After the Chicago Bears defeated the Miami Dolphins in their preseason opener on Saturday, it was back to business on Monday. The Bears took the practice field to continue what positives they came away with from their preseason victory.
As usual, both quarterbacks were center stage. All eyes were on veteran Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields, whom each played on Saturday.
One of the last links to one of Chicago’s greatest singers has died.
Zelda Sands, an accomplished songwriter who managed the offices of Sam Cooke’s record and publishing companies, “broke one glass ceiling after the other,” said G. David Tenenbaum, a Chicago native and co-author of the book “You Send Me: The Life and Times of Sam Cooke.”
Singer Mel Carter said he found Ms. Sands, 92, unresponsive Saturday at her apartment in Hollywood, Calif.
She was a friend and former manager of Carter, who recorded hits including “Hold Me, Kiss Me, Thrill Me.”
Zelda Sands and singer Mel Carter, whose career she managed for decades.Donald Piper
A lyricist, she wrote under her birth name — Zelda Samuels — and her professional name Zelda Sands, according to Donald Piper, president of the Sam Cooke Fan Club.
Ms. Sands composed the words to “Lookin’ for a Love,” which was recorded by the Valentinos, Bobby Womack, Sam Moore, Rod Stewart, Squeeze, Rufus Thomas and The J. Geils Band, whose version was featured in the 1985 movie “The Falcon and the Snowman.” She helped write Cooke’s “Talkin’ Trash,” Irma Thomas’ “I Haven’t Got Time to Cry” and “Dancin’ Holiday,” recorded by Carter and also by the Miracles.
With Jackie DeShannon, she wrote “Hark, is That a Cannon I Hear?” for Bobby Vee. She also helped write “You’re Just What I Needed,” recorded by Chubby Checker, “Dancin’ Holiday,” recorded by the Olympics and the Miracles, and “After the Parting,” recorded by Carter and by Patti Page.
“She had a sense as a lyricist for what worked, for what makes a good story for a song, ” Piper said.
Cooke, a Wendell Phillips High School alum, hired Ms. Sands to manage the Los Angeles offices for his SAR record company and its Derby division as well as his publishing company Kags Music, according to Tenenbaum and Piper. Cooke was one of the first performers to own his record and publishing companies.
Many men in the 1960s music industry underestimated Ms. Sands because of her beauty, Carter said. They didn’t notice how hard she worked to protect Cooke’s interests, according to Piper and Tenenbaum.
“She had a really good business sense,” Tenenbaum said. “She knew how to run it — how to get royalties, how to get paid by the distributors and how to get disc jockeys to play the records.”
“Zelda was making the rounds in Hollywood one day and talked to Wink Martindale,” a radio disc jockey, Piper said.
The A side of one of Cooke’s songs — “Farewell My Darling” — was under-performing, and Ms. Sands “suggested he flip it over.”
The B side was “Cupid,” which became a monster hit.
Her friends said Ms. Sands, a Brooklyn native, was skilled at protecting Mr. Cooke’s copyrights because of her music industry experience. She’d once worked in the offices of “Chicago” composer Fred Fisher in New York’s famed Brill Building, an incubator for songwriters and artists. She started out as a secretary for Coral Records, a subsidiary of Decca, Piper said.
Cooke was a member of the Soul Stirrers, a legendary gospel group that performed at many Black churches in Chicago. He went on to fame with a string of hits that also included “Another Saturday Night,” “Chain Gang,” “Having a Party,” “Only Sixteen,” “Twistin’ the Night Away” and “You Send Me.” His “A Change is Gonna Come” is considered a civil rights anthem.
Zelda Sands standing in front of a TV playing a documentary for which she was interviewed, “Lady You Shot Me: the Life and Times of Sam Cooke.”Donald Piper
Ms. Sands always questioned the ruling of justifiable homicide in Cooke’s fatal 1964 shooting by a Los Angeles motel clerk who said he attacked her.
“She claimed she didn’t know who he was, which is a stone-a– lie,” Ms. Sands said in the documentary “Lady You Shot Me: the Life and Death of Sam Cooke.”
Ms. Sands was a grandchild of Russian Jewish immigrants, according to Piper.
“She was something,” Piper said. “She was very independent, just wanted to be out on her own.”
NBA free agency has calmed down now that plenty of teams have used up the majority of their money, but the Chicago Bulls still have one move left to make.
The only notable transaction in Chicago that will happen going forward is if and when forward Lauri Markkanen is traded. For a few weeks now, Markkanen’s desire to be traded has been public.
DEAR ABBY: My dearest friend passed away five years ago. He was a severe alcoholic, and his death resulted from it. I was aware of how bad things had gotten and I was trying to talk him into getting help. I live across the country but visited and spoke with him often. I was considering telling his parents how bad things were since they were mainly supporting him, but I was torn because he was an adult, and I didn’t know if it would be appropriate.
Well, while I was considering it, he passed away, and I haven’t been able to get over the guilt. I feel like I should’ve done more. I have a strong urge to tell his parents I knew how he was doing and was contemplating telling them and how sorry I am that I didn’t. Would it be selfish, like rubbing salt in their wounds, just so I can find some kind of peace? I have been going back and forth with this since his death. I have such regret that I didn’t do something more. I don’t know if their forgiveness would help me, or if I’d just be hurting them more. Your opinion on this would be helpful. — FULL OF REGRETS
DEAR FULL: Please forgive yourself and stop second-guessing. You are guilty of nothing more than being a caring friend. The deceased was responsible for his own alcohol-related death. If his parents were supporting him financially, they were already aware their son had a serious problem. Because after five years you cannot stop flogging yourself, you have two options: Discuss this with your religious adviser, or ask your doctor or your insurance provider to refer you for some sessions with a licensed psychotherapist with whom you can work through this.
DEAR ABBY: I have had a girlfriend for about three years, but I have recently begun to feel indifferent about our relationship. We have to travel at least 45 minutes to see each other and don’t always see each other on weekends. I have been trying to convince her to move into my townhome, but something new arises each time I bring it up.
Recently, a younger woman (she’s 21, I’m 32) showed an interest in me during one of my sports games. I have talked to her and won’t let any relationship develop outside of being friends. She’s religious and I’m not, and that’s a deal-breaker for me. I’m torn between continuing to try to build my current relationship, trying to pursue the new one, or taking a step back from relationships to focus on my personal goals. Any thoughts, Abby? — PONDERING IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR PONDERING: It doesn’t appear that you OR your girlfriend of three years is really ready to take things to the next level. If you were, you wouldn’t be debating whether to trade her in for a newer model. As to the younger one, you just stated clearly that her religiosity is a deal-breaker for you. Your third option makes the most sense. Concentrate on your personal goals for a while, and with time, your love life will work itself out.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
Last Thursday, the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees played one of the greatest regular-season games of all time. It is certainly one of the greatest wins in the White Sox regular-season history. It had a beautiful scene, big-time drama, and an incredible ending which is everything you want in a baseball game. Now, it is going to be the Chicago Cubs playing in that spotlight.
The Cubs are going to play at the Field of Dreams in 2022 against the Cincinnati Reds. It is going to be great seeing these two teams meet on that field. The Reds, of course, are the team that won the World Series over the White Sox in 1919. The White Sox famously lost that World Series on purpose to make money which has a big role in the movie Field of Dreams’ plot.
Five people were killed, and nine others were wounded in shootings Monday in Chicago, including a person who was found shot to death in Rogers Park on the North Side.
About 9 p.m., a male, whose age was not known, was found lying in the middle of the street in the 1300 block of West Farwell Avenue, Chicago police said. He had gunshot wounds in the face, shoulder and torso. He was taken to Saint Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hours prior, a person was fatally shot in Chatham on the South Side. The male, whose age wasn’t known, was found unresponsive in an apartment about 6:30 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue, police said. He was shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. He hasn’t been identified.
Two men were shot to death in Austin on the West Side. About 12:35 p.m., they were in the 5000 block of West St. Paul Avenue when someone opened fire, striking them multiple times, police said. The men, 27 and 26 years old, were shot in the head and transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
In the day’s first reported fatal shooting, a 70-year-old woman was fatally shot in Hegewisch on the Far South Side. The woman was parked in her car just after 4:25 a.m. in the 13300 block of South Baltimore Avenue when two males approached and fired shots, police said. She was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where she was listed in critical condition, but was transferred to University of Chicago Medical Center where she died.
Nine others were wounded in shootings citywide.
Eight people were killed, and fifty-six others were wounded, in shootings last weekend throughout Chicago.
5 killed, 9 wounded, Monday in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon August 17, 2021 at 7:50 am Read More »
Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 8:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn.
Today is the perfect day to travel somewhere because you need a change of scenery. Do whatever you can so that you feel a sense of adventure and stimulation. Go somewhere you’ve never been before because you will feel gratified to learn something new.
Discussions about inheritances, shared property and insurance issues will favor you. Get your ducks in a row and defend your best interests. In particular, these discussions might relate to real estate, a family business or domestic situation.
Because the moon is in a sign that is opposite your sign, you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. This simply requires a little cooperation and tact. In two weeks, when the moon is in your sign, others will have to cooperate with you!
You might have to work on behalf of someone else because you need to perform a service or cater to their needs. Fear not. You aren’t being a martyr. This is just how things are rolling out today. Do what you can to get better organized.
This is a playful, fun-loving day, which is why it’s an excellent time to explore social outings, fun activities with kids and sports events. Accept all invitations to party! You will also be productive in areas related to the entertainment world and show business.
Home and family are your top priority today. In fact, you will enjoy having a chance to cocoon at home and relax among familiar surroundings. Do whatever you can so that you have a warm feeling in your tummy. Pamper yourself.
Today you have strong need to communicate to others. Not only do you want to talk to someone and of course, listen — you want to have a meaningful bond with this person. You want to discuss real things. You don’t want to dally in superficial chitchat.
Something to do with earnings, cash flow and money is on your mind today. You might be thinking of asking for a raise? Whatever occurs might involve a boss or a parent. One thing is certain, financially speaking, you can benefit from real estate this year.
Things will tend to go your way today because the moon is in your sign. Having said that, when the moon is in your sign, (this happens for 2 1/2 days every month) you become more emotional. Keep this in mind and do your best to stay chill.
You might want to withdraw from the busyness of your daily world and seek out solitude or some peace and quiet so that you can catch your breath. Now and then, it’s good to do this to get grounded. Afterward, you’ll be more ready to sally forth into your world!
This is an excellent day for a heart-to-heart discussion with a female acquaintance. You might seek out this person’s advice. Possibly, they will help you in some way with your future goals? (This could be a continuation of yesterday’s conversation.)
Once again, you are high visibility today, which means people notice you more than usual, especially bosses, parents, teachers and the police. (Oh yes, take notice. You might have to do some damage control.) When others are looking at you, put your best foot forward!
Actor Robert De Niro (1943) shares your birthday. You are highly individualistic and walk to the beat of your own drum. You are both charming and aggressive. You are also creative and imaginative. Privately, you’re a romantic. This year it’s time to loosen up and have fun! You have a strong zest for life and will enjoy schmoozing with others, which will be easy because you are more popular.
Horoscope for Tuesday, August 17, 2021Georgia Nicolson August 17, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »
The Cubs reportedly will face the Reds in the ”Field of Dreams” game next season in Dyersville, Iowa. The game tentatively is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2022, and will be considered a Reds home game, according to USA Today Network’s Bob Nightengale. August 11 is currently a scheduled off day for both teams before they begin a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.
Major League Baseball announced the game would return in 2022, even before the wildly popular Yankees-White Sox game took place last Thursday. With 5.9 million viewers, that game was the most-watched regular-season baseball game on Fox in 16 years.
The White Sox hosted the Yankees last Thursday. The teams then had an off day Friday before concluding the series Saturday and Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Cubs manager David Ross let it slip the Cubs were scheduled to play in next year’s game during a chat with reporters last week.
It was first reported by NBC Sports Chicago. Major League Baseball has not made an announcement, although commissioner Rob Manfred did say MLB would return in 2022.
Football is a complex game. But one thing is for sure: The quarterback is the most important man on the field.
How goes your quarterback, so goes your team.
Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields lit up the Dolphins in his preseason debut Saturday afternoon. And he also — and appropriately — lit up Bears fans everywhere.
What we glimpsed was a young man with exceptional poise in the pocket, the ability to scan the field and make confident decisions, and an arm that is accurate and pro-ball worthy.
We also saw speed.
Indeed, we saw exceptional speed from Fields — a 4.45 in the 40 speed — which is essentially receiver and cornerback speed.
Yes, you hear about the guys who run 4.3s, even the rare 4.2s. But those are track stars, human bullets, and, remember, the 40-yard dash is run in a straight line, and not much on a football field goes in a straight line.
When Fields scored on an eight-yard scramble to his left in the third quarter, he arced around the Dolphins’ pass rush, blew away from pursuing linebacker Duke Riley and beat closing safety Jevon Holland to the end zone. It was grace and athleticism and spatial awareness. And it was pure speed.
Nobody can say for sure that Fields will be a mighty success in the NFL. Preseason games are like invasions of seasonal cicadas — a lot of flying around and noise, signifying almost nothing.
But when he said the professional game he was playing seemed “kind of slow to me,” you had to perk up your ears and think to yourself, ‘OMG, we found one!’ Because the NFL game is fast, very fast.
Yes, the players are bigger and stronger, and assuredly meaner, than in college. But every position is played with as much speed as possible. And that makes all the difference.
Even blimp-like offensive linemen are selected according to foot speed and agility in their little pig-like spaces. So if a sturdy, 6-3, 227-pound quarterback says he has time to think and he sees the field well and time has slowed down for him, it means his own speed transcends the normal borders of his position.
What Fields demonstrated in his brief outing against the Dolphins is that a good quarterback who is fast is better than a good quarterback who is slow. Or even average speed.
Here’s a test. Imagine Tom Brady with speed. The soon-to-be Hall of Famer would be absolutely terrifying if he had sprinter’s lightning to go with his computational genius and deadly arm.
So we are left to wonder why the NFL took so long to covet swift and athletic quarterbacks, to feverishly seek them out and draft them and change the game to utilize their gifts.
One reason is that it’s rare to find anyone who can throw rockets, who is a leader, who gets the game, and who is fast as hell.
Fran Tarkenton was slippery and elusive. So were Joe Theismann and Doug Flutie. But those quarterbacks were on the smallish or slender side.
Steve Young could move, and quarterbacks like Joe Montana, John Elway, and even old Bears helmsman Bobby Douglass were very good athletes. But they didn’t have blazing speed, and, of course, as they aged, they got beaten up pretty good.
The truly fast quarterbacks — Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Robert Griffin III, and more recently, Colin Kaepernick, Tyrod Taylor, Deshaun Watson, and Lamar Jackson are, as a point of fact, Black. And the NFL, as I’m sure you’re aware, has only followed society, not led it, in giving Black men the opportunities they deserve and can excel at.
There was on old saying in the game: White up the middle. That meant all the “thinking” and leadership positions were segregated: i.e., free safety, middle linebacker, center, and — of course — quarterback.
The change was slow to come. And the lesser positions went first. The great ones stand out. There was middle linebacker Willie Lanier with the Chiefs, center Dwight Stephenson with the Dolphins, free safety Emlen Tunnell for the Packers, all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
But Black quarterbacks were subtly nudged aside. Their speed, if they had it, was almost a detriment. Hey kid, line up with the wide receivers.
But finally stars like Warren Moon and Randall Cunningham came along, and their gifts opened eyes. Now Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes blows people’s minds.
The Bears might have a gift in Justin Fields. If he blazes across the football sky, fast and furious, what a joy it will be.
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