the best holiday windows are consecutively BERGDORF GOODMAN’S. this year, one of the windows concerned a chapter on alcohol—and of course—this window was designed by pisces, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN! pisces is the zodiac sign of the alcoholic. (i even list mr. mcqueen on the back of my pisces COCKTAIL CANDLE box as a FAMOUS FELLOW DRUNK). the charts of alcoholics were studied and it was found that those with a prominent placement of PISCES in their chart were more prone to the disease. PISCES rules the planet of NEPTUNE and is an escapist, dreamy, disconnected, other-worldly personality. PISCES men are sexy as hell-and they design the most fantastic clothes ; ) but so how cool is this window though?!

the following was written by guest blogger Beth–thanks beth!

When you dig deep enough you find all sorts of astrological correspondences associated with different mystic schools of thoughts. From the twelve paths in the Jewish Kabbalah to tarot cards associated with each of the signs, astrology is everywhere. Practicing my own form of mysticism I’d like to propose just one more, that of the mystic art of Jell-O Shots. Now before you laugh, this system is a very carefully thought out, taking all of ten minutes, like most good pop spiritualism. It is based on the Jell-O system of colors and flavors and the propensity of each astrological sign to enjoy them.

There is a wealth of information on the Internet on how to create Jell-o shots, from actual recipes to recommendations to containers, so I won’t bore you with the details here. Seeing that there is only one good way to down a Jell-O shot, straight up, with a sharp intake of breath, it is also appropriate to do so in a meditative state, full of the awareness of the stuff of life, while reciting your particular mantra for the experience. So mix up your iconic flavor and follow me to the path of true enlightenment, or at least a good time, now that you have the appropriate guide.

Aries–Full of fire and energy, your color is red, your flavor strawberry, reminding you of the innocence of your youth and that awful strawberry wine you used to down while trying to woo the women or when the men tried to woo you. Meditation: Slow down and pay attention and you may reduce the number of accidents you experience. You just may lower of your insurance bill as well.


Taurus-For sensual Taurus, there just isn’t the right Jell-O flavor as unfortunately there is no chocolate jell, only Jell-O pudding, which does poorly as a Jell-O shot. However, with a little extra patience, with which you abound, and creativity, you can mix up clear gelatin and amaretto for a perfectly delightful Jell-O shot experience. Meditation: Why do the best things in life come with such a high price tag and when is there a sale?


Gemini–For the twins there are two options, lemon or lime, these corresponding to the two most prolific colors in your personal color pallet. Yes, Gemini, your wardrobe is just as talkative as you are, to the everlasting amusement of the people you know. Case in point, Hillary Clinton has Uranus in Gemini sitting on her Ascendant. She has this absolutely hideous yellow suit she insists on wearing. Some people just shouldn’t dress themselves and this might include you. That hardly matters to you as you are just in it for the good time anyway, Gemini. Meditation: Why do people think I talk too much? And why won’t they tell me about it?


Cancer–No one deserves a delicious taste treat more, and just about no one enjoys it better than you, if you can calm that nervous stomach, that is. You take care of everyone and then wonder why no one takes care of you, leading you to speculate if anyone really loves you. Relax, Cancer. While it may not help you find true love, a Pina Colada Jell-O shot will lead you in the right direction. Meditation: Can I buy those antique lamps without my spouse finding out?


Leo-the color that represents you, your majesty, is the color of sun and the color of true money, gold. And since you are a friendly sort, welcoming all kinds of people into your sphere to serve you, pineapple is the Jell-O flavor that best represents your sun shiny personality. Meditation: What can I do to get more attention? I deserve it, don’t I?


Virgo–Classic astrologers associate the color white with Virgo, seeing you are so pure and all. (Yeah, right!). And believe it or not, Jell-O has accommodated you with a special flavor, Margarita, which contains all the sweet goodness of the original. In the true spirit of Virgo, the saltiness is concealed within a pleasing picture of refinement and good taste. Just make sure you don’t down too many of these or your stomach will scold you like you scold the kids. Meditation: Why does my spouse say that I’m too critical? I’ll give ‘em a piece of my mind for that one.


Libra–Reference works are just as indecisive as you are, dear Libra, when it comes to ascribing a color to you. One site said, “Any color that is pleasing to the eye.” This only reflects your propensity for taking everyone’s sides in arguments, since you seek harmony above all things. After much consideration and experimentation, this astrologer ascribes the Jell-O flavor “mixed fruit” to your sign, as it seeks, just as you do, to achieve harmonious blending of diverse flavors. Meditation: Why do people want me to make decisions?


Scorpio–Simmering with life’s forbidden passions, you are symbolized by both the color black and red. This is why the flavor black cherry is tailor made for you. No stranger to the world of alternate experiences, Scorpio, you find this flavor association perhaps reminiscent of childhood cold remedies, but hey, you enjoyed those too. Meditation: How can I convince the cutie in the corner to come home with me?


Sagittarius–Your traditional color is purple, leading us to the ubiquitous grape Jell-O shot. But you are fire sign as well, as if you are not so copasetic with imbibing things reminiscent of childhood cold remedies, like our Scorpio friends. Give perky peach a try. Meditation: What excuse can I give the boss today?


Capricorn–Taciturn Saturn ruled people are not left out in the cold by our friends at Jell-O. The flavor cranberry was created just for you, with that sharp sweet tartness we’ve come to know from you. Whether you are hobnobbing with the gentry or slumming with the Jones, this taste treat will make people think twice about you. Meditation: What dirt can I dig up on the boss so I can win that promotion?


Aquarius–I don’t know why people keep calling you quirky. After all, Aquarius, you are a true pioneer, marching to the beat of your own drummer, showing the rest of us where the fun is to be had. While the world catches up with you, catch a berry blue Jell-O shot that will help you resonate to the forces of the Universe. Meditation: Why do people call me weird and why don’t I care?


Pisces–Lovely, ephemeral Pisces deserves something as effervescent as you are. For you, dear Pisces, I recommend the flavor apricot, which is just as unusual, just as refined and just a difficult to find as you are. Meditation: Why is the boss looking for me?


Beth is a professional astrologer with over twenty years experience counseling clients in career and relationship issues. Following in the footsteps of mediocre writers who start their own religions, Beth has decided to promote spiritual enlightenment through jell shots tied to astrological associations. She promises though that there is no need to find “clear” or that mysterious forces other than natural spirits will not take over your body. However, since Beth also promotes moderation in all things, to the vexation of her family, the use of Jell-O shots for enlightenment does not give her followers carte blanche to get blotto in the name of spiritual attainment. You can reach her at starrynightastro@aol.com for further guidance. Beth can be found at astrologymediapress.com/astrologyexplored.

this week, COMIDA will unveil the BEEKEEPER MARTEANI in honor of earth day. made with organic honey syrup, and chamomile tea-infused organic vodka, this is a leoan libation. yes, the sunny chamomile flower belongs to leo, the sign that loves to be loved. leo should indeed be honored with such a prestigious launch date for she wants nothing more than to be recognized for her outstanding efforts… think madonna, think obama. i have quite a few leo friends and they are all excellent, kind, and conscientious workers. similar to the honey bee, they quietly toil. but unlike the honey bee, they won’t be content to drone on without some pats on the head or a bowl of creamy honey. so give the good little leos in your life some acknowledgment… those kind words will recharge them in the most literal sense. we love ya leo! and we love the honey bee too…

albert einstein (pisces) said that without bees, mankind will have four years to live. this is because they cross pollinate our food supply and without them to do it for us, we will do it ourselves at a woefully sad pace. a.k.a. we’ll starve to death. he wasn’t a dummy, mr. einstein, so he might be onto something with his dire prediction. bee die off is a collassal problem at present, due to colony collapse disorder. we believe this illness is a form of mass bee suicide caused by A) pesticide and herbicide B) genetically modified organism crops C) cell phone signals bouncing of satellites; electro magnetic radiation D) over work (we don’t even let bees hibernate anymore but wake them up in the dead of winter and ship them out to california to pollinate almonds). you think you need a vacation? i would wanna kill myself too if i were a bee!

i hope i’ve established that colony collapse disorder is a real phenonmon, and one what we all need to concern ourselves with remedying. COMIDA is doing a little something to help… every time you order a BEE KEEPER MARTEANI at COMIDA (82nd st & columbus ave, nyc… near the children’s museum of new york and the american museum of natural history) they will donate $1 to PlanBeeCentral.com. wait, it gets better! COMIDA uses 100% organic honey to create this philanthropic cocktail and that stuff is not cheap. i do believe organic honey is one of the most expensive organic products you can possibly buy. think about it… the farmer must section off vast acreage of pesticide, herbicide and GMO-free crops. you can imagine how many flowers it takes to make just one drop of honey. but the lucky bees that get to make it… i am sure those are some of the happiest and thankful bees on the planet! i bet they get up every morning and can’t wait to get to work!

so happy earth day everyone, and please stop in at COMIDA to taste my (and leo’s) latest tipple, the BEE KEEPER MARTEANI.

BEE KEEPER MARTEANI:
(martini glass, up)

2 oz chamomile infused organic vodka
1 ½ oz chamomile organic honey tea syrup
½ oz lime
comb honey (carefully cut one square out and rest on side of glass for garnish)

***to infuse chamomile organic vodka, steep 10 tea bags in 750 ml bottle for one week.
***to make organic honey syrup, combine 1 cup organic honey with 3 cups hot water.

my favorite pisces of all time is albert einstein. i loved his wild fro, and even more, i loved his unyielding piscean compassion… he was a vegetarian. like all the hyper-sensitive water signs (pisces, cancer, scorpio) it is the sign of the two fish that is probably the most sympathetic. the dreamy and irrisistable mind of pisces is ocean of deep thoughts, that are as deep as the ocean. this great genius is the author of both quotes below which capture the essence of of pisces:

“All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge.” (source)

“Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” (source)

happy birthday pisces : )

(source)

Well, this is a new one… a most unusual affair presented by Hendrick’s Gin. drinking and shoe shining, to my knowledge, aren’t usually don’t in tandem. but this thursday, november 1st, all that will change. Show up with your embarrassingly scuffed shoes at Pete’s Tavern, where they’re handing out G & T’s with shoe shine chasers.

“Life is simply too glorious not to experience the odd delights of quaffing a complimentary Hendrick’s and tonic whilst our chaps shine your brogues. Admission is Free and attire is shoes to shine.”

Now who rules the feet children? that’s right, pisces!

With all the recent hype about the fabulous green gastro-pub, COUNTER, in nyc, i figured it was time to write that post i’d been sitting on for months. (My moon sign is Taurus, which tends to make me a lazy-ass procrastinator). A week or so ago the New York Times wrote them up in an article on healthy cocktails, which was quite worth musing, as noted by TLM.

WHAT SIGN IS COUNTER?
Astrologer Nadine Kennedy gave me me a few tips on how best to to discern the astrological sign of a bar or restaurant:
1) Most important, is the day of opening.
2) However, the day of breaking ground or starting renovations would also play a role in the chart.
3) And the day on which important paperwork was signed or filed (ie, liquor license, name filing, etc.) is also significant.
BUT, it’s not the in the budget here at IZ to allow for the hiring of PI’s to track down such details. Hence I’m sticking to the opening day of the joint. Here goes…

THE ASTROLOGY OF COUNTER:
Opened on March 6th, COUNTER is a PISCES, “the day of beauty lovers.”

The first thing that struck me upon entering the watery bistro was it’s sage green walls. Pisces’ color is a SOFT SEA FOAM GREEN! Woah…

Pisces element is WATER, and the large candle display on the wall was dripping like a giant frozen WATERFALL!

Bottles of LIQUID were placed prominently around the restaurant. Huge containers of spirit infusions, along with racks of decorative wines, and an impressive martini bar, were all meant to be noticed. Able to DRINK LIKE A FISH, Pisces produces more ALCOHOLICS than any other sign! (This is thanks to the dreamy and addictive influence exerted by Neptune and Jupiter, in that order).

Pisces is the sign of two fishes, struggling to swim in opposite directions. One hoping to dive to the bottom of ocean and hide from life in a seaweed forest. The other could be a flying fish, and leap right out of the ocean, it’s aim is so high. These opposite-natured fish must learn to swim in harmony with each other, but they never truly will. Theirs is the burden of knowing that both pain and pleasure exist in our world, and even more so, in their mind. COUNTER serves a bottle of wine for $10, and another for $10,000 (seriously). such extremes are life for pisces.

Even the art was matted with a light green color. Stereoscopic photographs were mounted on several walls, taken of the restarant’s own herb & edible flower rooftop garden. Upon request, stereo viewers are available to view these pictures (which makes the images so clear, it’s like looking at the actual flower itself.) My dad collects antique stereo views, so I know a thing or two about them. In the days before television, this was entertainment.

COUNTER makes a point of serving green booze. If it’s not certified organic, then it’s close. These days, the organic certification standards are so high, and so expensive, that a lot of brands have opted not to pursue it. But with a little research it is relatively easy to figure out which ones use organic grains, or renewable energy, or recycled packaging – and are hence “light” green. Dark green refers to die-hard environmentalist standards, and light to, well, lighter standards. In my book, anyone that makes some sort of a conscious effort is helping to solve our polar bear problem.

They also serve kosher spirits. Oy vey, who knew?!
A healthy selection of boidynamic wines are also on their list.

The libations are flirtatiously & creatively named, with titles such as NOT TONIGHT DEAR (above: juniper gin, sweet & dry vermouth, muddled raspberries) and THE ANGRY LESBIAN (tarragon-infused vodka with framboise, young ginger & orange nectar). I never tasted one of these, but she was rather good. Each drink has it’s own cute little tale. My fave was TIE ME TO THE BEDPOST, made with lavender & rosemary infused vodka, topped with cranberry and lime nectar. “According to local lore in Gloucestershire, England, rosemary only thrives if the mistress of the house is also the master.

COUNTER offers delicious, organic vegetarian and vegan fare, along with an admiral cocktail menu. Their wine and spirit list is equally impressive. The Atmosphere’s casual cool, and the price is right with tipples for the taking at twelve bucks a pop.

THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRTHDAYS by Gary Goldschneider & Joost Eiffers lists March 6 as “The Day of the Beauty Lovers”. (this is an amazingly accurate read btw, totally worth picking up, or flipping to your page in Barnes & Noble).
***As always, go to amazon through Kittykind to give them a 15% donation.

(Photo credit Howard Berman)

OWNER ALCOHOLIC
OWNER ALLERGIC
OWNER RELOCATED
OWNER PASSED AWAY
OWNER HOMELESS
OWNER BORED
OWNER CAN NO LONGER AFFORD

I’ve been on the pet rescue circuit for many years, and have heard them all – even from my own sister. Excuses, for unloading a pet, once considered a family member. Homeless pets are the result of unfortunate circumstance through no fault of their own. They are guilty of only one thing: wanting a place to call home. Personally, every pet i’ve ever owned has been a rescue. My supermodel cat, Holly, actually was taken from an alcoholic. Nice enough guy, but wouldn’t spay his cats. So I did it – and grabbed all the kittens. Now my sister (different one), on the other hand, insists on buying her pets from pet stores. The last three have been bow-legged, retarded and deaf, in that order. It sounds funny, but it’s not – it’s true. Meanwhile, the compliments i get on my Siberian Husky, La Femme Nikita, are uncanny. I cannot leave the house without getting some comment on her looks, manners, personality, hair cut, collar, owner (ha-ha), whatever. “Really, SHE is a rescue? No!” Insinuating that rescued pets are damaged goods, which they are so not. We need to spread the word peeps: Sheltered pets are A-OK!

Join animal rights advocate, Bernadette Peters, next Monday, August 6th in Union Square Park (NYC). Bernadette is the most compassionate of all the signs, a Pisces, FYI! A 10am Press conference will unveil the new CACC ad campaign, to be followed with adoptions and giveaways until 2pm. This is a great chance to adopt a furry love muffin, or two, or three, if you haven’t all ready.