Some days, odd stories just seem to cluster together around themes. Today, there is lots of news about people doing things without benefit of clothing, in far-flung places.  Consider:

– In Nepal, dozens of women stripped naked and plowed their fields, hoping to appease the gods and get some rain. Our story says there is no clear religious basis for the practice, but some locals believe it might work. Read more:

– In London, a “live art performance” consists of a naked woman cradling a dead pig for four hours.  That’s right. Somewhere along the line, she seems to have made a bad career choice.  Animal rights activists have described the show as “sick.” Read more:

– Meanwhile, down in Auckland, New Zealand, they’re getting ready for a parade of 30 topless porn stars riding motorbikes. The city council said it found no legal grounds for stopping the “Boobs on Bikes” event. Read more:

Players take part in the World Strip Poker Championship in London August 19, 2006. REUTERS/Stephen Hird