her head. "But I never told anybody about them because I thought if I did they would think I was weird," she said.

Carle talked about his first book, 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar', revealing that the character was first created by folding paper. Carle originally thought he would be a bookworm, named Willie the Worm. "And I had this wonderful editor and she didn't like the worm so much," Carle explained.

Carle also read his new book 'Friends' to his young audience, a story about a boy on a journey to find his friend.

Midtown Manhattan Time Lapse

City time-lapse videos have been growing in popularity, with one of the latest ones capturing Midtown Manhattan in all it's glory. Even the most indifferent New Yorkers have been moved by the incredible shots, gleaming lights and familiar sounds of the City that Never Sleeps.

What about you?

Minus 5 Opens on Midtown Hotel

Midtown Manhattan recently welcomed Minus 5 to its repertoire of tourist attractions. Located in the lobby of the New York Hilton Manhattan, the ice bar opened earlier this month. The venue, which is essentially an enormous walk-in freezer, has a temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a $20 fee, guests are provided with disposable gloves and parkas. Cocktails are served in ice glasses, or “in the rocks”, and the cavern is decorated with ice sculptures, an ice bar, and ice benches. The ambience is set with a reel of Top 40 hits such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. The Manhattan location is actually the third in the U.S.; two similar scenes can be found in Las Vegas.

VIP reservations can also be made through the hotel. For a fee of $95, this experience includes a drink, a photo and a take-away hat.

 

Bringing Independence Day to Life in NYC

4th of July is this week, and New York City will come alive with festivities. Families and friends across the nation will gather under firework-lit skies to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the day people will commemorate the significant event with barbecues, historical tours, family reunions and so much more.

The Fraunces Tavern, located on Pearl St., offers an extraordinary, authentic way to memorialize the United States and its Founding Fathers. Established in 1762, 14 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed, the tavern was the regular haunt of many important figures throughout American history. George Washington himself bid his soldiers farewell at the very same venue after the Revolutionary War. Considered “New York’s premier historic dining experience,” The Fraunces Tavern genuinely brings history to life, as does its musem, which features manuscripts, books, paintings and objects from the Revolutionary Era.

The Fraunces Tavern Museum preserves thousands of manuscripts written by several of the nation’s founders, including George Washington and Nathan Hale. The Shapell Manuscript Foundation also preserves such documents, including a handwritten letter from President George Washington to Colonels John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin.

Other Independence Day tours and day trips in the New York area include the Boston Freedom Trail with the Paul Revere House, Bunker Hill and the site of the Boston Tea Party, or the South Street Seaport’s Past & Future exhibition.

The Amazing Spiderman and His Young Counterpart Hit Midtown Manhattan

The Amazing Spiderman has hit Manhattan once again, joined this time by his mini-me. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone were spotted shooting scenes alongside a young Spiderboy for the upcoming sequel on Park Ave. and 52nd St. early last week.

Though the child's role has been kept quiet, he will definitely play a part in the battle against the villain Rhino, played by Paul Giamatti. The film, directed by Marc Webb, is expected to be the greatest movie ever produced in the state. It has created 3,500 jobs and hired 11,000 extras thus far.

Andrew Garfield, The Amazing Spiderman, with his Mini-Me in Midtown Manhattan

Is That Really Spiderman?

Yes, for those who happened to be in midtown Manhattan last week, it sure was.  52^nd Street and Park Avenue encountered a visit from both Spidey himself…along with what passers-by suspected could have been the new Spider-Boy.  The sightings was part of the filming of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”.  While there has not been any confirmation or denial that the little boy dressed up as Spiderman is going to be Spider-Boy in the movie, he certainly looked the part.  And it equally remains unknown whether – if he has Spiderman’s little sidekick – he will be privy to the same powers.  But it was certainly fun to watch.

The movie, directed by Marc Webb, is due to be released year.  And there is good news for the state’s economy given that it is anticipated that the movie will generate up to 3,500 jobs along with roles for up to 11,000 extras, rendering it New York’s biggest movie ever to be made.  In addition, last year the franchise of Spiderman was rebooted with Andrew Garfield in the leading role and Emma Stone as Peter parker’s love interest, aka Gwen Stacy.

4 Easy Tips for Energy Saving This Summer

When people start talking about energy conservation and the environment, most listeners begin to sweat. They can’t imagine putting in the effort to compost their left-overs and they can’t envision living without air conditioning in the summer or cutting back on using any of their major appliances. However, conservation and saving on energy doesn’t have to cramp your lifestyle.  There are quite a few basic things the average  person can do that will have an impact on your energy expenses. It makes no difference whether you already see savings from a Retail Energy Provider like IDT Energy or not. You have the power to stay comfortable in your home and save.

Here are 4 surefire ways to conserve energy without compromising your comfort.

1.  Air-dry your towels: Many people spend a lot of time at the beach and pool in the summer. They tend to use a beach towel for two seconds and then to throw it into the hamper. Consider whether your towels really need to be washed before you dump them into the laundry. Maybe they can be used for the beach again tomorrow and maybe you can just air dry them for now. Beach towels are usually thicker than regular bath towels and they require more energy to dry. Why not skip one or two washings a week and save on that energy bill.

2. Cut the Shower Time: Many people don’t notice how much time they spend taking a shower. Studies have actually shown that the typical teenager can spend as much as 45 minutes in the shower. This is a huge water waste, not to mention a waste of the electricity or natural gas required to run your hot water heater, which costs you money. Suds up, rinse and get out.

3. Turn off your computer: "Sleep" is not the same thing as "off" to the computer. Studies have found that 75% of the energy that the home computer uses happens when the owner thinks it’s off. Make sure you actually turn it off.

4. Get your Water Heater Checked: This is a really simple idea. Have your plumber check your water heater to see if it is set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit versus 120. Most homes only need it set to 120 degrees to function properly. Having it at 140 or hotter is just a waste of heating and money. The U.S. Department of Energy actually estimates by lowering your water heater temperature by just 10 degrees, you could save 3-5% in energy costs.

American Girl Place Pajama Sleepover in Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan’s Benjamin Hotel is currently offering the exclusive “American Girl Place Pajama Sleepover.”

The package includes accommodations in a deluxe studio guestroom with two beds, or a suite. The room features a personalized welcome note, a gift bag with the American Girl travel bed, pillow and blanket for the doll, as well as milk and cookie turn-down services for both the guest and her dolls. The deal also includes access to a personal shopper at American Girl Place New York, amenities from Winks’ Kidzzz Club, an organic wool toddler pillow, and kid-sized robes.

American Girl dolls were released in 1986 by Pleasant Company. They focus mainly on different periods of American history. The company has been awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award eight times.

 

Spring Show NYC Takes Off at the Park Avenue Armory

The Spring Show NYC is underway and collectors, art enthusiasts and tourists are flocking to the 67^th Street Armory to experience rare and magnificent art. The show features exhibits from dealers from all over the world, showcasing exquisite collections and antiques ranging from 5000 BC to the 19^th century.

In a string of private interviews, Gail Shields-Miller explored the exhibits of three of the most prestigious dealers in the show. She discussed each one in her design blog.

At Carlton Hobbs, “the emphasis is on unique, rare and collectible. Every piece has a special story about it and comes with an impeccable provenance.” She explained that Carlton Hobbs “occupies a rarefied strata in the antiques business, and primarily seeks out furniture and art which belonged originally to royal families and aristocrats or famous architects of that period in history.”

Next, Miller visited the Lillian Nassau exhibit, which features Tiffany Studio pieces such as lamps, windows, glass, desk accessories and pottery.
“You can also find European ceramics,” Miller wrote. “There was a fabulous collection of vases that caught my eye… and metal work by such luminaries as Albert Paley. The list goes on with several pieces of studio furniture from such notable as George Nakashima, Phil Powell, Wendell Castle and Paul Evans.”

Last, Miller met with Hicham Aboutaam of Phoenix AncientArt. The antiquities dealer manages a collection of rare, precious items from 5000 BC to 14 AD.

Miller wrote, “Collecting and selling antiquities is not only a business but is a manner in which the world learns about past civilizations. The particular selection at Phoenix Ancient Art includes objects from civilizations that lived in Europe, the Near East, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Balkans, Eurasia as well as from the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras in history.”

Bloomberg Plans Midtown Makeover

Michael Bloomberg has made significant changes to the New York skyline during his terms as mayor, and now he hopes to renovate the face of Midtown East.

Mike Slattery, a vice president of the Real Estate Board of New York, supports the mayor’s plan. Indicating a brown brick building on the corner of 42^nd Street and Madison Avenue, he said:

“These are not the kind of buildings that are desirable today.” He pointed across the street and explained: “This is one of the few buildings that have been built in the last 15 years in the district.”

Said building is glass, and twice as tall as the structure across the street. According to Slattery, the
newer building is environmentally efficient, while the high ceilings and open floor space are more modern and high end. Corporate tenants will accept no less, he explained.

The newer building “competes with Tokyo, Shanghai and London. That’s what’s at stake here: New York’s preeminence as a commercial capital,” he said.

Bloomberg’s intended facelift would add five million square feet of office space and generate $100 million in extra tax revenue per year.

 

Four Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

While many New Yorkers expect their bills to rise with the temperature, the summer heat can actually be harnessed to minimize spending. Local companies like IDT Energy offer services and tips to help families keep their energy costs at a minimum.

Here are four ways to conserve energy without compromising comfort during the summer months:

·         Be responsible with your air conditioning. For example, turn it off at night and leave the windows open. In the morning, close the shades to preserve the cool air and keep the sun out.

·         Cook outside, when possible. Stoves and ovens generate large amounts of excess heat, forcing your air conditioner to work overtime. Try using the microwave or toaster oven, or cooking on an outdoor barbecue grill.

·         Air-dry your laundry. The sun and hot summer air are free replacements for your dryer, so hang your clothes up to dry if possible. If not, dry your clothes only partially in the dryer, then let them air dry.

·         Maintain your air conditioner filters. Though simple, this is often neglected, resulting in additional running time and extra strain on the system. By regularly replacing the filters, you ensure total efficiency and minimize cooling costs.

 

Easter in Midtown Manhattan

 

For Easter lovers, NYC is a great place to be.  First, there is the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival that takes place in Midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue.  Scheduled to start at 10am, participants walk through the streets clad in their best Easter bonnet and finery.  For those who don’t want to dress up but just want to sneak a peak, St. Patrick’s Cathedral boasts the best view of it all – it’s a great family event.

For kids there the Children’s Museum Manhattan is hosting the Easter Egg Hunt.  Kids can make their own Easter collages and decorate real eggs.  Paper eggs will be hidden throughout the museum for kids to find and then exchange for special prizes.

For foodies, the Manhattan Easter Brunch at the New York City Hotel, is the epitome of luxury and elegance, where guests can choose caviar, chocolate fondue fountain and more.  There really is something for everyone in Midtown Manhattan; so this year, celebrate your Easter there.

Pie Face in Manhattan

While Pie Face has long been successful as a chain in Australia, it now boasts three locations in New York City as well, one of which is in Midtown Manhattan, located at Seventh Avenue between 35^th and 36^th Streets.  This one – along with its traditional fare of meat, veggie and other pies – also offers quiches and breakfast pies.  According to Spiro Bellas, National Coffee Trainer, while their specialty is a meat pie, traditional apple and cherry pies, they offer “all sorts” of other pies too.

In addition to its pies, the franchise has earned a reputation for its coffee program, with the Midtown location featuring a self-serve coffee bar offering different strength coffees along with a full service espresso bar that produces Australian ‘flat whites’ (a shot of espresso with steamed milk and a thin  layer of foam).

The Manhattan branch of Pie Face is the largest in NYC, open 24 hours a day and is the first that has a seating area, with wooden paneling to create a “warm, earthy and natural feel.”  There are no artificial preservatives used in the food either.

Caring for a Sick Loved One, Non-Medically

When a loved one is in pain, family and friends are often at a loss as how to help. This is especially true for those who lack medical knowledge.  While one is not able to find a cure however, they can still do much – non-medically – to ease the very challenging process.  In the US, two particular families come to light as examples: the Bramontes and Jim Donovan.

Since there are so many American Cancer Society volunteers, the hosts an annual National Volunteer Week.  2012 marks its 40th year and a whole slew of events will be held for the incredible 3 million individuals in New York City who have been a part of this.  This year’s events will take place between 15 to 21 April. 

Particular individuals who are being honored this year by the American Cancer Society include the Bramonte family.  Two weeks after he survived the Twin Towers attack, Mark Bramonte was diagnosed with CLL, an incurable form of leukemia.  Some years later as his health was really deteriorating, the Rituxan drug gained FDA approval which saved him.  Those around him were so grateful that they wanted to find a way to give back; his wife Graceann became the Survivor Chair for the Bay Ridge Relay For Life; his oldest daughter Chirsta sits on the Relay For Life Committee at University of Delaware and volunteers with the Bay Ridge Relay For Life; his middle child Stephanie  sits on the Relay For Life Committee at Manhattan College and assists the Bay Ridge Relay For Life; and his youngest child Matthew also sits on the Bay Ridge Relay For Life Committee. Mark himself is also active and is now trying to expand Relay in the District Schools. Mark’s cancer was clearly a family affair and proved how even without medical knowledge, loved ones can be incredibly supportive.

Another example is James Donovan.  He was devastated when his good friend was diagnosed with cancer and likewise did not know how to help.  In a recent article he wrote about this issue, describing feeling “helpless.”  He thus sought other ways to support him, by “keep[ing] him positive and mak[ing] him as comfortable as possible.”   However, when he finally lost the battle against the disease, Donovan again felt helpless and wanted to continue the fight in a different way.  While he knew he was not “qualified to have a ‘hands-on’ role in the health care industry,” he put his business and finance skills to practice by “shar[ing] them with organizations to help advance their missions.”  Today he sits on the Board of Trustees of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Board of Directors. He is also a member of The Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, and he created the Jim Donovan Fund for Prostate Cancer Research at Dana-Farber. He is co-host of a yearly breakfast fundraiser for the Institute and more.

There is always a way to help those going through cancer or other terrible diseases and above are just two examples.  As the Baramontes and Jim Donovan have shown, even without medical knowledge there are plenty of skills that can be put to tremendous use so that one does not end up feeling helpless in the face of cancer.

International Safety Group Announces Addition

In recent news for a New York City based company, International Safety Group just announced the appointment of Charles Gargano to its Board of Directors.  ISG is an occupational risk management services company that provides risk management services, construction safety, fire safety and more in NYC and throughout the tri-state area. They are part of the portfolio of companies that OmniView Capital Advisors with Abraxas J. Discala advises.

Charles Gargano has spent over 20 years in public service at the Federal and State level. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson Univeresity and Manhattan College and has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA. He also has four honorary doctorate degrees and he was a US Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from 1988 to 1991.

As Charles Gargano stated about his new position with ISG,

 "I am pleased to join the Board of such a quality company that is involved in such critical aspects of the building and construction industry. I look forward to utilizing my expertise and contacts to help International Safety Group continue its momentum."

Michael Gianatasio, President and CEO of ISG said,

"We are happy that Charles has joined our Board of Directors as we continue to build a robust team. Charles' construction, engineering, public service and political expertise will be very beneficial for our company as we continue to work on larger contracts and projects."

 Certainly, this news is exciting for ISG and for those who help them like OmniView Capital Partners and AJ Discala.

Manhattan Bread and Bagel Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

Manhattan Beach’s Manhattan Bread and Bagel is preparing to celebrate its 20^th anniversary by offering its 1993 prices for a week. The rollback will begin on Saturday, February 23^rd. Bagels will cost 45 cents and sandwiches will sell at no more than $4.55 until March 1^st.

Owner Michael Keegan said:

“We’re making things from scratch the old-fashioned way and hope to continue doing the same for many more years."

He explained that his wife was the one who wanted to open a restaurant, but that he hesitated in the beginning.

“I said, ‘No, I don’t want to open a restaurant. It’s too competitive and people go in and out of business. What we need in this town is a bagel bakery. There are no fresh bagels that are any good in this area’,” Keegan said. “At the time there were no stores like that that sold fresh-made bagels in Manhattan, Hermosa or Redondo."

Since its inception in 1993, Manhattan Bread and Bagel has turned into a 24 hour business. It has 18 full-time and 10 part-time employees.

Manhattan-Based Zarsha Leo a Dream Come True

New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Millions of people pass through the city on a monthly basis. The hub of the excitement is Manhattan, making it the perfect place to headquarter a new business. Evan Burschkopf, a Brooklyn-born restaurant enthusiast, has done just that.

Launched in 2011, Zarsha Leo is a Midtown-based restaurant-bar that prides itself on its trendy, All-American ambience, traditional grill menu and live sports broadcasts. Burschkopf, the CEO, has always dreamt of opening such a venue, and is thrilled with the franchise’s success.

“I never imagined the franchise would reach such a large scale in so little time,” Burschkopf said. “We have branches throughout North America, Europe and Asia, and are currently expanding in other regions as well.”

Valentine's Day Weddings at the Empire State Building

There’s always something fun to do in midtown on Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter). For three happy couples today, that fun just got even more exciting. Three couples will be getting married today on top of the Empire State Building. They were the winners of an online contest that was sponsored by the management of the building and they have each won an all-expenses paid dream wedding!

One couple is from Massachusetts, another is from Washington DC and the third is from Florida. Manhattan event designer Preston Bailey is in charge of all of the wedding details. As he said, “They are going to be really blown away.”

Perhaps you can catch a glimpse of these couples today as they say their vows. Then, enjoy a romantic lunch at Triomphe, which is part of Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel. And take in an afternoon or evening Broadway show.

Shimmie Horn

Now that’s the way to enjoy a beautiful Valentine’s Day in the city!

Manhattan's Most Popular Dog Name Revealed

Though names like Bingo, Max and Rex are known as some of the most popular amongst pooches, new license data has revealed a new winner in Manhattan: Lucy!

According to dog registration in the borough, 204 dogs answer to that name in Manhattan alone. It is also the most popular name for pets in the Upper East and Upper West sides.

Jil Gans, Upper East Side resident and owner of Lucy, a 3-year-old Wheaton terrier, said:

“It’s just a catchy, adorable name. People hear it and it sticks.”

Next in line is the name Lola, which is shared by 192 dogs in the area. The stats go on the list several unusual names throughout the borough, including Carmelo, Jeter, and Elwood.

Kay Powers of the West Village explained that unusual names grant dogs individuality.

“I wouldn’t name one of my kids a top 10 most popular name. Why would I do that with my dog?” she said.

Further data reveals that the most popular breeds in NYC are Yorkies, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas.