Bits & Pieces

“Girls Gone Wild” creator a sniveling crybaby

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Blowing his nose and wiping away tears, the multimillionaire founder of the “Girls Gone Wild” video empire pleaded guilty to contempt of court Monday and was sentenced to 35 days in jail.

Joe Francis, who was sued by seven women who were minors when filmed, apologized to the judge for yelling at the plaintiffs during settlement talks.

“I am sorry for my behavior. It was wrong. I had heard about appeals and things and I was confused. I am sorry, I really am,” said Francis, 34.

Francis drew the contempt charge during negotiations to settle the federal lawsuit brought after his production company filmed the women at Panama City Beach in 2003.

Bulldog wins beauty contest

DES MOINES, Iowa – He drools. His teeth stick out. His hobbies include begging and attacking noisy appliances.

And now, he is a beauty contest winner.

Three-year-old Riggs won the “Beautiful Bulldog” contest Monday, beating a 50-dog field that included the likes of Sir Grizwald Snorzalot, Napoleon Underbite and Crazy Legs Da Moose.

The contest is held annually to draw attention to the Drake Relays, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious track and field events. The relays will attract nearly 8,000 athletes for the 98th running this year.

Fortunately for the canine from Prairie City, Iowa, the contest is more about personality than beauty.

“The last thing you’re going to get with a bulldog is beauty,” said master of ceremonies Dolph Pulliam. “But bulldogs have character.”

Riggs was dressed in a form-fitting costume in Drake’s blue-and-white colors. Last year’s winner, Hannah, gave him a snarl, but he kept his cool, plodding down the runway gracefully and glacially.

Riggs celebrated his victory by posing for photographers and munching on a doggy bone, leaving crumbs and drool on his throne.

“He’s pretty low key until it’s time to eat,” said his owner, Cordell Miller.