Iraq's top gym changes name to 'Arnold Classic'

[matcom]

:crazy:

<snip>

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's top gym changed its name Wednesday to "The Arnold Classic" to honor ex-bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger's win in the California governor's race.

The victory even had some Iraqis -- long ruled by another strongman, Saddam Hussein, until his ouster in April by U.S.-led forces -- calling for a new leader in Schwarzenegger's mold.

But it was gym owner Sabah Mehdi's decision to change the name of his downtown Baghdad training facility from "Elegant Bodies" to "The Arnold Classic" that shone the clearest light on the cult-like following Schwarzenegger enjoys in Iraq.

From the man-on-the-street to aspiring bodybuilders, Schwarzenegger has long been a near icon in the country.

His muscle-bound image hangs above the front door of Mehdi's gymnasium, but posters of Schwarzenegger going back to the 1970s adorn not gyms, shops, restaurants and gasoline stations.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2003/10/09/iraqs_top_gym_changes_name_to_arnold_classic?mode=PF

[meegbear]

1. Look like someone's kissing up for new business ...

and a grant.

[Dogmudgeon]

2. How about "Titty Grope Gym"?

Ah, well, as long as they don't admit women, I guess it's all right under Shari'a.

--bkl

[GOPisEvil]

3. F*CK GOLD'S GYM!! I want to sign up at THE ARNOLD CLASSIC!

Er, NOT!

:eyes:

[emad]

4. Looking forward to the

George W Bush Pretzel-U-Like drive-in takeaway in Saddam Square...
or the Dick Cheney Memorial CardioVascular Wellman Clinic in Arafat Mews...

[teryang]

5. Next- USS Schwanzenegger n/t

[peekaloo]

6. does this change the meaning of "spot me"?