A 46-year-old volunteer firefighter, wearing a woman's wig and a string bikini, was charged with taking a drunken afternoon romp through Heritage Oak Park in Mason in Ohio. Steven S. Cole, who pleaded not guilty to the charges of drunken driving, public indecency and disorderly conduct; said he was on his way to a Dayton bar to compete in a contest where the top prize was $10,000. Cole, a fireman from Waynesville thus put on a blonde wig, pink sandals, and a string bikini filled out with tan water balloons.

An American woman entered a "Miss Bikini" pageant in China as an unauthorized representative of Pakistan, a conservative Muslim country. Mariyah Moten, 22, won "Best in Media" at the pageant for being the most photographed and interviewed contestant. A government official says the Houston resident did not have permission to represent Pakistan. The country does not hold beauty contests, and many women only go out with veils covering them.

A Brazilian artist is now facing hot water after toymaker Mattel threatened to sue her for organizing a photo exhibit depicting Barbie as a lesbian. Mattel has given Karin Schwarz 24 hours to close down her exhibit at city of Curitaba, Brazil or face court action.

Hooters' latest fundraiser is drawing criticism from some Los Angeles city officials. According to reports, on July 13, the restaurant will host a bikini contest to raise money for the spay and neuter programs over at Los Angeles Animal Services.

The woman, who put her bikini up for sale after she was arrested for running onto a rugby field, apparently stands to make a profit from the auction. Lisa Lewis was fined 200 dollars and ordered to pay 130 dollars for costs of the court for her crime.