1 Paul Jackson Pollock was an American painter who lived from 1912 to 1956. He made paintings, but not drawings or sculptures. Pollock had a unique1 style. His art was very different from other paintings. Pollock spilled colored paint onto large canvases. He thought that his paintings were energetic because of their bright colors and big designs. He often put a canvas on the floor, walked around it, and dripped2 paint all over it. However, many people did not like Pollock’s paintings. They said that his art looked like graffiti.

2 In 1949, Pollock started to become more famous. LIFE magazine published an article that asked, “Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?” This article was like an ad for Pollock’s paintings, and Pollock became a part of pop culture. The public started to consider Pollock’s paintings as statements about social history and politics. They thought his paintings were symbols of freedom. However, Pollock had a hard, sad life. He suffered from depression and had a drinking problem. When he was 44 years old, Pollock died in a car accident. People still buy posters of Pollock’s art. Today we can see his paintings in
museums all over the world.

Random Acts of Kindness

1 People often say that they want to make the world a better place. However, they may feel that in order to make a difference, in order to impact society in a major way, they need to give a lot of time or a lot of money. Actually, they don’t need to
do either. Anne Herbert’s words, now a well-known bumper sticker, have inspired many to a different level of donation, “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” There are many ways that you can help others. So, won’t
you consider the wonderful proposal below? Devote yourself to making the world a better place, starting today.

2 Greet another person by saying “good morning” or by smiling. 1 Do you want language learning to be more fun? Students at Wilson High School have fun studying foreign languages. They chat with pen pals they meet from other countries. The simple act of extending greetings connects us to our fellow beings in a brief but fulfilling way. Do not be opposed to saying “good morning” to the next
person you meet. For many grumpy people, “good morning” is an oxymoron, but your friendliness just might make them smile.

3 Help a stranger.
Get a shopping cart at the grocery store for those who cannot manage it because their hands are full. Donate old furniture to a homeless shelter. When you are determined to help the next guy, it’ll make you happy, too.

4 Treat the environment with respect.
Plant a flower. Pick up a piece of trash. Turn off a running faucet. If you treat public places proudly, you throw down the challenge for others to behave in a similar way. They rise to a higher standard, too!

5 Compliment someone with conviction.
In our busy culture, compliments often come and go in an empty way. The next time you praise somebody, put some passion into your admiring praise. Tell them specifically what you like and why. Make it personal.

6 Relax when there’s a problem.
Big or small, problems are a part of life. Relax! If somebody spills soda in your path, say, “No problem.” You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of staying cool when others might be resentful or even show indignation.

7 Remember, little acts of kindness have huge impacts on our world. So go out and do something for someone else. I guarantee you that he or she will be thrilled! Have a nice day!