Steve Strange and Sam Fox to record new song in Dover

Called Dirty N Flirty apparently. Weekend after next.

Meeks inherits... Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple

Dearest, dearest Madame,

I hope you're peachy. It's been a long time since last we spoke. 

I thought you'd be interested to know, if it has not yet come to your attention (a phrase which now reminds me of those silly, vulgar yet absolutely delicious parodies of Chloe Sevigny that now litter the internet, click here) that the sainted Ms Rutherford is now the subject of a play which is doing rather well up in Edinburgh.

It's called Murder, Marple and Me (click here) and by a gentleman called Philip Meeks who I think you'd adore - if you haven't already crossed paths as he used to be a rather good publicist. His wit manages to be both warm and cutting, which is a rare gift. He's on Twitter as @PhilipMeeks. You should speak about your mutual passion.

With all best wishes as always.

C x 

Darling C

Thank you so much for your recommendation - I do adore any attempt to impersonate me, especially since I started the trend of impersonating me, whoever that is. I shall have to check this Mr Meeks out.

May I also thank you for staying true as an Arcatiste. Certain fickle types have swanned off in hot pursuit of literary awards, imagining that their presence on Twitter and Facebook marks a new age in social media at the expense of blogging. However, posting holiday snaps and details of latest doings - vain toil to create a virtual salon of lapdogs and other creeps - is no substitute for what a blogger can offer, as your timely letter reminds us.

Margaret Rutherford as Philip Meeks' avatar

But for my selfless regard for others, would I now be in possession of the knowledge you have imparted? Would I now know of Mr Meeks and his promising show about me had I merely posted a photo of a mini-me on Facebook? I merely ask the question.

Much love as ever

MA x

Molly Parkin and Gill Manly: Jazz duo undress the lies of handsome men

Molly Parkin and Gill Manly. Photo by Andrew Logan

Alternative Miss World founder Andrew Logan took this exclusive pic of Molly Parkin and singer-songwriter Gill Manly for their Sept 5 London jazz gig, 'The Lies of Handsome Men' (which is also the title of Manly's latest album) at Pizza Express, Dean St, Soho.

Accompanied by Simon Wallace, jazz goddess and torch diva Gill Manly sings Moll's newly-written poems set to music as well as her own work, exploring the 'tricky and complex role of women as lovers, wives and mistresses.' I shouldn't be surprised if Moll also performs on stage as reader.

Moll Telexes me:

'THIS PUBLICITY SHOT WAS TAKEN IN MY HOME YESTERDAY, THE WHITE -WALLED CORRIDORS OF POWER ON THE WORLD'S END ESTATE,TAKEN BY ANDREW LOGAN WHO HAD POPPED IN, PRIOR TO OUR DINING IN THE GLOAMING ON THE LAWNS OF THE CHELSEA ARTS CLUB.

WE  THREE. HE, ME AND GILL MANLY (AS KNOWN TO HER LEGION OF JAZZ FANS, INCLUDING THE DALAI LAMA FOR WHOM SHE HAS ALREADY PERFORMED) HAVE, ALL OF US, VENUS ARISING IN OUR STARS.. LEADING TO A PARTICULARLY HARMONIOUS  OCCASION...

'ANDREW LOGAN WILL OCCUPY PRIDE OF PLACE, FRONT ROW, AT OUR UPCOMING CONCERT. THE RUSH FOR TICKETS IS ALREADY ON FOR POTTY-MOUTHED MOI AND MS GILL. AND MA IS ALWAYS FIRST WITH THE NEWS.

'THIS IS OUR VERY FIRST PHOTO SHOOT AND VERY FIRST JAZZ DATE, WITH MANY MORE IN THE PIPELINE WITH MY NEW CAREER AS A JAZZ LYRICIST, WITH SIMON WALLACE. TRANSFORMING MY POEMS TO MUSIC, (AS HE DID TO GLOBAL SUCCESS WITH THE LATE FRAN LANDESMAN). ....PRIOR TO MY RECORDING OF A JAZZ  ALBUM WITH SIMON WALLACE.'

 T 0845 6027 017. www.pizzaexpresslive.com.

Andrew Logan: Time to honour the man who's 'shitting glitter'

'Andrew Logan Phenomenal
Elizabeth Taylor Portrait'

Some time ago I wondered (very) aloud why venerable actor Christopher Lee had not yet been knighted, when just about anyone garlanded with a sporty medal is honoured by the age of 30. It took awhile for comprehension to sink in, but one day I awoke to the news that Sir Christopher had arrived.

I now turn my attention to Andrew Logan. Not merely founder of Alternative Miss World, he is a celebrated sculptor, jewellery-maker, performance artist, painter and portraitist - a fine example is his Elizabeth Taylor, currently on sale on eBay for a modest £22,250 - 'postage' is an extra £500. Buy here.

Andrew Logan's Red Bracelet: £280

His international influence is without question - no object may be saved from conscription into his multi-media fantasies and bling; and Los Angeles, Monterrey and St Petersburg have hosted his exhibitions, among other places. Not one celebrity has so much as grazed their moist, perfumed flesh on the jagged glass framed in his pendants, necklaces or bracelets: to turn a stellar ego into a looking glass for other stellar egos to gaze into for auto-erotic delight is itself a subversively amusing phenomenon, an irony lost on many of the mirror dolls in their showbiz get-ups, perhaps. Even planets have a part to play in his artistic vision - so naturally, I am a fan.

When our dreadful leaders have quite sated themselves on the persecution of the poor, unemployed, disabled and anyone else perceived as economically vulnerable for a cheap slash, perhaps they might like to consider honouring Mr Logan (a Libran btw, born 1945) and demonstrate to the world that British talent does not start or end in the fucking Olympic Village.

If you want to learn more about Logan I recommend you see the 2011 movie documentary, The British Guide to Showing Off, which explores and celebrates his glittery and anarchic world, and features the 'shitting glitter' observation (by gorgeous Grayson Perry, I think). Here's the trailer....

Julien Temple's London Babylon flick - catch it (and Molly Parkin) on BBC2

I recently mentioned Julien Temple's homage-collage-documentary film of our Olympics metropolis, London - The Modern Babylon, which features many talking heads including that of permanent fiancee and Chelsea cheerleader, Molly Parkin. I now see that it will be shown on BBC2, August 11, 21:20-23:25: it'll soon be on iPlayer, too. The trailer can be viewed here.

Babylon (which was better titled 'BabyLon(Don')) zips you through the sundry manifestations of what passes for the city's street life and history, courtesy of the BFI archives, starting from about the 1890s to the present day, to the soundtrack of various pop and rock anthems. Secular hedonism is the primary organic motive in this celluloid gospel - and it may be correct. Reviewers generally adore the flick - I particularly like The Arts Desk's critique, here.

The Mars rover Curiosity mission: what has astrology to say?

The Mars robot Curiosity. But will it land? [NASA/JPL-Caltech]

At around 5.30am GMT (6.30am BST in the UK), on August 6, we should know whether the nuclear powered Mars rover Curiosity Lander has arrived safely on the planet after a 350m-mile trip. Its mission is to find signs of life. So what does astrology have to say about its chances of landing safely - given that many Martian adventures have ended in tears.

It's a tricky question because horoscopes do not speak in plain headlines. They require interpretation - this is as much an art as methodology. And do you know anyone who's infallible - such as your doctor, lawyer or particle physicist? No. Nonetheless, I have asked the question; so, here we go.....

The Placidus chart is drawn up for 26 November 2011, Cape Canaveral, Florida, 10:02am (local time; 15:02 UT): the place and time of Curiosity's launch. This places the mission's Sun in Sagittarius (expansion and exploration) in the 11th House - the house of space technology, among other things.  Mercury retrograde (communication and travel) is also in the 11th while Uranus (science) sits in the 3rd (ruled by Mercury) along with a generally strong Jupiter.

These are very constructive and promising positions notwithstanding Mercury retrograde which at the very least may indicate delay of some sort - but the precise effect of retrogrades is still uncertain.

Other indicators are also positive. I like Mars in Virgo in the 8th: this describes the huge energy and exacting detailed work poured into this project: Mars is also part of an Earth Grand trine to Pluto and Jupiter, symbolising the dogged, delving practical application of knowledge in pushing back frontiers.

With this set-up I would be surprised if the mission is a failure.

There are problems in the chart. Mars is opposite Neptune, but the orb is very wide (9 degrees) which may simply denote the necessity of unclouded intellect. This opposition apexes in the 11th House Sun in a mutable t-square - perhaps repeating the point I've just made: science rules energy and aspiration. Saturn (limitation, responsibility) in the 9th house (exploration; long-distance travel) may be taken as a bad omen by some, but since this is not an accident-prone chart, the planet here may tell of the mission's huge undertaking and dedication to expanding knowledge.

So, Curiosity should land safely. And what of the mission itself, to find life? Saturn sextile Mercury could suggest that the short trips the lander embarks on will be successful if not productive. Pluto (sub-surface investigation) linked to Mercury by stellium, also sextiles Saturn - another good sign. Sun trine Uranus in Aries is excellent for broadening knowledge.

Molly Parkin: 'Cunts' at Harpers & Queen and her London Olympics movie

Molly & Sophie Parkin

I'm not entirely certain that I have returned to blogging but while I'm here, an opportune moment to catch up on the doings of permanent fiancee Molly Parkin.

Today is launched Julien Temple's collage-documentary movie London: The Modern Babylon (or, 'BabyLon/Don', my preferred title, still on Imdb), pegged to the Olympics. One of its stars is Molly who sheds aesthetic light on the filthy capital and its sulphur glamour. The film is Time Out's flick of the week so it must be good. Certainly the Guardian's Peter Bradshaw thinks it's brilliant, so hopefully it will get national distribution beyond the limited number of London flea pits, and help counter the insidious influence of the latest Batman movie, starring a certifiable psycho who hates his mother and was rude to his grandmother.

I would link the film but some jobsworth has decided the trailer can only be viewed on YouTube, so you can find it yourself if you can't shift up to the metropolis.

Molly is also to be viewed in the delightful movie linked below, in conversation at the Soho Theatre the other night with daughter, writer Sophie Parkin, currently working on a book about the infamous, seminal Soho Colony Room, out in December. What both have to say about Soho is almost as fascinating as the edgy interplay between mother and daughter. Remind me not to fall out with either of them. Moll reports that in the 50s, when she was a virgin and an art teacher, it was not uncommon, as she made her way along Soho thoroughfares, for her to be taken for a French tart, and 'a Degas ballet French tart' at that, by lowlife doorway club urchins.

We learn more about Colony queen Muriel Belcher, too, who was only a bit lesbian apparently. 'Come here, cunty,' she'd say to Moll. Apropos of Moll's glittery employment history, 'I did have an awful gruelling time on Harpers (& Queen), what a bunch of cunts there....'

To view the encounter, click here
.

Gore Vidal - and that dreaded Anaïs Nin horoscope

Gore Vidal in the 1940s

Now that he's dead at long last - 86 is not bad for a prodigious boozer - I can't think of much to say of him. He (mainly) said it all. By 1989, when I interviewed Gore Vidal in a London hotel, he was already spreading rumours of his imminent death, and publicised an exotic-sounding likely cause called Epstein-Barr. References to this ME-type illness had dropped off by the early 2000s as the dilatory grim reaper paid visits to other parts of his person. Mainly via a whisky glass so far as I could tell.

A fussed and fussy short, thickset man (his long-term 'companion' Howard Austen) had answered the hotel door and ushered me into a sitting room where GV joined me promptly. A fat edited manuscript of his poor novel Hollywood lay on a table. We soon fell out. I made the mistake of mentioning the horoscope his one-time close friend Anaïs Nin had cast for him, with its very acute character analysis. Oh deary me. GV didn't sulk but he bitched big-time. The cold, sharp comments fell as if an ice bucket had been upturned on the hotel's creamy coloured shag.

Despite this, in my subsequent write-up I found myself observing that Great Britain did not have a Gore Vidal: no equivalent figure ticked all his boxes - a literary star with the Hollywood-imported glamour who was also a TV talking-head and gossip column favourite - all rendered shinier by the Kennedy and other aristocratic family connections, the Ravello swallow's nest palace and the self-reported 1000 fuckees (a few women, mostly men) by the age of 25. (He had a taste for small male dancers, apparently.)

The nearest non-American GV-simulacrum was a composite of Martin Amis, Clive James, Germaine Greer and Duncan Fallowell. But no one else had all that he had. They were facets of his self-crafted diamond.

So, what of Anaïs Nin and her horoscope? To discover her and it, seek out The Journals of Anaïs Nin (Volume Four 1944-1947) and head for pp 132-133. In her non-astrological character sketch of GV, then just around aged 20 and already on the cusp of writer-celebrityhood, she describes a man largely unchanged 60 years later: 'He mocks his world,' she wrote, 'but draws strength from being in the Social Register, from his friends' high position.... I was saddened by his vanity, his display of position. He was partly dependent on worldly attributes. Terribly in need of glorification. I saw his persona in the world. It was another Gore.'

The horoscope analysis is worth reading, too. A brief gist: 'He is not satisfied with power... what balances him is the power to rebel against authority. Emotional rebellions offset the power-loving side. Mystical unconscious.'

I recall Duncan Fallowell's shrewd observation of GV - blessed with a tremendous sense of mischief, unusual in a successful man. I don't think Anaïs picked up on that.

For further reflection on GV, go to Ms Baroque's rather glorious site. Click here.

Lively interview with Gore Vidal at his old villa in Ravello, La Rondinaia (Swallow's Nest) with some lovely interior snooping

Duncan Fallowell wins UK's only literary prize for memoir

Duncan Fallowell

Belatedly, I must congratulate long-time Arcatiste Duncan Fallowell on winning the PEN/Ackerley Prize for Memoir (2012) for his dazzling How to Disappear: A Memoir for Misfits. Madame Arcati was of course the first to review this title - a critique which arose from my readerly self-lubrication.

Duncan won against stiff competition - Brian Sewell may have been regarded as the favourite. Fortunately, the judges yielded to exquisite temptation and let loose the feral spirit that abhors genre, genre and genre. How to Disappear is hard to categorise: memoir of a sort, a travel book to some extent, a tour of forgotten weirdos, among whom Evelyn Waugh's ex-boyfriend (RIP). It is a work of wisdom (ie accumulated tricks) and of restrained debauchery - and of marathon detective work. It features a peculiar paranormal happening - conceivably.

Ditto Press must also be congratulated for producing a book that looks like it wants to be treasured and appreciated as art in its own right.

The PEN/Ackerley is Britain's only literary prize dedicated to memoir and autobiography. A number of reputable publishers rejected the book before new indy house Ditto took it on. Youth may not assure us a virile publishing future unafraid of literature, but it helps. As DF said in his acceptance speech, of a rejecting publisher who wondered when Duncan would write his 'big' book: 'All my books are big. it's the publishers that got small.'

 

2012 London Olympics: Astrology of a global spectacle

While this blog is not updating at present, I shall be posting occasional pieces of specialist interest.

The 2012 Olympics commenced at … ah, we have a problem. HM The Queen declared the Games open at 12:18am on July 28, 2012. But the Olympic Cauldron was lit at 12:35am. The starting moment is crucial to an accurate horoscope; fortunately, both times produce very similar charts in this particular instance. So, let’s go with 12:18am given it's the time of the Queen's command. I have used the Equal House system.

This gives us a chart ruler of Venus with Taurus rising; and Venus itself is in the 1^st house – very well aspected, trining Mars and Saturn, underscoring an essential harmony to the intense rivalry at the heart of the Games. Venus also rules the Olympics’ 5th House in which Mars is located, and H6 via Saturn, under Libra.

Intense physical energy, as you'd expect

This is a wildly stimulating and dynamic chart as might be expected of a global sports event involving over 200 nations: the cardinal t-square (Mars-Uranus H5-11opposition, square Pluto H8) locates physical dynamism in the theatrical house (H5) – plainly a part-description of Danny Boyle’s spectacular celebration of British history and culture. H5 is also the sector we associate with competitive sport, amusements and children: it was interesting that Boyle made kids central to his show, with Harry Potter author JK Rowling introducing us to famous villains of children’s literature.

Uranus is strongly placed in H11 – the house it is associated with through Aquarius – pointing to the idealistic, innovative and impersonal nature of the competition: in Aries (ruled by Mars), this idealism has an intense physical expression, magnified by Mars’ opposition in Libra: what might seem a physically dangerous aspect is contained by high ideals and a commitment to right relations so it is likely that Mars-Uranus here encapsulates the requisite and intense athleticism and international competition.

Other astrologers have perceived real terrorist threat in the Mars/Uranus opposition.

Other astrologers have also made much of Pluto, now strongly placed in its traditional H8, which is at the apex of the Mars-Uranus t-square: a reminder that immense financial power dictates the Games beyond sports considerations. Pluto also plays a part in at least two yods: (1) Sun/Mercury sextile Jupiter H1 inconjunct Pluto and (2) Pluto sextile Neptune/Chiron H10 inconjunct Sun/Mercury. The yod is a complex and awkward aspect, to be expected in a chart for such a complicated event as the Olympics.

Jupiter possibly takes the sting out of the Mars/Uranus opposition: sextile Uranus, trine Mars, Jupiter in Gemini bestows an expansive, upbeat and positive energy from the UK's house of its people, H1. No matter what financial problems indicated below, these Games are likely to be hugely profitable to the UK.

Financial row and raised injuries risk possible

The first yod, with Pluto conjunct accident-prone, practical fixed star Facies, describes the courageous physical manifestation of energy but warns of injuries – perhaps many more than usual. That's if we are to take note of Facies.

Because Pluto – associated with big money and business - is at the wrong end of the yod, there could be problems over financing of the event or some other cash-related headache or scandal: Pluto square Uranus could hint at the expensive pioneering features of this Olympics.

The second yod possibly involves the media (Mercury strong in its traditional H3 but retrograde) in some kind of disruption or controversy linked to finance. Mercury is also opposed by Pars Fortuna in H9 Aquarius – this repeats the possibility of a media role in challenging some financial aspect of the Games. An alternative possibility is that Mercury (planet of short journeys) here warns of travel disruption (currently as I write not in evidence). With Sun so close to Mercury this could impact unfavourably on the national identity.

Also worth noting is Sun/Mercury conjunct unpleasant fixed star Praesaepe – associated with, among other things, serious accidents. So the theme of injuries through accidents is repeated. My jury is still out on the reliability of fixed stars, incidentally.

Political differences over Olympics and self-image

Neptune in Pisces – here representing national aspiration, the nation’s spirituality or higher values and imaginative construct of nationhood – is located in H10, the house of public status in the eyes of the world: the very human face of Boyle’s show, with its emphasis on the NHS and music, fits perfectly this position.

Whether the presented national image is true or accords universally with all perspectives is another matter (Neptune inconjunct Mercury): again, critical voices may be expected, particularly in the media.

Saturn in the 6^th square MC but trine Venus describes the administrative rigour applied to the event and its very testing nature. Three trines between Sun/Mercury both to Uranus, Moon (on descendant) and North Node (in H7) however suggest a successful presentation overall.

UK Chart: Medals? A dangerous time?

In the UK’s 1801 ‘birth’ chart (not shown as a graphic here), Neptune is transiting the 5^th House – not a position I would associate with an outstanding number of medals wins for the UK – perhaps water-related sports are best favoured. Neptune is also conjunct birth Pluto opposite Saturn H11: the UK may beat itself up a bit over the Olympics and could feel its own limitations amid other nations.

The Olympics could also become something of a political hot potato as Uranus (right-wing) is inconjunct Neptune (left-wing): perhaps there is discord over what it means to be British along party political lines. The international dimension to this row is suggested by transiting Uranus on Descendant (other nations).

Tr Mars conjunct troublesome fixed star Algorab repeats the warning of accidents/injuries – the massed ranks of soldiers assigned to guard the Games is very wise in what could be a highly dangerous phase.

Nonetheless, tr Sun/Mercury in H10 suggests much national prestige arising from the Games.

The Oxford Astrologer website has a fascinating analysis of the Olympics - click here

Madame Arcati is away - and not seeking a blogging award

Madame Arcati is absenting herself once again (not on a Saga cruise I hasten to add). Whether forever or not I cannot say; never say never. As blogging goes mainstream, and sad little bloggers desperately seek awards and other baubles of recognition and approval, I feel perhaps the time has come for me to move into other territory. Madame Arcati will continue to tweet from @Madame_Arcati. The astrology you know about: if you're interested, you'll find me soon enough elsewhere.

But as I make my exit for now during this Diamond Jubilee-fest, here's a royal recording from Jonathan King. It was made in response to the Sex Pistols' God Save The Queen back in 1977 - Prince Charles was so amused he ordered six copies be dispatched to Buckingham Palace.

Anna Wintour invites you to dine with her and President Obama

US Vogue editor Anna Wintour - my NEW DARLING - is backing Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential race. Madame Arcati predicts his victory - all things being equal. And now Anna invites you - YES YOU - to join her, Jessica Sarah Parker and others (oh and President Obama) at a New York dinner. She advises: 'Just don't be late.'

Anna says: 'I'm so lucky in my work... '