Mural Painting

Artist Fred DeAsis, of Arlington Heights, Ill., works on painting a mural at the office of The Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity in Inverness, Ill., on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles/ For The Chicago Tribune)

Underground Elgin

Construction worker Jared Baros removes unused pipe during construction to install new sanitary sewers along W. Highland Ave. in Elgin, Ill., on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles / Photo for The Courier-News)

Sewage piping is visible during construction to install new sanitary sewers along W. Highland Ave. in Elgin, Ill., on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles / Photo for The Courier-News)

Poisonous Plants

Dave Brooks, manager of conservation services for the Schaumburg Park District, surveys poisonous plants at Schaumburg's Spring Valley Nature Center. (Andrew A. Nelles, For the Chicago Tribune / July 21, 2010)

Story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/northnorthwest/ct-x-n-poison-ivy-0721-20100721,0,3346782.story

Ravinia

Sting performs with The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Rivinia Park in Highland Park, Ill., on Saturday, July 17, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles/ For The Chicago Tribune)

Gallery: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-100718-sting-at-ravinia-pictures,0,2599984.photogallery

Bull Riding

Rickie Ringer, of Cocoa Beach, Fla., rides during the Championship Bull Riding event at the Kane County Fairground in St. Charles, Ill., on Friday, July 16, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles / Photo for The Courier-News)

 Brandon Hendrix, of Daytona, Fla., is kicked off his bull during the Championship Bull Riding event at the Kane County Fairground in St. Charles, Ill., on Friday, July 16, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles / Photo for The Courier-News)

 Lane Kreiser, of Amboy, Ill., puts on his chaps before the Championship Bull Riding event at the Kane County Fairground in St. Charles, Ill., on Friday, July 16, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles / Photo for The Courier-News)

Joe Ely Band

The Joe Ely Band performs during the 30th Anniversary American Music Festival at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, Ill., on Saturday, July 3, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles/ For The Chicago Tribune)

Recent Work

I haven't posted here much this month, so here is some recent work.

Derek Smith, stagename Mod Sun, of Bloomington, Minn., performs during Noise Fest at Mad Maggies in Elgin, Ill., on Saturday, June 19, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles/ For The Chicago Tribune)

Sideshow performer John LeBrun, who goes by "Professor Chumley," performs during Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts in Evanston, Ill., on Saturday, June 19, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles/ For The Chicago Tribune)

From left, Claire Shanahan, 16, John Merikoski, 16, and Sam Sherman, 17, all of Evanston, shop for buttons during Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts in Evanston, Ill., on Saturday, June 19, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles/ For The Chicago Tribune)

West Dundee residents react to the cameras during filming of Good Morning America in West Dundee, Ill., on Thursday, July 1, 2010. West Dundee was named one of the best blocks in America by the show. (Andrew A. Nelles / Photo for The Courier-News)

Good Morning America correspondent Cameron Mathison is pushed during a bike race by West Dundee residents, from left, Carie Lukes, Pam Griffin, and Gina Seaton, during filming of Good Morning America in West Dundee, Ill., on Thursday, July 1, 2010. West Dundee was named one of the best blocks in America by the show. (Andrew A. Nelles / Photo for The Courier-News)

Another Recent Red Eye cover

Just noticed one other Red Eye cover from while I was away.

Recent RedEye Cover

Quite a departure from a month long series from Afghanistan, but this cover ran while I was away.

Hairbangers Ball guitarist Bobby Bones shreds during a performance at Joes on Weed St. in Chicago, Ill. (Andrew A. Nelles/ For Red Eye)

Also had an NPPA monthly clip contest 3rd place in sports.

Some additional work from Afghanistan

 

May 15, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan – An Afghan National Police officer attends a meeting with village elders in the village of Sang Bor in Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Saturday, May 15, 2010. U.S. Army soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team assisted personnel from the Afghan National Army, Afghan Border Police, and Afghan National Police, in visiting and assessing the village of Sang Bor. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 24, 2010 - Bala Murghab, Afghanistan – School children clap during an assembly at the boys school in Bala Murghab, Badghis Province, Afghanistan.(© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 24, 2010 - Bala Murghab, Afghanistan – Hills near Bala Murghab, Badghis Province, Afghanistan.(© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Combat at OP Barracuda

May 26, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Cody Hout, of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, prepares to return fire during a firefight at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 26, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Cody Hout, left, and Sgt. Arturo Alvarez, right, both of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, prepare to return fire at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 26, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – Sgt. Arturo Alvarez, of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, returns fire during a firefight at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 26, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Ssg. Deandre Strange, of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, heads for cover after enemy fire was received at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 26, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – 2Lt. Paul Basaldua, of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, maneuvers during a firefight at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 28, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Bunnell of 3rd platoon, Alpha Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, fires a Javelin missile at a structure that armed individuals were seen entering, at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 28, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Setting Up OP Barracuda

May 25, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Cody Hout, of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, unloads supplies at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

U.S. Army soldiers from Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in cooperation with Afghan forces established Observation Point Barracuda on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. OP Barracuda is the newest and most southern observation point supporting Forward Operating Base Todd near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province. The soldiers faced enemy fire while advancing to the new ground and were attacked again during the following days while constructing the post. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 26, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Cody Hout, of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, prepares to install an American flag at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 26, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Shawn Ewing, of 1st Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, sets up a .50-Caliber machine gun at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 28, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Arturo Alvarez of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, shaves using the mirror on the door of an MATV vehicle at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 28, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

 May 28, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army soldiers from  3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, make use of downtime at Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 28, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

 May 27, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Cody Hout, left, and Pfc. Branden Haworth, right both of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, carry sandbags while fortifying Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 27, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 28, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Pfc. Erik Jones, of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, rests while fortifying Observation Post Barracuda near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 28, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Observation Post Highlander

May 23, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – An Afghan National Army soldier from the Higher Headquarters Company, 1st KANDAK, 1st Brigade, 207th Corp, uses a portable radio while resting at Observation Post Highlander near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 23, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 24, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army 1Lt. Steven Robinson, uses his scope to watch movement on a distant hill during a foot patrol of neighboring hills near Observation Post Highlander near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 24, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Observation Post Highlander

May 24, 2010 - Badghis Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army 1Lt. Steven Robinson, pauses during a foot patrol of neighboring hills around Observation Post Highlander near Bala Murghab in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 24, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Village Patrols

May 18, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Bittick, of 1st Platoon, Alpha Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, patrols a village in the Kushk District of Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. U.S. Army soldiers accompanied Afghan National Army and National Police forces in visiting several villages in the Kushk District to meet with locals and look for signs of Taliban presence. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

May 18, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan –U.S. Army 2Lt. Robert Hashe, of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, patrols a village in the Kushk District of Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

 May 18, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan –U.S. Army 1Lt. David Grindle, of Headquarters Company, Alpha Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, uses his rifle's scope to observe distant movement while patrolling a village in the Kushk District of Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

X-Ray

May 18, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan –U.S. Army Spc. Bradley Oliff, of Headquarters Company, Alpha Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, examines an X-Ray of a villager who suffered a broken arm at a village in the Kushk District of Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. The villager had received treatment and the X-Ray at a hospital but required a fresh bandage and splint from Spc. Oliff. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Turkmenistan Border

 

 May 19, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan – An Afghan National Army soldier takes in the view at a remote outpost near the Turkmenistan Border in Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Afghan National Army and Police, accompanied by U.S. Army soldiers visited a remote Afghan Border Police outpost on the Turkmenistan border. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Kushk District

Kushk District Patrols in Afghanistan
May 18, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan - An Afghan National Policeman patrols a village in the Kushk District of Herat Province. U.S. Army soldiers accompanied Afghan National Army and National Police forces in visiting several villages in the Kushk District to meet with locals and look for signs of Taliban presence. (Credit Image: © Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

See it here : http://www.thepicturesoftheday.com/index.html?month=MAY&day=19&year=2010

Cell Phone Photo

May 17, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan –Afghan National Police shoot cell phone photos of the body of a suspected Taliban fighter who was killed during fighting that left two U.S. Army vehicles disabled in Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Monday, May 17, 2010. U.S. Army soldiers from Alpha Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, joined by the Afghan National Army and Police, responded to assist soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, who had been ambushed the previous day, disabling two of their vehicles. (© Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)

Off Road

May 17, 2010 - Herat Province, Afghanistan –U.S. Army soldiers from 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, return to their base in Herat Province, Afghanistan, on Monday, May 17, 2010. (Andrew A. Nelles/ZUMA Press)