ANOTHER BEAUTY CONTEST

(Bangkok, Thailand) My cable system apparently missed the feed for this event.

A bevy of Thai bar girls, health officials and a transvestite blew up condoms and paraded for a different kind of honour -- the title of "Miss Condom Asia-Pacific". Featuring 20 contestants from four different nations, the contest aims to promote safe sex in Thailand -- a country on the frontline in the war against HIV/AIDS in Asia.

But instead of twirling batons or warbling show tunes, "Miss Condom" competitors wowed the judges with their condom-blowing prowess and knowledge about the virus, which has infected over seven million people across the region.

Any reason for a party, eh?