Schwarzenegger: Still Big in Austria
During his last visit to Austria in June, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s promised he’d "be back” in the Fall once the rural town of Thal bei Graz opened his birth house museum. Coinciding with his 64th birthday, the recently opened Arnold “altar” holds over 1000 exhibition items accessible to the public.
The range of items covers Arnold’s early bodybuilding days, including the original weights he used. It also has memorabilia associated with his movies including various Terminator statues and the original Harley Davidson Fatboy which he choppered through the streets of Los Angeles with in Terminator 2.
The museum interestingly enough was not set up upon Schwarzenegger’s initiative but by former policeman, now Austrian financial tycoon Christian Baha who pursued a similar dramatic career path as Schwarzenegger (Baha’s financial funds have increased by 671.1% since their inception). Interestingly enough Christian Baha has also achieved Hollywood fame, starring in an extended Wall Street 2 guest performance.
Even though the “Governator” may be world famous, the locals are skeptical that the Schwarzenegger museum will be able to attract tourists to the town of Thal bei Graz. Hence the museum operators have decided to adhere to more conservative opening days, namely Wednesday to Sunday.
Meanwhile Austria’s coverage of Arnold’s extra marital affair has taken on new obsequious dimensions as Austria’s equivalent of USA Today (Österreich, oe24.at) deemed Arnold’s Rosenkrieg (“Rosewar”) with Maria Shriver as settled as both celebrated his birthday in Arnie’s café of choice, the “Roma” in Venice Beach. The free Austrian metro newspaper em>Heute< (“Today”) made sure to cover the most miniscule of Arnolds celebratory details such as the “Terminator” receiving free tiramisu on the house or Maria Shriver paying for the meal.
The more conservative news outlets such as Die Presse (“The Press”) have also adopted a more solemn and less opinionated tone towards Schwarzenegger. They have done this because it has becomes clear that what many once ridiculed might become true, namely Arnold Schwarzenegger running for public office in Austria.
Austrians seemed to be less concerned with the ethical behaviour of Schwarzenegger and more interested in his appreciation for good Cuban cigars. The self proclaimed Austrian “Smoking sheriff” Dietmar Erlacher has sent two fines to the American embassy in Austria for Arnie’s recent visit where he allegedly smoked on Airport premises in the Austrian cities of Graz and Salzburg.
