Free Republic

Another of his timeless hits entered the Hot 100 in May 1960.Sam Cooke made so many outstanding contributions to music history that it’s impossible to choose just one song that defines him. His smooth, lyrical and expressive voice adorned countless gems, from “You Send Me” to “Chain Gang,” “Only Sixteen” to “Cupid,” and of course the immortal “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Another of his all-time greats, “Wonderful World,” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 9, 1960. The song was written chiefly by A&M Records co-founder and hitmaker Herb Alpert with Lou Adler, but Cooke himself is credited...

Recycling By Ari Bussel Twice I encountered the same older lady on the bus from Jerusalem. It was late at night and she was returning carrying heavy bags. The bus driver later explained she is a regular. She would spend a few hours a day on the bus collecting bottles for recycling, thus supplementing her fixed income from the Israeli equivalent of Social Security. The bus driver continued: “We (the drivers) also do so (collect bottles) intermittently.” I was surprised for they usually enjoy a good salary, stable employment and various benefits. “Indeed,” he replied, “but half my salary goes...