What will be the fate of Nawab Aslam Raisani ?

ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: While the beleaguered Chief Minister of Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raisani, is virtually running from pillar to post to save his job, the top PPP leadership is maintaining an uncanny silence over what appears to be an internecine warfare.

CM Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raisani

Neither President Asif Ali Zardari, who is the final authority in affairs of the ruling party, nor other office-bearers of the PPP, including General Secretary Senator Jahangir Badar, has said anything about the crisis which the PPP in Balochistan is facing. There was no answer to repeated telephone calls and text messages left on the cellphone of Mr Badar.

“I cannot comment until I discuss the issue with the party leadership,” Qamar Zaman Kaira, who besides holding the portfolio of Information Minister is also the party’s chief spokesperson, responded on Sunday. “I was away in my home constituency over the weekend, hence couldn’t get the chance to talk to the party chief,” he added.

Farhatullah Babar, who handles the media for the president, told Dawn that it was an internal party matter which would be dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. He didn’t say anything when asked if President Zardari, who is also co-chairman of the PPP, had taken any action or appointed any party leader to settle the dispute.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Raisani dashed to Lahore where he met his counterpart in Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, reportedly to seek his political support.

Although the PML-N lacks representation in the 65-member Balochistan Assembly, reports suggest that many among the PML-Q’s present 19 MPAs want to contest the next elections with the N-League.

On the other hand, Sadiq Umrani, PPP’s Balochistan president, continued to target Mr Raisani and accused him of bringing a bad name to the party for his alleged involvement in corruption and for misgoverning the province.

Mr Umrani said on Sunday he had presented every minor detail of party’s provincial affairs before the top leadership which, he claimed, fully agreed that it was a mistake to appoint Mr Raisani as chief minister.

“Our chief minister is more interested in releasing nearly one billion rupees as compensation to his family and buying a luxury plane for his personal travel. He has no time for people dying in the province,” Mr Umrani said.

Interestingly though, Mr Umrani worked under Mr Raisani as minister for communications and works until May this year when his portfolio was withdrawn by the chief minister. Mr Umrani said it was a party decision, but squarely put the blame for his sacking in September on Mr Raisani.

Asked if the party leadership had endorsed disciplinary action against the chief minister, he said the decision had been taken by the district and division leadership. “The party leaders in district Mastung and Kalat division have genuine ground on the basis of which they have suspended the basic membership of Mr Raisani,” Mr Umrani said and claimed that there was complete lawlessness in Kalat.

As per the PPP’s constitution, he said, Mr Raisani’s membership would remain suspended till he filed an appeal against his suspension at the party’s higher forum.

“I don’t know if the party leadership was onboard as far as his (Raisani’s) suspension is concerned. Of late, both Mr Umrani and Mr Raisani have developed serious differences between themselves,” said a PPP member of the National Assembly from Quetta.

New trends, Eye make up

01 : The geometric liner looks at Mary Katrantzou, creating bold statements on otherwise bare faces

Trendy eyeliner 01

02: Heavy winged liner on top and a smudge of black on the lower lash line made for a graphic look at Lanvin, where Pat McGrath headed up the make-up team.

Trendy Eyeliner 02

03 : The Moschino girls’ bold, flicked liner looks were created by Tom Pecheux, using MAC’s Blacktrack Fluidline liquid liner.

Trendy Eyeliner 03

Do you know, how many countries are in the world?

Earth globe

Do you know, how many countries are in the world?
Now that is a question that's somewhat difficult to answer, as there is no one right answer. Many sources offer different answers, and depending on the source, there are 189, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195 or 196 independent countries in the world today. 

NOTE: On Saturday, July 9, 2011, southern Sudan declared itself the independent country of South Sudan.This is the culmination of a six-year process that ended a long, brutal civil war that caused the deaths of millions. This is a current event, and information and details could possible change over the coming weeks and months. 

As of May 1, 2008, the United Nations has 192 official members (including Montenegro and Serbia - the two newest nations). That number does not include the Vatican, and it doesn't (yet) include Kosovo(disclaimer). 

Most of the current World Almanacs use 193 countries, which is probably the best answer, but what about Kosovo? (disclaimer) Palestine? Greenland? Western Sahara? Or now, South Sudan? 

The US State Department recognizes 194 independent countries around the world, but that list of countries reflects the political agenda of the United States of America. As an example, it includes Kosovo, but does not include Taiwan, as China claims that Taiwan (the ROC) is simply a province of China. 

Regarding England, Scotland and Wales, though all are widely considered individual countries, they are all still a part of the United Kingdom (UK), a recognized European country by the United Nations, United States, and others, and therefore included within the United Kingdom on our country list below. 

A note regarding Greenland: It voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired complete responsibility for internal affairs in June 2009. Denmark, however, continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government. 

In that regard, Greenland is still a part of Denmark, and not recognized as an official independent country. In fact, it's a constituent country; a country that is part of another entity, such as a sovereign state. In this case, the country of Denmark. 

The political world is constantly changing and our list of independent nations is shown below. Note that we don't say that our list is the ONLY answer, just that it's our answer. 

Tomato Field

Tomato field

Story of an ISI Crow , Lt Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi

LAHORE: Lt Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi, the short-tempered former ISI chief, who misbehaved with journalists in Islamabad on Thursday by giving them a shut up call, had allegedly ordered the kidnapping and torture of Siddiqul Farooq, the PML-N spokesman, in October 2002, barely 24 hours after openly threatening to sort him out.

Siddiqul was the first one to have filed a reference with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Lt Gen Qazi, accusing him of receiving kickbacks and commissions to the tune of Rs5 billion while leasing out precious railway lands for a golf course project in Lahore which caused a loss of over Rs25 billion to the national exchequer.

 Lt Gen (R) Javed Ashraf Qazi

The circumstances under which 150 acres of prime Canal Road land in Dharampura, Lahore was turned into a golf course, had generated a lot of suspicion and doubts, thus prompting Siddiqul Farooq to file a reference against the then Railway Minister of the Musharraf regime, Javed Ashraf Qazi, in the last week of October 2002. While appearing on a private television channel a day after the NAB reference was filed against him, Lt Gen Qazi refuted the allegations levelled by Siddiqul Farooq, adding that he was going to teach him a lesson.

The next day, on October 29, 2002, before the NAB could proceed to investigate the allegations, Siddiqul Farooq waskidnapped from Islamabad and was taught a lesson in typical ISI style. The PML-N spokesman was roughed up, beaten with belts, punched and kicked and eventually abandoned near a remote village almost 30 miles from Islamabad.

Speaking at a subsequent news conference in Islamabad, Siddiqul Farooq alleged that he was kidnapped and tortured by two majors and two captains of the ISI under instructions from Javed Ashraf Qazi against whom he had filed a reference. As international media interviewed Lt Gen Qazi and asked him about Siddiqul Farooq’s charges against him, the minister spoke like a typical mafia chief, accusing the PML-N leader of being “a liar, a dog and a Mr Nobody wandering on the streets.” Asked whether he ever thought of resigning over the corruption charges levelled against him by Siddiqul Farooq, Qazi said in an arrogant tone: “I am not a mad man to resign every time a dog barks at me. If we start resigning on petty allegations, nobody will be left in the cabinet.”

A day later, Lt Gen Qazi then again threatened to fix Siddiqul Farooq after the NAB completes an enquiry into the charges and exonerates him. “Then we will fix him,” he told international media. When reminded that the PML-N spokesman had lodged an FIR against him on charges of masterminding his abduction and torture, the then railways minister ridiculed the idea in a contemptuous manner, saying: “No one can lodge an FIR against me”. Although no action could be taken against the former ISI chief on Siddiqul Farooq’s FIR, the NAB eventually proceeded against him and two other retired generals for leasing out 150 acres of railway lands to build a golf course project in Lahore that reportedly caused a staggering loss of over Rs25 billion to the national exchequer.

While coming out of the NAB headquarters in Islamabad on Thursday after being questioned by investigators in the railway land allotment case, Lt Gen Qazi, true to his reputation, once again lost his temper and misbehaved with journalists. As he came out of the NAB headquarters, the former ISI chief was actually trying to avoid reporters and TV cameras who were posing thorny questions to him.

As one reporter dared to ask him as to why he was avoiding the media after having brought the railways to the verge of collapse (as per the observations of the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly), Javed Qazi lost his temper and shouted back “Shut up, idiot”. The furious general then pushed away the mike, boarded his car and left the scene.

A soldier’s contempt for a civilian is well-known in Pakistan where the military has ruled for half of its life. Therefore, retired khakis like Javed Ashraf Qazi simply can’t stand being questioned by the civilians, even for the misdeeds they had committed while in power. After a detailed inquiry into the railway land scam, a 20-member committee of the National Assembly had recommended to the government in 2010 that Lt Gen (R) Javed Ashraf Qazi, Lt Gen (R) Saeed Zafar and Lt Gen (R) Hamid Butt be tried on corruption charges and their properties be confiscated to recover a huge financial loss of Rs25 billion. The Supreme Court also took suo moto notice of the case and completed the hearing last year. However, it is yet to issue a judgment.

Report by Amir Mir

Queen Elizabeth ailing, health getting worse, who will be the next Queen?

BRITAIN’S beloved Queen Elizabeth is dying, according to a bombshell new report from an American tabloid.

Queen Elizabeth

Globe magazine claims the 86-year-old British royal’s health is getting worse and she’s fading fast. According to the magazine, Elizabeth’s health woes are said to have triggered a bitter battle for the crown by her scheming daughter-in-law Camilla who’s trying to sabotage Prince William and Kate Middleton from stepping up to the throne. “The Queen’s condition is fading and ruthless Camilla has been plotting,” a source said. Elizabeth took to the throne on February 6, 1952.

She’s married to Prince Philip - also known as the Duke of Edinburgh - her husband since November 20 1947.

The pair have four children together - Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

They have eight grandchildren: Peter Phillips, Zara Phillips, Prince William, Prince Harry of Wales, Princess Beatrice of York, Princess Eugenie of York, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.                        –SS

First Annual South Asia Film Festival (SAFF)

The First Annual South Asia Film Festival (SAFF) kicked off this week with the opening gala at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. This festival is presenting a collection of feature films, short films, documentaries and animated films. Films will be playing in Vancouver, Surrey, and Abbotsford until Sunday, November 4th.

Veteran Indian actor Jaya Bachchan lit the SAFF festival lamp and officially declared the opening of SAFF Canada 2012.

Bachchan agreed to act as the patron of Vancouver’s new South Asian Film Festival Canada after a request from festival director Hannah Fisher.

This year has been lucky for Pakistanis filmmakers. The Pakistani feature film Lamha (Seedlings) — will have its Canadian Premiere in Vancouver at the South Asian Film Festival (SAFF) of Canada this week.

This film has already won the Best Picture Award at the New York City International Film Festival. Lamha, is set to fly high with its next stop in the Delhi International Film Festival in December.

Urdu film The Frontier Gandhi: Badshah Khan, A Torch for Peace, is also being featured as special presentation.

Film scenes at the end of the gallery are from The Frontier Gandhi: Badshah Khan (2), Lamha, Himself He Cooks, and Bol(in that order).

 

Johar Hockey Stadium

LAHORE - Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif Thursday inaugurated the first ever fully-furnished sports venue Johar Hockey Stadium, which has a capacity of nearly 1500, here at Johar Town.An exhibition match between Pakistan Whites and Greens was also played before the inauguration ceremony in which Olympians and Pakistan team players locked horns. M Imran struck twice while Shakeel Abbasi had one goal in Pakistan Greens victory over Whites. Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly and Youth Festival chief organiser Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Usman Anwar and chairman managing committee new hockey stadium Olympian Akhtar Rasool as well as 13 Olympians were also present on the occasion to make the inauguration ceremony of the new hockey stadium more colourful. It is pertinent to mention here that the venue is one of the 4500 grounds which the Sports Board Punjab got vacated or cleaned during the Punjab Sports Festival last year when dengue epidemic hit the province. A large number of people including school children, hockey players and Olympians were present there to enjoy the evening. The Olympians and hockey players welcomed the chief minister warmly. Later, Shahbaz Sharif hit the ball with the hockey stick to formally declare the stadium open and also unveiled the inauguration plaque. He lauded the efforts of DG SBP Usman Anwar and DG LDA Ahad for the establishment of such a great stadium in the city after a gap of 25 years which will pave the way as the foundation of the game in the country. “It will set a solid base for the sports, the hockey players and the game itself. This stadium will also help reviving hockey once again,” he said. He also announced the revival of the hockey team in Punjab Police. “Taking the opportunity, I would like to announce the establishment of Police hockey team. They will be given proper position in police and will also be paid handsomely.” Speaking on the occasion, Rana Mashood said: “The organisation of the Punjab Youth Festival and the establishment of the Johar Stadium is a success story that started from the Punjab Sports Festival late last year, which is the biggest historical achievement of the Punjab government.” “All the successive efforts of the Punjab government were the vision of Khadim-e-Aala who went on to work for the noble cause and did not left a single stone unturned in providing the people proper amenities of life,” he added. Akhtar Rasool thanked the chief minister for the stadium on behalf of the entire hockey family. He also thanked DG Sports and DG LDA for providing the hockey lovers a golden opportunity to revive the national game in the country. 

Beauty of Croatia

Croatia has 1,244 islands sprinkled along its rocky coast, and they are surrounded by evidence of the maritime powers that have historically battled for control over the Adriatic Sea: the Romans, Illyrians, Venetians and others.

Island of Croatia

There are also 48 lighthouses scattered across the Adriatic, all of which were built in the 19th Century during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, the government refurbished several of the lighthouses as inns, and the Struga Lighthouse (pictured) on Lostovo Island, 120km south of Split, is one of 11 lighthouses in Croatia in which island-hopping travellers can rent apartments. (Aaron Huey/National Geographic Stock) 

China,s Three Gorges Dams

As China prepares for a new generation of leaders to take power, the BBC is spending a week on the road looking at both the challenges ahead for the world's most populous nation and the advances it has made.

Rising from the waters of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam stands more than 40 storeys high. The scale and scope of the project is stunning.

The dam stretches for over 2km (1.25 miles), took tens of thousands of workers over a decade to build and cost more than $40bn (£25bn).

Designed to control the flooding of the mighty river, the dam produces vast amounts of electricity - the equivalent of 11 nuclear power stations.

It is one of the most impressive feats of civil engineering anywhere in the world and stands as a symbol of China's progress over the last 20 years.

The Three Gorges Dam produces the electricity of 11 nuclear power plants

Unsurprisingly, the Communist Party has hailed the mega-project as a triumph. But the dam has come at an enormous environmental and human cost.

With a project on this scale and with national pride at stake, Beijing was never going to let anyone stand in the way.

More than a million people were forced to relocate when the dam created a lake 600km in length that submerged villages, towns and small cities.

There was no discussion, no debate, just orders.

New towns and villages sprung up close to the Yangtze when the Three Gorges migrants left their old homes.

One of those now living in a breeze-block apartment building perched on a hill is farmer Fu Xiancai.

He fully supports China's development and believes that the transformation of the country has benefited the people - but his story reveals the dark side of China's development.

Mr Fu says that he never received the compensation he was due for relocating. When he complained to local officials he says he was beaten viciously, leaving him paralysed.

"If ordinary people can pursue their rights and officials follow the rule of law, then this will become a better country," he said, lying in his bed. He now requires round-the-clock care.

Over the last decade, China has developed at a rate unprecedented in human history.

But the way that millions of people have been pushed aside by the Communist Party for these projects has generate enormous resentment.

People in China are now becoming used to being better off - many Chinese are no longer prepared to be pushed around like they were in the past.

For the country's new leaders that means ruling a population less likely to follow the party line.

Persistent Economic Growth says Jobs Report

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney said on Friday the uptick in the U.S. employment rate to 7.9 percent shows the economy continues to struggle.

The economy may have some more underlying strength than earlier believed, according to the final job market report released before Tuesday’s presidential election.

The nation’s employers added 171,000 positions in October, the Labor Department reported on Friday, and more jobs than initially estimated in both August and September. Hiring was broad-based, with just about every industry except state government adding at least a handful of jobs. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 7.9 percent in October, from 7.8 percent in September, but for a good reason: more workers joined the labor force and so officially counted as unemployed.

None of this makes for a game-changer in the presidential race, analysts said. But it appeared to provide some relief for President Obama, whose campaign could have been sideswiped by bad news from the notoriously volatile monthly jobs report.

In fact, the latest numbers showed that the economy finally shows a net gain of jobs under his presidency, whereas his record had previously been weighed down by huge layoffs in his first year in office.

The report also allayed widespread suspicion that September’s plunge in the unemployment rate — to below 8 percent for the first time since the month he took office — might have been a one-month statistical fluke.

“Generally, the report shows that things are better than we’d expected and certainly better than we’d thought a few months ago,” said Paul Dales, senior United States economist for Capital Economics. “But we’re still not making enough progress to bring that unemployment rate down significantly and rapidly.”

Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, said in a statement that the jobs report was evidence of the need to change the nation’s economic policies.

“Today’s increase in the unemployment rate is a sad reminder that the economy is at a virtual standstill,” he said. He also noted that October’s unemployment rate of 7.9 percent was higher than the 7.8 percent when Mr. Obama took office in January 2009.

Apple ordered to re-write 'inaccurate' Samsung statement

Apple has 48 hours to re-write a statement on its website relating to its design rights dispute with Samsung, UK judges have ruled.

Apple was forced on 18 October to publish a message making it clear that Samsung had not infringed the iPad's registered design.

However Samsung complained the statement Apple had posted did not comply with the court order.

Judges agreed and have told Apple it must be removed within 24 hours.

A new, compliant version must then be posted.

Michael Beloff QC, representing Apple, told judges that the company had thought that it had complied with the court order.

"It's not designed to punish," he said.

"It's not designed to make us grovel. The only purpose must be to dispel commercial uncertainty."

He asked that the company be given 14 days to post the replacement - but the request was firmly denied.

Lord Justice Longmore told Mr Beloff: "We are just amazed that you cannot put the right notice up at the same time as you take the other one down."

One of the other judges, Sir Robin Jacob, added: "I would like to see the head of Apple [Tim Cook] make an affidavit about why that is such a technical difficulty for the Apple company."

Apple told the BBC it did not want to comment further.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to be honoured with French award on birthday

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Indian Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was to be honoured by France on Thursday, her birthday, with a prestigious civilian award for her contribution to the arts, the French embassy said.

Ambassador Francois Richier was due to confer the honour of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) on Rai Bachchan at a hotel in the entertainment hub Mumbai.

"This prestigious distinction comes in recognition of her invaluable contribution to the world of cinema and the development of Indo-French cooperation in cinema, art, and culture," a release from the embassy said.

Rai Bachchan, who turned 39 on Thursday, took the Miss World crown in 1994 and made her acting debut in the late 1990s, going on to become one of the most famous Bollywood faces abroad as well as in India.

A regular on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, she has starred in more than 40 mostly Indian films as well as few foreign movies, including The Pink Panther 2.

She married fellow actor Abhishek Bachchan in 2007 and they had their first child in November last year.

Her father-in-law, superstar actor Amitabh Bachchan, was awarded France's highest civilian award, the Legion d'Honneur in 2007.

Reports said Rai Bachchan was supposed to receive her French award in 2009, but the honour was postponed because her father was ill. Then it was rescheduled for 2011 and was again put off due to the Mumbai bombings.

In September Rai Bachchan was named as an ambassador for the United Nations AIDS agency, which tasked her with raising awareness to prevent HIV among children.

Sandy death toll over 100 now

New Jersey's Atlantic Ocean was shattered by the storm

The death toll from Sandy keeps rising as swathes of the US East Coast battle to recover, three days after being smashed by the massive storm.

More than 80 people are now known to have died, 37 in New York City alone, and others remain missing.

About 4.6 million people are still without power, and there are fuel shortages across the region.

The National Guard is to deliver a million meals and bottled water to New Yorkers affected by the storm.

The number of dead in the US has exceeded the toll from the Caribbean, where 69 people were killed by Sandy.

The storm could cost the US $50bn (£31bn), according to forecasting firm Eqecat, doubling the previous estimate.

LACMA Art and Film Gala : Celebrity Pictures

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek wore a bespoke Gucci one-shoulder dress and carried an embellished clutch to attend the LACMA Art and Film Gala in LA.

Ginnifer Goodwin

To attend the LACMA Art and Film Gala in LA, Ginnifer Goodwin wore a chiffon blouse, a feathered skirt and black strappy sandals, all from the Gucci autumn/winter 2012-13 collection.

Amy Adams

To attend the LACMA Art and Film Gala in LA, Amy Adams wore a strapless chartreuse Gucci spring/summer 2013 gown and carried a studded clutch.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard wearing spring/summer 2013 Gucci black dress with gold neckline and black peep-toe shoes.

Amber Valletta

 Amber Valletta wore a Gucci autumn/winter 2012-13 green printed gown.

After effects of Storm Sandy

Statue of liberty

Glamorous Rosie

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley attended the LACMA Art and Film Gala wearing a teal dress and white sandals, both from the spring/summer 2013 Gucci collection.

Rosie Huntington

Kylie Minogue

OCTOBER 31 2012

Kylie Minogue arrived at Heathrow airport wearing a cream cardigan with skinny jeans and silver trainers.

Kylie Minogue.

Rihanna in Style

Rihanna.

RIHANNA's fashion-reality television programme, Styled to Rock, has not been axed - despite reports to the contrary this morning. It was rumoured that the Sky Living show had been cancelled due to low viewing figures.

"It is far too early to make a decision if the show would return for a second series," said a spokesperson for Sky Living, which aired the debut series. "After every big launch, we undertake extensive research with our customers and will make a decision when we evaluate the results."

Dolce & Gabbana Watches

Dolce & Gabbana Watches.

Dolce & Gabbana Watches.

Dolce & Gabbana Watches.

Aftermath of Sandy

Tweed boots

Tweed boots

Handcrafted in the brand's factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, these blue Harris Tweed boots are our pick from Dr Martens limited edition "Made in England" line. Based on the original eight eyelet style, which first stepped onto British high streets in 1960 and featuring the brand's trademark air-cushioned tread, the biker's boot of choice has been given a gentlemanly upgrade with a coating of the Outer Hebrides' most famous export. Punk just went prep.

£235. drmartens.com, oki-ni.com

GQ Pick of the month

Trendy  ladies bag

The second Earl Grey had his namesake tea; the Viscount Melbourne christened an entire Australian city after himself, but only one of our Prime Ministers so far has given their name to an item of apparel. That man is William Ewart Gladstone, lionized in luggage by 19th century leathersmith J G Beard. The Gladstone bag is traditionally made from leather stretched over a rigid frame, which opens using a central hinge. However, as with politicians on the campaign trail, occasionally this benefits from some subtle softening.

We like this new take on the Gladstone by Tusting, a Buckinghamshire tannery founded back in 1875. Originally developed as a prop for the movie of The Importance of Being Earnest, the time-honoured design has been given an update with lightweight Bullrush Kudu nubuck (a supremely soft suede from South African antelopes) and a fullgrain leather trim. A classic overnighter that will only get better with age.

£760. Tusting.co.uk

Sir Salman Rushdie 'Inspiration of the Year' 2012

Sir Salman Rushdie
So much for the quiet life. This year Sir Salman Rushdie attempted to speak at the Jaipur Literature Festival in the face of a political firestorm and the threat of violence; brought his novel, Midnight's Children, to the big screen (due out late 2012); decided to "experiment" with Twitter (330,000 followers and rising); and, finally, wrote the book which his millions of fans have been waiting years for: Joseph Anton, the tale of his decade in hiding following a fatwa, which theTimes is already calling "the most significant literary memoir of the 21st century".

And, GQ hopes, our Men Of The Year Inspiration award doesn't hurt either. "I'm delighted," says Rushdie, now 65. "After presenting an award last year [to U2], it's nice to be on the receiving end!" 

"Thrillerish," is how he describes Joseph Anton. For a long time, Rushdie resisted the idea of revisiting his own experiences. But after the sale of his archive to Emory University in 2006, 150 boxes of unfiled papers were transformed into a master index, meaning the material was just an easy e-mail away.

Hating the sound of himself narrating, Rushdie decided to write in the third person. "I could just take one step to the left and look at myself as a character in the story," he says.

The book comes unadorned by index or photos. "I thought, 'Don't do that.' Just… here's a book. Read it."GQ strongly suggests you do.

Originally published in the October 2012 issue of British GQ.

Wild Halloween outfits of Heidi

Halloween outfits

Halloween outfits

Heidi Klum is almost as famous for her annual Halloween party as she is for being a supermodel. She's been dressing up in crazy costume for over a decade - making sure that each ensemble tops the last. 

The German beauty has wisely opted to give her annual New York Halloween bash a miss, thanks to Hurricane Sandy, but that's not to say she hasn't made sure to release some pics of her would-be outfit. 

Check out this gallery of all her wild and wacky outfits since 2001!

Halloween outfits