"Hey Baby, It's 4th of July"

Every year about now, I always have the song "4th of July" by X running through my head. Written by Dave Alvin rather than the band's usual songwriting duo of John Doe and Exene, I've found it to be one of the most enduring songs from one of my all-time favorite bands. Not so much a song of patriotism, but more of putting aside differences to enjoy life's little celebrations. Check it out.

Today's images are actually from February, when I helped Barbie realize a dream of hers -- being wrapped in a flag in a cheap motel room, brandishing a weapon and stilletto heels. We called what we ended up with "NRA Porn" -- the closest I've ventured to the "girls with guns" subgenre. Is it art? You tell me, but we had fun doing it.

Barbie basically did her first modeling work at the fateful Halloween Group shoot last year, and in a short time has really developed as a model and has done excellent work with a number of the top artistic/alt photographers in the region. Happy 4th, Barbie!