Russians still gaga over bare-chested Putin

[Sequoia]

Moscow — When he flexes Russia's diplomatic and military muscle, Vladimir Putin always makes headlines. But few could have predicted the squall of gossip and speculation that erupted after the president stripped off his shirt for the cameras while vacationing in the Siberian mountains last week.

The resulting images, prominently enshrined on the presidential Web site (Click here), inspired admiration, criticism and some racing pulses among his admirers. The Russian media still can't get enough.

The tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda on Wednesday published a huge color photo of the bare-chested president under the headline: "Be Like Putin." Its excuse? A guide showing exactly what exercises were required to build up a torso like the Russian leader's.

Kremlin watchers have been trying to guess what kind of political message the pictures send, given that the 54-year-old Putin has insisted he plans to step down at the end of his second term next year, as required by the constitution. One radio talk show host speculated the photos were meant to enhance Putin's personal appeal to voters — a strong signal that he doesn't plan to relinquish power. When the commentator, Yevgeniya Albats, went on to suggest the half-naked photo shoot was unbecoming for a Russian leader, female listeners peppered her with e-mails expressing admiration for Putin's physique.

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/08/22/Putin_0822.html

...and he rides horses. Eat your heart out George!

[THUNDER HANDS]

1. he's trying to make himself look as muscular as possible in that photo

look at his bicept and forearm.

Really, Vlad, stop trying so hard.