Oscar Bloom was unhappy. It was his eighth birthday. All his friends were going to come over that evening. His little sister Samantha had made him the brightest, friendship-birthday bracelet. He had heard his dad whispering to his mom the day before about "picking up the little puppy", and had a feeling that one of his presents might be a little dog that he had been wishing for ever since he was five. So what was wrong?

    Oscar was sad because there was one very, very, hugely important person who was missing today-his beloved Grandma Rose. Last year she fell ill and then one day she just wasn't there.

    "Grandma's gone, but she still loves you very much," mom explained.

    "I miss Grandma rose," Oscar said.

    "Well, Grandma has a present for you!"

    A present from Grandma? How?

    Mom pressed play on the CD player, and Oscar heard his grandmother's voice!

    "My dear Oscar," the recording began. I'm sorry I can't be there with you today to celebrate such an exciting day, but I'm with you in spirit. I'm with you all the time. As for your birthday present, I'd like to tell you about the day you were born, which was the very first day I met you. That was exactly eight years ago. What a tiny little thing you were back then! The doctor hardly had time to pick you up before you started to make sounds! Every doctor waits for the baby to cry.to make sure the baby is healthy, but you, Oscar, you changed the rules on them. Your mother doesn't remember this because she was so tired, but I will never forget it. You opened your mouth, and you gave a little laugh! That's right, you laughed! And only then did you open your mouth wider to start crying like all the rest of the babies in the hospital. I hope you remember this story for the rest of your life, young man," Grandma Rose continued. "This is the beginning of your oral history! My present to you!”

    Oscar couldn't believe his ears. His own Grandma Rose was telling him a story he had never heard before. A big smile grew across Oscar's face. What a special birthday this had turned out to be!

The police had to firm to deal with the riots.

    Some researchers explain how most people form their social groups with people of their age. Especially, as children and teenagers, even adults, people make their friends based on proximity(邻近) more than anything else. Even in a college classroom, the students may not make friends with those who have similar personalities and interests. It's the people they really sit next to. Clearly, who stands nearest to you has the greatest influence on you. As Jim Rohn has widely said. "You are average(平均) of five people you spend the most time with."

    Over the past ten months, I've paid Ryan, a famous writer of several bestselling books, to help with the book I'm writing. Working with him has shown me just how low my standards for my work are. For example, every time I send him a drab(草稿), he shows me how it could be 10 times better, and he holds me to that standard.

    ___▲____ It's because that I don't know what I don't know. Working with Ryan has made me realize what is possible and what it takes to create something powerful.

    Like Ryan, my business partner Richard has wonderful ideas and far different experience than I have. He has written 36 New York Times Bestsellers. He's been speaking and doing events for 20 years. Richard always performs at high levels, and he is also very strict with me because my performance is a reflection(反映) on him. It's not a bad thing because it creates high pressure(压力) to help me make great progress in organizing author training.

    In a word, you need to stay with those people who can help you realize your level and potential. Staying with people who have higher standards is the fastest way for you to change. If you don't change your environment, your progress will be very slow. Who you stay with has huge importance. You can't ignore this.

He was late the heavy snow.