Bedanya Kuliah di AS dengan di RI

Riani Dwi Lestari

Selasa, 15 November 2011 14:49 wib

Image: corbis.com

JAKARTA - Bicara mengenai pendidikan tinggi tidak terlepas dari bagaimana sistem pendidikan yang dianut satu negara. Indonesia dan Amerika contohnya, secara struktural memang tidak ada perbedaan signifikan, tetapi ada perbedaan mendasar yang berpengaruh cukup besar bagi mahasiswanya.

Wakil Green River Community College America untuk Indonesia Leo Harten menjelaskan, perbedaan tersebut dan bagaimana hal itu bisa berpengaruh bagi mahasiswa.

"Secara struktural tidak terlalu terihat perbedaannya, untuk S-1 sama-sama empat tahun, gelar master sekira dua tahun. Yang menjadi perbedaan yakni gaya mengajar," kata Leo kepada okezone di kantor Aminef, Jakarta, Selasa (15/11/2011).

Perbedaan tersebut, menurut lulusan University of Wahington itu, sangat signifikan. Di Amerika, dosen boleh dikatakan jarang memberikan kuliah. Kuliah lebih sering dilakukan dengan kerja kelompok, analisis, studi kasus, terjun ke lapangan. Sistem pendidikan tinggi di sana lebih ke arah praktik dan menghadirkan pembicara kredibel ke kelas.

"Praktik dan terjun langsung ke lapangan akan melatih mahasiswa untuk secara langsung mencari dan menerapkan pengetahuan yang dia dapat. Tidak seperti di Indonesia yang lebih banyak memberi lecture, sehingga pengetahuan yang didapat terkesan tidak applicable," jelas Leo.

Ketika lebih banyak praktik, lanjutnya, mahasiswa akan lebih fokus. Selain itu, kemampuan analitis dan bagaimana dia mempertahankan pendapat juga akan membuat mahasiswa lebih cepat belajar. Dengan begitu, kuliah bukan lagi hal yang membosankan.(rfa)

Ini Cara AS Dongkrak Jumlah Mahasiswa Asing

Hanna Meinita

Image: corbis.com

WASHINGTON – Demi meningkatkan pelajar asing, Amerika Serikat akan mempercepat proses pemberian visa pelajar.

Terobosan pemerintahan Barack Obama ini dilakukan melalui Biro Departemen Konsuler yang akan memberikan siswa persetujuan visa prioritas khusus.

Dalam sebuah pernyataan di International Education Week, Departemen Luar Negeri AS menyatakan, semua kedutaan besar dan Konsulat AS mempercepat proses visa bagi pelajar asing untuk memastikan mereka yang memenuhi syarat dapat memulai program akademis tepat waktu.

Sejak lama, mahasiswa asing mengeluhkan kompleksitas dan kesulitan dalam mengajukan permohonan visa ke Amerika.

Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, departemen telah mengambil kebijakan untuk mempersingkat masa tunggu maksimum persetujuan visa menjadi kurang dari 15 hari. Pelajar asing dapat mengajukan permohonan untuk visa hingga 120 hari sebelum program akademik dimulai. Demikian seperti dikutip dari Xinhua, Selasa (15/11/2011).

Kebijakan ini dibuat setelah laporan tahunan terbaru menyebutkan bahwa jumlah mahasiswa asing di Amerika meningkat hingga 30 persen selama satu dekade terakhir.

Menurut data yang diterbitkan Institute of International Education, jumlah pelajar asing yang kuliah di Amerika meningkat hingga lima persen atau sebesar 723.277 siswa pada tahun ajaran 2010/2011. Data menyebutkan, pelajar asing yang paling banyak kuliah di Amerika berasal dari China.

Selama diskusi yang digelar di Washington DC, pada Senin (14/11/2011) waktu setempat, Kepala Deputi Asisten untuk Urusan Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Departemen Luar Negeri, Adam Ereli menekankan manfaat dari kehadiran mahasiswa asing di Amerika. "Mahasiswa asing memperkaya universitas Amerika dengan ide dan cara berpikir baru," ujar Ereli.

Pertukaran pendidikan juga membantu membentuk dan mengonsolidasikan hubungan antara Amerika dan negara lain dengan mempromosikan saling pengertian. Selain itu, pendidikan asing termasuk penyumbang pendapatan Amerika karena menghasilkan miliaran dolar.(rfa)

Tradisi Aneh dan Unik Kampus Dunia

Hanna Meinita

Kamis, 17 November 2011 11:03 wib

 11  7Email0

Foto: Salah satu tradisi paling fenomenal dari Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) adalah menempatkan mobil Chevrolet di atas gedung ini, Great Dome/Telegraph

PERGURUAN tinggi bukan hanya tempat untuk menuntut ilmu. Kampus juga merupakan tempat untuk melakukan kegiatan yang pada akhirnya bisa menjadi tradisi yang turun-menurun.
Beberapa universitas di Amerika Serikat dan Inggris memiliki tradisi unik, mulai dari yang serius hingga aneh. Apa saja tradisi tersebut? Berikut tradisi perguruan tinggi yang aneh dan unik seperti dikutip dari Telegraph, Kamis (17/11/2011).

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University di Pittsburgh, Amerika Serikat memiliki pagar yang rendah di bagian tengah kampus. Pagar ini dapat dilukis oleh mahasiswa pada tengah malam hingga matahari terbit. Namun, pagar hanya dapat dilukis dengan kuas cat (roller dan semprotan tidak diperbolehkan).

Pagar yang terbuat dari kayu ini dinobatkan oleh Guinness Book of World Records sebagai obyek yang paling banyak dicat di dunia. Dan uniknya, mahasiswa bisa ditemukan berkemah hingga seminggu di dekat pagar yang jadi target mereka. Mereka menetap di lokasi pagar yang telah dicat guna melindungi pekerjaan mereka diserobot orang lain. Sementara mahasiswa yang romantis kerap mengunakan pagar ini untuk melamar kekasihnya.

2. University of Chicago

University of Chicago di Amerika menyelenggarakan tradisi Scavenger Hunt setiap tahun dan dinobatkan sebagai yang terbesar di dunia. Ajang yang diikuti sejumlah tim mahasiswa ini diselenggarakan selama empat hari. Mahasiswa bertugas melacak setiap barang dan menyelesaikan tugas dari daftar instruksi yang ada. Dua mahasiswa fisika berhasil mencapai tujuan terakhir dan membangun sebuah reaktor yang memproduksi plutonium di sebuah pondok di alun-alun kampus.

3. St Andrews University

Tradisi St Andrews cukup unik. Mahasiswa tahun ketiga harus mengadopsi mahasiswa tahun pertama pada awal tahun akademik. Pada akhir pekan kedua November atau yang dikenal sebagai Raisin Weekend, mahasiswa tahun pertama muncul di rumah masing-masing ‘ayah’ dan ‘ibu’ mereka (yang merupakan mahasiswa tahun ketiga). Di sana, mahasiswa baru akan ‘dihujani’ dengan minuman beralkohol dan berdandan dalam busana yang aneh.

Pesta rumah akan berlangsung selama dua hari tanpa henti dan rumah serikat mahasiswa berubah menjadi rumah sakit mini. Setelah berpesta pada akhir pekan, di hari Senin, mahasiswa baru yang telah diterima di kampus akan dibawa ke alun-alun, dan dilanjutkan dengan pertarungan busa.
 
4. Oxford University
 
Oxford merupakan universitas tertua di dunia yang menggunakan bahasa Inggris. Kampus ini memiliki lebih dari 20 ribu mahasiswa dengan 30 kampus yang merupakan bagian dari Oxford (college). Karena banyaknya college di Oxford, ada beberapa tradisi yang resmi dan tidak resmi. Salah satu tradisi yang aneh adalah Time Ceremony yang dilakukan mahasiswa Merton College.

Ritual ini dilakukan pada hari Sabtu terakhir Oktober. Pada dini hari, mahasiswa berjalan mundur di tempat minum, alun-alun Fellow. Tujuan kegiatan ini untuk mempertahankan jarak waktu selama perubahan dari waktu musim panas di Inggris (British Summer Time) ke Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). (Di Inggris, GMT digunakan sebagai penunjuk waktu resmi selama musim dingin, sementara pada musim panas mengunakan BST).

5. Harvard University

Kampus bergengsi ini memiliki tradisi unik, yaitu Primal Scream. Tradisi yang telah berlangsung sejak 1960 ini telah bermetamorfosis. Dahulu, mahasiswa biasa melakukan ritual dengan berteriak selama 10 menit pada malam sebelum ujian. Kini, Primal Sream biasa dilakukan mahasiswa dengan berlari telanjang di universitas sambil diiringi suara dari band Harvard University dan sorakan dari penonton.

6. Stanford University

Menyelusuri terowongan beruap atau Steam-tunnelling merupakan tradisi di Stanford. Tradisi universitas yang berlokasi di Amerika ini dilakukan dengan berjalan melalui terowongan bawah tanah Stanford yang berbentuk labirin. Tradisi ini sangat populer selama musim dingin, karena uap di terowongan kampus cukup panas. Dalam melakukan tradisi ini, mahasiswa harus mengenakan celana jins dan kemeja lengan panjang untuk menghindari luka bakar ringan.

7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) memiliki tradisi melakukan aksi lelucon yang cerdas. Permainan ini dirancang untuk membuat sesama mahasiswa dan dosen bertanya-tanya bagaimana caranya mahasiswa melakukan lelucon tersebut. Dikenal sebagai ‘hacks’, para pembuat lelucon ini biasa melakukannya pada malam hari dan dikenal sebagai tradisi paling keterlaluan di MIT. Salah satu aksi para ‘hacker’ yang mengesankan adalah menempatkan mobil Chevrolet yang dicat seperti mobil polisi patroli kampus. Mobil tersebut ditempatkan di atas gedung Great Dome MIT.

8. Yale University

Di Yale, wisuda merupakan waktu yang tepat untuk melakukan tradisi kampus. Mahasiswa yang telah lulus merokok tembakau dari pipa tanah liat dan kemudian menghancurkannya dengan cara diinjak. Ini merupakan pertanda bahwa tanda bahwa kenikmatan kehidupan kampus telah berakhir.

9. Cornell University

Cornell University sangat kental dengan tradisi Dragon Day. Tradisi ini dilakukan mahasiswa arsitektur yang membangun naga raksasa yang kemudian diarak di alun-alun Arts dan kemudian dibakar. Tradisi ini diyakini terinspirasi oleh legenda St Patrick yang menggerakkan ular dari Irlandia. Tradisi ini biasa dilakukan setiap tahun pada 17 Maret.

10. Princeton University

Princeton memiliki tradisi upacara api unggun, yang hanya terjadi saat tim football kampus ini mengalahkan tim dari Harvard dan Yale, pada musim pertandingan yang sama. Terakhir kali tradisi ini dilakukan pada 2006, setelah ‘puasa’ selama 12 tahun.
(rhs)

Nilai Mahasiswa Berubah, FBI Turun Tangan

Hanna Meinita

 

Ilustrasi : ist.

SANTA CLARA - Biro Penyelidikan Federal Amerika Serikat (FBI) akan menyelidiki kasus hacking yang dilakukan terhadap sistem komputer Santa Clara University. Akibat insiden ini, nilai mahasiswa yang mengikuti program sarjana berubah. Penyelidikan dilakukan FBI bersama Santa Clara University.
Pejabat universitas swasta di Silicon Valley ini mengatakan, mereka telah memeriksa puluhan ribu catatan sejak 2000. Mereka juga telah mengidentifikasi nilai yang berubah.

Disebutkan, nilai yang berubah merupakan milik segelintir mahasiswa yang masih kuliah dan 60 alumni. Demikian seperti dikutip dari AP, Kamis (17/11/2011).

Presiden Santa Clara University, Michael Engh mengatakan, perubahan nilai terkait dengan seseorang yang mendapatkan akses ilegal ke dalam sistem catatan akademis kampus antara Juni 2010 dan Juli 2011.

Engh menambahkan, tidak ada bukti yang menunjukkan informasi pribadi dari mahasiswa, pengajar, atau staf universitas telah diganggu.
(rhs)

Alviana-Dian Rela Belajar MATEMATIKA Siang-Malam

 

PELAJARAN matematika bagi kebanyakan siswa adalah momok dan tidak disukai. Maklum, pelajaran ini harus memeras otak lebih agar bisa menaklukkan deretan angka dan rumus.

Namun, itu dulu. Sekarang pelajaran itu sudah mulai banyak disukai pelajar. Termasuk oleh Alviana Azkiana, siswi SMA 2 Kudus ini. Dengan kecerdasan dan kecintaan terhadap pelajaran itu, Alviana Azkiana bersama Dian Hayuningtyas yang juga teman satu sekolahnya mampu meraih penghargaan bergengsi dalam lomba World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) di Shanghai, China, yang diadakan awal November lalu.

Dua srikandi asal Kudus ini harus bersaing dengan para pelajar lain dari Amerika Serikat, Korea Selatan, Republik Rakyat China (RRC), dan negara lainnya. Meski begitu, Alviana berhasil unjuk gigi dengan meraih medali perunggu.

“Kaget dan tidak menyangka sama sekali. Sebab, saingannya berat ada yang dari AS, China, dan lain sebagainya,” kata Alviana kemarin.

Menurut Alviana, meskipun dasarnya sama, soal yang diujikan dalam ajang WMTC berbeda dengan materi yang umumnya diajarkan di sekolah. Apalagi soal-soal matematika tersebut harus diselesaikan dengan waktu singkat.

Menjelang keberangkatannya ke ajang WMTC, Alviana dikarantina selama seminggu di Jakarta. Selama masa karantina tersebut, dia melahap materi soal-soal yang dilombakan dalam ajang serupa pada tahun sebelumnya. Dengan kedisiplinan dan ketekunannya, Alviana mampu membuat senyum kontingen pelajar Indonesia di ajang tersebut.

“Untuk menyelesaikan satu soal ada yang membutuhkan satu rumus. Namun,ada juga satu soal membutuhkan beberapa rumus,” ucap pelajar yang masuk kelas unggulan di SMA 2 Kudus ini.

Dian Hayuningtyas menuturkan, untuk meraih prestasi internasional itu, dia perlu perjuangan yang cukup berat. Hampir tiap hari Dian tidak pernah lepas dari buku matematika. Di sekolah, Dian digenjot materi soal-soal matematika sejak pukul 07.00–15.00 WIB. Sepulang sekolah, Dian secara maraton melanjutkan belajar matematika dengan mengikuti les hingga petang.

Sepulang les, Dian harus rela membuang waktu istirahatnya untuk belajar matematika. Agar benar-benar mahir, Dian juga belajar mengutak-atik berbagai rumus yang sudah dikenalnya. “Semisal rumus yang sudah ada, ternyata memakan waktu lama untuk memecahkan satu soal, maka kita utak-atik dengan rumus baru,” ujarnya. (muhamad oliez/koran si)(//rfa)

Upah Minimum Provinsi DKI NAIK Jadi Rp 1.497.838

 

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Setelah Dewan Pengupahan DKI Jakarta bersidang lebih dari enam jam, akhirnya diputuskan upah minimum provinsi (UMP) DKI Jakarta sebesar Rp 1.497.838.
Angka ini sesuai dengan angka kebutuhan hidup layak (KHL) yang diputuskan Dewan Pengupahan. "Angka ini besok pagi akan kami serahkan kepada gubernur untuk disahkan secepatnya," kata Deded Sukendar, Kepala Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi DKI Jakarta, yang dihubungi Kompas, Kamis (17/11/2011) malam ini.
Walaupun telah diputuskan, baik pihak Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia (Apindo) DKI Jakarta maupun pihak perwakilan buruh, menyatakan ketidakpuasan.
Apindo menginginkan agar UMP sebesar Rp 1.412.550, sedangkan buruh menginginkan UMP sebesar Rp 1.529.147.

Mahfud Beberkan 4 Contoh Jual Beli UU di DPR

Beberapa di antaranya, kata Mahfud MD, sudah terbukti di pengadilan. 

Kamis, 17 November 2011, 18:24 WIB

Arfi Bambani Amri, Nur Eka Sukmawati

 

 

VIVAnews - Ketua Mahkamah Konstitusi Mahfud MD menyatakan dia tak main-main mengumbar fakta jual beli Undang-undang di Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat. Dia bahkan sudah membeberkan beberapa contoh jual beli pasal itu kepada Ketua DPR, Marzuki Alie, saat bertemu dalam acara pembukaan ASEAN Summit di Bali, Rabu kemarin.
"Saya katakan, Anda mau minta bukti bagaimana, kan sudah terbukti. Yang sudah diputus di pengadilan sudah saya sebutkan, dan (ditambah) gejala yang dilontarkan oleh Wa Ode Nurhayati tentang mafia anggaran," kata Mahfud di Gedung MK, Jakarta, Kamis, 17 November 2011.
Beberapa contoh kasus yang Mahfud sebutkan ke Marzuki Alie yakni, pertama, lima orang yang dihukum karena mengeluarkan dana Yayasan BI sebesar Rp100 miliar untuk mengegolkan Undang-Undang Bank Indonesia. "Yang Rp68 miliar untuk pengacara, yang Rp31 miliar untuk DPR. Saya katakan, apa Anda mau membantah fakta yang terbuka di persidangan bahwa ini untuk DPR. Apa itu bukan bukti?" kata mantan politikus Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa itu.
Contoh kedua yaitu, Rp1,5 miliar Dana Abadi Umat yang dibayarkan ke DPR untuk mengegolkan UU Wakaf. "Menteri Agama yang dulu kan bilang Rp1,5 miliar Dana Abadi Umat untuk bayar DPR, itu bukan rahasia lah," tutur profesor hukum tata negara di Universitas Islam Indonesia itu.
Ketiga, tentang mafia anggaran yang diungkap oleh politikus Partai Amanat Nasional Wa Ode Nurhayati bahwa ada calo anggaran APBNP yang dipotong setiap proyek sebesar enam persen. "Itu kan Wa Ode Nurhayati sendiri yang bilang. Saya kalau diminta bukti-bukti nggak perlu berspekulasi, yang sudah diputus oleh pengadilan saja kasusnya sudah ada beberapa," ujarnya.
Keempat, kasus suap terkait Kementerian Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi yang sekarang mulai disidangkan di Pengadilan Tindak Pidana Korupsi. "Itu kan untuk membayar UU APBN Perubahan. Yang sekarang sedang diadili itu, sekretaris Muhaimin," kata Mahfud menyebut nama Menteri Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi Muhaimin Iskandar.
Lantas bagaimana tanggapan Marzuki Alie ketika Mahfud menyebutkan beberapa contoh kasus jual beli pasal tersebut?
"Dia ketawa saja. Kalau politisi kan begitu. 'Oh, itu yang dulu, toh'...," ujar Mahfud menirukan pernyataan Marzuki. (kd)

Iklan Kreatif dan Lucu

Panasonic – Nose Hair Trimmer. Wah, alat yang canggih, kabel listrik kusut aja bisa langsung lurus, baiknya dikasi sama orang PLN tuh, biar ga kejadian lagi listrik2 pada mati.

CDR – Strong bone formula. Pada awalnya kita ngga akan ngeh, tapi coba perhatikan kaki mejanya… canggih bukan?!



Fontline – Anti Kutu. Weleh2, manusia dianggap kutu, hihi… Media yang cukup kreatif, memanfaatkan lantai dasar dari suatu plaza, orang-orang pun menjadi sangat tertarik. The power of promotion & creativity!!.



Kayaking – Kacang Jumbo, gajah saja sampai tersedak.



Lifebuoy – sabun antiseptik. Kita makan yang kita pegang. Masuk akal



Lux – display sepatu di batang pohon. Konon, sampai pohon yang keriput bisa dibuat mulus oleh sabun ini, hihi..



Lumix – kamera anti getar. Hoho, boleh nih dipake para fotografer spesialis balap bajaj



Surf – sabun pemutih. Baju saja bisa jadi terang benderang gara-gara sabun ini.. dan coba lihat ekspresi muka si suster....



Visine – hilangkan mata merah dalam 60 detik. Hmm,, perasaan kalau di lampu merah bisa sampe bermenit-menit ya?!

Effective Safety Logo Ideas - What Colors and Images Should You Use?

By Jesicca Thompson

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The best part about a logo is that it can communicate with the audience without the use of words.
By only using images and colors, you can send a message across to the viewers.
But what images and colors should you use in a safety symbol?
Below mentioned are some safety logo ideas that will help you craft an emblem that reflect the true essence of your business easily.
• Make The Trademark Compact And Consolidated:
Symbols have a greater impact if they are compact and consolidated. For that, you can add a thick border around the image. To add an interesting touch to the monogram, make sure that you encase your symbol in a circle, a triangle or a shield shape. You can select the surrounding shape according to the target business. For example, traffic safety signs are generally encased in a triangular or circle shape while the educational symbols usually consist of shield-like borders.
• Use Uncomplicated And Minimal Images In The Brand Mark:
A cautionary symbol must be easily understandable and to-the-point. Here, you need to make sure that the images that you craft can be easily understood by everyone.
Have you ever observed a traffic safety symbol?
Although they use minimal images, they are quite easy to understand universally. Whether you reside in Africa or France, you will see the same traffic cautionary signs.
• Use A Giant Cross For Cautionary Signs:
The best way to send the message across is to use big red or black colored cross to caution. This clearly says that the viewer is forbidden to do what the image suggests.
• Use Colors According To Your Target Industry:
It is smart to use colors in your emblem according to your target industry. This way the viewers will find it easier to associate with your emblem. For example, if you are creating a food safety trademark, then you can use red and yellow as prominent colors as the food industry uses the same. These two colors represent energy and happiness, which are the two key marketing elements for a restaurant.
Similarly, if you are creating an internet safety logo, then you can use dark blue, black and red as main colors. These are the colors that are commonly used for online emblems and they look bright and attractive on the computer screen. Red represents energy while black signifies authority. Dark blue signifies dependability and trust. By using the same colors as the business genre, you are making it easy for your company to communicate with the customers.
In conclusion, use the colors and the images in your emblem wisely. Make sure that the colors are according to the target industry. They should be bright and attractive so that the emblem is not easily overlooked. The images should be made compact through thick borders.

Jesicca Thompson is a senior graphic design consultant at logo design consultant who has more then 10 years of experience in logo and safety logo ideas for small and start up business owners. Please visit logo design consultant to pump up your business by creating a logo design.

2 Traits to Create Relationship Through Your Brand - With People You've Never Met

By Erin Ferree

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Are you "marketing at" your precious potential clients or connecting with them? In other words, do your marketing efforts feel more like you're shouting at them with a megaphone, or like you're having a two-way conversation?
We all have a craving for connection and conversation - for that rich, recognition-filled two-way exchange of thoughts and information.
That goes for both YOU and your potential clients... in fact, the effect can be multiplied many times over for your clients.
Feel into how much you want to be in conversation with your potential clients. How much you'd like to be on the phone with them, or talking face-to-face.
Now, imagine how much they want to be in conversation with you. After all, they're already listening to you. I suspect many of them are yearning to be heard, to have their questions answered and to really talk to you.
Here are two traits you can use to open the conversation in a refreshing way...
Curiosity:
Have you ever really stopped to wonder about, listen to and ask your potential clients about what's going on for them?
This goes beyond a casual, "Hi, how are you?" at the beginning of your newsletter - where you're not actually expecting an answer.
It's time to think about who your potential clients are, ask about what they're up to, and explore their thoughts and feelings.
Look at them as more than just a potential project. Open up a conversation with the full intent of simply learning more about them and getting to know them - not seeing how you could help them, or looking for a need.
What you can do - ask real, specific questions in your newsletter and assure people that you really do want to know the answer. Offer opportunities for your potential clients to speak with you on Q&A calls, during call-in "office hours" or even by appointment for a short, focused session - where you're asking them questions.
Generosity:
When was the last time you gave your clients a truly free and fantastic gift?
People love presents - when they're real, useful, desirable gifts. Too many "free gifts" in the internet marketing world are not really gifts at all, but thinly veiled sales pitches that people have to sign up for.
I realize this has become common practice... and there's certainly a time and place for that in a marketing strategy... and, at the same time...
Why not give a valuable, amazing free gift that they really want, that they can use immediately and digest fully, and get deep value from? They'll really notice and be impressed by a gift that fills a real need - that doesn't simply open them up to a new need or shine the light on some gap or deficiency in their approach.
And, when was the last time that you gave something away that was really free? I mean that there's no hoops to jump through and no forms to fill out. That you are giving to them with the true energy of gifting. Because you have created this gift especially for them, and you want them to have it - not because you want anything in return.
Try this - create a short and impactful free report. Tell your clients all about how to do one small, specific task. Give them resources or point them to tools. Package that gift lovingly. And then send it to all of your clients and invite them to send it to everyone they know. Include a two-line invitation to learn more at the end, plus a one-paragraph bio so that new people can get to know you. See what happens!
There is one final thought I'd love to leave you with - both of these traits need to be backed by genuine interest and attention, of course.

Erin Ferree is a brand strategist and designer. She works with small businesses to create brands with substance and style that fit their businesses perfectly.
She's designed brands for hundreds of small business all over the world. Her brands help her clients attract their ideal clients, outshine their competition and make them unforgettable. She also works with small business owners to develop complete clarity about their brand positioning and to develop total brand clarity.
Her award-winning design work and her writing on design have been published in many books and periodicals.
Erin lives, cooks and plays tug-of-war with her dog Stanley in San Luis Obispo, California.

Building a Strong Brand - How to Measure Its Health

By Adrian C Fuller

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A brand is the greatest asset your business will ever own. And the main reason why you should invest in building a strong, healthy brand lies in its very nature.
Walter Landor puts the brand concept simply: "Products are made in the factory, brands are created in the mind."
By way of example, a soft drink product is made in a bottling plant. It delivers a functional benefit such as a nice sweet taste and has attributes such as its thirst-quenching ability. Selling at a reasonable price, it offers good value. But what makes it distinguishable from countless competitors in the market place? Most probably, nothing at all.
A well-known soft drink company, on the other hand, has spent many years (and a great deal of money) in developing a heritage, a powerful brand name, a ribbon symbol and a perception of quality. It also projects a fun-loving personality, plus the emotional benefit of feeling great. People believe that it refreshes.
This is worth remembering as you go about building your own brand. Everything you do must create the perceptions, beliefs, attributes and associations that will make your brand stand out from the crowd and encourage people to buy it.
How healthy is your brand at the moment? You can go about measuring it by looking at four key attributes that make up a healthy brand - differentiation, relevance, esteem and knowledge.
Probably the most important attribute is Differentiation. Ask yourself, "What is remarkable about my brand? What makes it truly different from every other competitor in the market?"
The second important attribute of a healthy brand is Relevance. "How well does your brand answer the needs of its target market? Does it fulfill a consumer need or offer a solution to a problem experienced by my target customers?"
Thirdly, you should examine how much Esteem your brand enjoys. "Does my brand have standing in the market place? How much respect does it enjoy amongst its target market? Does it command a good reputation?"
Lastly, Knowledge about a brand is accumulated over time. "How well-known is your brand amongst its target market? How much do they know about it? How many people know anything at all about it?"
These key attributes are the core pillars of your brand. You can diagnose the health problems of your own brand by asking yourself the above questions and giving your brand a rating out of ten on each of the four pillars, where one is weak and ten is strong.
You will then be in a great position to start building your brand in the areas where it needs the most attention. You will need to work at reinforcing the weaker pillars so that you end up with a robust and healthy brand, built to withstand any competitive challenge.

Adrian Fuller is an experienced general business and marketing communications consultant who specializes in brand strategy, customer research and business writing. For down-to-earth advice on a variety of marketing topics, visit his website at http://www.fullerassociates.biz where you will also find a useful on-line brand health check.

Motion Graphics - Pushing The Limits

By Janine Macdonald

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One field of design which has come of age in conjunction with the wave of new technology is Motion Graphics. In fact, nearly all motion graphics are constructed with the aid of high tech computer software. Though the field is subject to change with new technological developments, there will always be a need for artists endowed with basic design skills, regardless of the tools available.
This exciting industry tends to push the limits of what is possible. and is bound only by the limits of human imagination and the skills of the artist. Quite often, they challenge the boundaries of artistic capability. One essential attribute of a graphic artist is a penchant for staying abreast of new technological advances and a thorough proficiency of computer software.
The motion graphics industry is the emerging medium of choice for composing movies, advertisements, and other digital art. What, in reality, is the greatest benefit of these graphics? For starters, art in motion is an exciting creation and outshines many traditional modes of creativity. Instead of still shots, creations are fluid and can truly interact with the observer. What art lover isn't inspired by this possibility?
This medium facilitates a whole new interaction with the audience. Aside from putting an extraordinary sheen on your art, many sound effects resonate with increased clarity, and are supplemented by their interaction with visual aspects. Think of it as living, breathing art. There are endless possibilities in this new wave of design.
Motion graphics adds a new dimension to any work. Objects moving in three dimensions and untapped viewpoints are possible. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that it facilitates stimulation of both sight and sound.
The attitude artists have regarding these innovations must be akin to Disney's exhilaration of watching Snow White grace the screen some 70 years ago. Though not the first animation to hit the screen, it was by far the most innovative. Today, motion graphics are challenging similar boundaries in the world of multimedia. People in all professions have a use for these amazing developments. Corporate presentations can now come to life with stunning graphics and multi-dimensional capabilities. Such features make any presentation stand out from the crowd and keep audiences entranced. Indeed, the spectrum of possibilities in this new field seems to be almost infinite, and is growing every day.

Template Digital is a community driven motion graphics marketplace which allows buying and selling of fully customizable, royalty-free stock motion graphics for production, film, and television network professionals. This provides post-production developers a new way to reach hundreds, if not thousands of potential motion graphics customers and get their work into video productions, and saves time and money for video productions. It also includes a developing community of post-production professionals for discussing the latest techniques with After Effects and other motion graphics software programs.

Kurang Perhatian Pemerintah, Peneliti RI Diambil Negara Lain !!

Kesejahteraan peneliti di Indonesia dinilai kurang diperhatikan. Pemerintah pun dianggap kurang gandrung pada penelitian. Karena itu, banyak peneliti brilian asal Indonesia yang diambil negara lain.

"Malaysia, Singapura, itu banyak yang hunting peneliti ke sini. Mereka mencari peneliti yang sudah jadi. Kalau di sana ada tawaran materi yang lebih baik, di zaman yang hedonistik ini ya siapa yang tidak tergoda. Akhirnya banyak yang memilih ke negara lain," papar pakar ilmu kebumian dari LIPI, Prof Dr Ir Jan Sopaheluwakan, dalam perbincangan dengan detikcom, Rabu (26/10/2011).

Dia menambahkan, sudah sejak lama didengar kabar baik dari para generasi muda yang mengukir prestasi di dunia internasional. Berbagai olimpiade ilmu pengetahuan tingkat dunia diikuti, dan anak-anak Indonesia telah menyabet banyak pernghargaan.

"Mereka itu bibit yang bagus. Dari situ saja sebenarnya bisa kelihatan kalau Indonesia itu gudangnya orang cerdas, ulet dan istikomah. Mereka perlu dibina, karena nantinya menjadi aset bangsa yang luar biasa. Kalau perhatian dalam penelitian dan teknologi kurang, nanti mereka diambil negara lain. Yang rugi siapa?" imbuh peneliti utama LIPI ini.

Dia menuturkan, penelitian merupakan investasi jangka panjang. Beberapa hasil penelitian ada yang baru kelihatan belasan atau puluhan tahun mendatang. Dia mencontohkan, teknologi luar angkasa diterapkan untuk teflon di alat masak. Pun tentang internet yang mulanya digunakan intelijen dan pertahanan AS, lalu bisa digunakan untuk keperluan damai dan publik.

"Penelitian untuk itu berapa puluh tahun lamanya. Kalau cuma dilihat 5 tahun saja ya gombal. Kalau mau yang cepat tanam tauge saja. Penelitian itu tidak instan dan merupakan investasi jangka panjang," imbuh peraih gelar PhD di Universitas Vrije Amsterdam Belanda ini.

Jan membandingkan dengan lembaga peneliti semacam LIPI di negara lain, seperti Singapura, yang menjadi bagian dari kebijakan nasional. Lembaga penelitian negara semacam LIPI di negara lain berada di bawah kepala negara. Mereka dapat melaporkan perkembangan dan rencana penelitiannya kepada kepala negara. Hal ini berbeda jauh dengan kondisi di Indonesia.

"Di kita sepertinya tidak gandrung pada penelitian," keluh Jan.

"Di Belanda, ada Akademi Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Seni di bawah Kerajaan Belanda. Ilmu pengetahuan dan seni dijadikan dalam satu wadah karena ilmuwan juga dapat dianggap seniman untuk berkreasi. Otak kiri dan kanan harus seimbang. Selama ini kan cuma otak kiri sana, intuisi dan harmoni kurang dapat," imbuh Jan.

Karena kesejahteraan peneliti yang belum cukup memadai, banyak dari mereka yang menggunakan otaknya untuk mengasong berbagai kegiatan lain. Misalnya melakukan penelitian yang tidak sesuai spesialisasi bidangnya, meskipun terdapat dasar pengetahuan yang sama.

"Untuk survival jadi bikin kegiatan di sana sini, pembicara di sana-sini, penelitian di sana-sini. Ini bukan yang tidak sesuai dengan bidang kita, tapi tidak sejalan dengan spesialisasi kita. Pada akhirnya kita memang jadi tahu banyak, tapi jadi tidak bisa di spesialisasi kita saja, dan harus bekerja seperti 48 jam sehari," curhat Jan.

Untuk diketahui, sekarang ini, gaji per bulan yang diterimanya sebagai profesor peneliti LIPI Rp 3,6 juta. Angka ini ditambah dengan tunjangan peneliti Rp 1,4 hingga 1,6 juta sehingga yang didapat Jan sekitar Rp 5,2 juta.

Ini Dia Foto Prewedding Terbaik Di Dunia Yang Pernah Ada

su

Film indonesia ini dibeli sony & akan beredar di USA

The Raid Official Trailer 2011 - YouTube

Spoiler:

akhirnya ada film indonesia yg mutu gan
di puji di festival film toronto kanada

dibeli hak edarnya oleh sony pictures untuk diputar di USA dan seluruh dunia
Selain di Amerika Serikat, film ini juga telah terjual di berbagai network dan akan didistribusikan ke wilayah-wilayah lainnya, seperti Kanada oleh Alliance, Inggris oleh Momentum, Australia oleh Madman, Prancis oleh SND, Jerman oleh Kosch, Jepang oleh Kadokawa, Cina oleh HGC, dan Turki oleh Calinors.

filmnya action tapi kalo ngeliat cuplikan videonya kaya ngeliat film asing ... adegan-adegannya keren. kejam lagi pas adegan jarak dekatnya, kayak beneran

kata pengamat film bule : baru nonton 30 menit aja saya udah ngerasa ini film action terbaik yg pernah saya tonton setelah bertahun-tahun....

Quote:

beberapa komentar bule : Holy shit I haven't seen an action movie this good in years! I felt that way only 30 minutes in, but after the full 100 minutes, I still felt the same and had to exclaim that here, right upfront, because it deserves that much praise. Alex Billington the best Aristotelian-unity action film since Die Hard. James Rocchi - MSN Movies near perfect action movie. Drew McWeeny - HitFix.

Spoiler:

Sepeda Motor Terpanjang Di Dunia

Busyet, Sepeda Motor Ini Panjang Bangat - (London): Percayakah anda Colin Furze, 31 seorang tukang ledeng mampu membuat sepeda motor dengan 25 sadel (tempat duduk)? Sepeda motor ini diklaim sebagai sepeda motor terpanjang di dunia, 22 meter (72ft), sama panjangnya dengan lapangan tenis.

Colin Furze menghabiskan waktu sebulan untuk sepeda motor luar biasa ini. Dia menggunakan 1,5 moped yang 125cc dan diperpanjang dengan alumunium.

Sepeda motor ini bernilai sekitar £ 3.000 dengan kecepatan sampai 35mph. Demikian disiarkan dailymail pada Kamis 28 Juli 2011

Siapa yang ingin mencoba untuk mengendarainya atau hanya ingin menumpang?Bagi yang ingin mencoba perlu mengetahui sedikit tekniknya dan tenaga yang kuat untuk mengarahkan setir yang terasa berat. Selamat mencoba!

Jawaban Elegan Dari Seorang Tukang Bakso

Di suatu senja sepulang kantor, saya masih berkesempatan untuk ngurus tanaman di depan rumah, sambil memperhatikan beberapa anak asuh yang sedang belajar menggambar peta, juga mewarnai. Hujan rintik rintik selalu menyertai di setiap sore di musim hujan ini.

Di kala tangan sedikit berlumuran tanah kotor,...terdengar suara tek...tekk.. .tek...suara tukang bakso dorong lewat. Sambil menyeka keringat..., ku hentikan tukang bakso itu dan memesan beberapa mangkok bakso setelah menanyakan anak - anak, siapa yang mau bakso ?

"Mauuuuuuuuu. ...", secara serempak dan kompak anak - anak asuhku menjawab.

Selesai makan bakso, lalu saya membayarnya. ...

Ada satu hal yang menggelitik fikiranku selama ini ketika saya
membayarnya, si tukang bakso memisahkan uang yang diterimanya. Yang satu disimpan dilaci, yang satu ke dompet, yang lainnya ke kaleng bekas kue semacam kencleng. Lalu aku bertanya atas rasa penasaranku selama ini.

"Mang kalo boleh tahu, kenapa uang - uang itu Emang pisahkan? Barangkali ada tujuan ?" "Iya pak, Emang sudah memisahkan uang ini selama jadi tukang bakso yang sudah berlangsung hampir 17 tahun. Tujuannya sederhana saja, Emang hanya ingin memisahkan mana yang menjadi hak Emang, mana yang menjadi hak orang lain / tempat ibadah, dan mana yang menjadi hak cita – cita penyempurnaan iman ".

"Maksudnya.. ...?", saya melanjutkan bertanya.

"Iya Pak, kan agama dan Tuhan menganjurkan kita agar bisa berbagi dengan sesama. Emang membagi 3, dengan pembagian sebagai berikut :




1. Uang yang masuk ke dompet, artinya untuk memenuhi keperluan hidup sehari - hari Emang dan keluarga.

2. Uang yang masuk ke laci, artinya untuk infaq/sedekah, atau untuk melaksanakan ibadah Qurban. Dan alhamdulillah selama 17 tahun menjadi tukang bakso, Emang selalu ikut qurban seekor kambing, meskipun kambingnya yang ukuran sedang saja.

3. Uang yang masuk ke kencleng, karena emang ingin menyempurnakan agama yang Emang pegang yaitu Islam. Islam mewajibkan kepada umatnya yang mampu, untuk melaksanakan ibadah haji. Ibadah haji ini tentu butuh biaya yang besar. Maka Emang berdiskusi dengan istri dan istri menyetujui bahwa di setiap penghasilan harian hasil jualan bakso ini, Emang harus menyisihkan sebagian penghasilan sebagai tabungan haji. Dan insya Allah selama 17 tahun menabung, sekitar 2 tahun lagi Emang dan istri akan melaksanakan ibadah haji.

Hatiku sangat...... .....sangat tersentuh mendengar jawaban itu. Sungguh sebuah jawaban sederhana yang sangat mulia. Bahkan mungkin kita yang memiliki nasib sedikit lebih baik dari si emang tukang bakso tersebut, belum tentu memiliki fikiran dan rencana indah dalam hidup seperti itu. Dan seringkali berlindung di balik tidak mampu atau belum ada rejeki.

Terus saya melanjutkan sedikit pertanyaan, sebagai berikut : "Iya memang bagus...,tapi kan ibadah haji itu hanya diwajibkan bagi yang mampu, termasuk memiliki kemampuan dalam biaya....".

Ia menjawab, " Itulah sebabnya Pak. Emang justru malu kalau bicara soal mampu atau tidak mampu ini. Karena definisi mampu bukan hak pak RT atau pak RW, bukan hak pak Camat ataupun MUI.

Definisi "mampu" adalah sebuah definisi dimana kita diberi kebebasan untuk mendefinisikannya sendiri. Kalau kita mendefinisikan diri sendiri sebagai orang tidak mampu, maka mungkin selamanya kita akan menjadi manusia tidak mampu. Sebaliknya kalau kita mendefinisikan diri sendiri, "mampu", maka Insya Allah dengan segala kekuasaan dan kewenangannya Allah akan memberi kemampuan pada kita".

"Masya Allah..., sebuah jawaban elegan dari seorang tukang bakso".

 

Sumber : http://haxims.blogspot.com

Top 25 Comic Book Superheroes

By B Anderson

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Like jazz, comic books and more specifically the superhero is a wholly American art form. Also, like jazz, it is an art form that has been underappreciated. As a result of the popularity of superhero films like the Dark Knight, Iron Man and the X-Men, superheroes have begun to enter into the awareness of the general public. The following is a list of the best superheroes that comic books have to offer. The list is designed to provide a starting point for the new reader. I have focused on the essential elements of the characters that I believe make them significant or interesting. I tried to distinguish between good characters and a good story or a good run of issues when I could but in some cases characters have been so significantly defined by a series or an issue that they made the list. Enough with the preamble, here we go:
25. Spectre (Jim Corrigan): The avenging hand of God. Really that's what he is and the Spectre isn't above (in fact he seems to relish in) dishing out justice Old Testament style. If the Spectre has decided that you need to be punished consider yourself lucky if he just takes an eye for an eye. Even the heroes get a little nervous when the Spectre shows up.
24: Kid Eternity: Kid Eternity makes the list because he's a cool concept with an awesome power and heck he can even be educational. Kid Eternity was accidentally killed and to make up for the heavenly goof he was given an additional 75 years of life with the bonus ability to summon any historical figure or mythological being or creature to aid in his assigned mission to do good.
23. Green Arrow: For the first twenty plus years of his creation Oliver Queen was simply a second class version of Batman. He was a millionaire; he had an Arrow-Car; an Arrow-Plane, an Arrow-Cave and a teen-aged side-kick. In the late 1960's, however, Green Arrow lost his fortune and became the voice of the disenfranchised as the resident gadfly of the Justice League of America.
22. Black Bolt: One of the strongest beings in the Marvel Universe and yet he never uses his true power for fear of the destruction it would unleash. The merest whisper from Black Bolt could level a mountain so the ruler of the Inhumans has imposed upon himself a moratorium on speaking. Black Bolt still gets angry. The reader knows that there are times that he wants to yell but he doesn't. The self-control that it takes for Black Bolt to remain silent only makes him seem more noble
21. The Thing: Marvel Comics has a thing (pun intended) for monsters. There's the Hulk, the Beast, Nightcrawler, Sasquatch, the Gargoyle and many more but the first was Benjamin J. Grim. Where cosmic rays granted the rest of the Fantastic Four powers without altering their physical appearance Ben Grim was turned into an appropriately named "Thing". Johnny Storm and the rest of the FF became media darlings while the Thing took to hiding his appearance under trench coats. It wasn't fair and Ben has often sunk into self-pity regarding his appearance, which has made the portrayal of the Thing often poignant.
20. The Chief:Apparently if you are wheelchair bound it is incumbent upon you to organize a group of super-freaks. At the same time that Professor Xavier was forming his X-men over at Marvel Comics Dr. Niles Caulder was forming his Doom Patrol at DC Comics. Along with Robot-Man, Negative Man and Elasti-Girl, the Chief was part of comics' most dysfunctional super group. The Chief, however, makes this list ahead of Professor X because the Chief has a more complex personality and quite possibly may be evil.
19. Dr. Strange:As Earth's sorcerer supreme Dr. Stephen Strange has fought off a multitude of mystical and otherworldly menaces such as Dormammu and Nightmare that other heroes don't even know exist. As a member of the Defenders (along with the Hulk, Namor and the Silver Surfer) he formed arguably the most powerful super-team in the Marvel Universe and as a member of the Illuminati (with Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Tony Stark, Namor and Professor X) he has manipulated many events behind the scenes in the Marvel Universe.
18. The Atom (Ray Palmer): Running neck and neck with Aquaman for worst personal life would be the Atom. He came home to find his wife, Jean Loring, cheating on him. He got divorced. He then discovered a civilization of miniature aliens in the Amazon jungle where he fell in love again and became their champion. This civilization was subsequently destroyed. Years later Jean Loring went mad and killed his good friend, the Elongated Man's, wife. Ray then attempted to isolate himself once again and gave his size-changing equipment to Ryan Choi who became the new Atom. Choi was killed later by Deathstroke.While he has often been a reluctant hero DC's resident scientist in the right situation can be a powerful ally.
17. Iron Man: Like Hourman (see #48) Iron Man is a superhero that is realistically feasible. He's also a character that suffers from real life vices. Tony Stark was designed not to be liked. He was a billionaire military arms designer/dealer created during the height of the cold war and the beginning of the Vietnam War. He's suffered from alcohol abuse. He wasted almost no time in making a move on the Wasp after her break up with her husband, Hank Pym. He even started a Civil War amongst the Marvel Superheroes. Through it all, however, he has remained an integral part of Marvel's premiere superteam, the Avengers.
16. Silver Surfer: Norrin Radd is probably the noblest hero. He sacrificed himself to become the herald of Galactus in order to save his homeworld of Zen-La. Then he sacrificed himself by defying Galactus in order to save the planet Earth. The Silver Surfer doesn't even really like people and yet he risked his life to save the Planet. What a good guy.
15. Plastic Man: Back when superheroes were new and there were no rules demanding that they all be grim and angst ridden sometimes they could be fun. While Plastic Man has never quite fit in the modern age of comics his comedic surreal early adventures have made him a favorite of creators and will probably ensure that he will never completely go away.
14. Rorschach: When a character is based upon another character it is not supposed to be better than the original unless that homage is created by Alan Moore. Watchmen was originally supposed to be a treatment for the Charlton Group of Heroes and Rorshach was originally supposed to be the Question (above at # 74). DC Comics had recently acquired the publishing rights to these characters prior to the publication of Watchmen. Then Editor in Chief Dick Giordano nixed the idea of using the Charlton characters and thus Watchmen was born. Rorschach is more interesting than his Charlton counterpart, the Question. Watchmen is a must read even for those who don't think they like comic books.
13. Dr. Fate (Kent Nelson): The coolest thing about Dr. Fate is that "Dr. Fate" is the helmet. The spirit of the ancient wizard Nabu inhabits the helmet of fate and causes Kent Nelson (or anyone wearing the helmet) to act as the agent of the Lords of Order, Dr. Fate.
12. The Hulk: Dr. Bruce Banner's alter-ego is a combination of Mr. Hyde and Frankenstein's monster. Banner transforms into the monster, the Hulk, just as Dr. Jeckle transformed into Mr. Hyde but at his heart the Hulk is more akin to Frankenstein's monster in that he just wishes to be left alone. Constantly misunderstood, the Hulk is drawn into violence that he doesn't crave. What's interesting about the Hulk is what he says about mankind in that people just can't leave the Hulk alone.
11. Namor, the Sub-Mariner: The very first mutant in comics. He was also comics' first environmental and anti-hero. Namor was no fan of mankind. He often was at war with the surface world and the original Human Torch over what he believed were infringements upon his undersea kingdom by the surface world. Namor could be an enemy of mankind but when he was faced with a greater evil in the form of Hitler's Germany he could also team-up with Captain America and the Human Torch to fight as a hero.
10. Thor:Taking parts from Arthurian legend; Christian metaphors as well as the Captain Marvel Jr., when the handicapped Dr. Donald Blake tapped his wooden walking stick on the ground he was transformed in a bolt of lightning into the Mighty Thor, son of Odin. Thor's best adventures have taken place in Asgard and the other realms where the grandiose nature of his character can be showcased to its fullest by writers and artists.
9. Wolverine:He's the best at what he does, but what he does isn't very nice.He has been a mutant, soldier, soldier of fortune, secret agent, X-men and Avenger. Wolverine made his first appearance as a little guy dropped in the middle of the Canadian outback to fight both the Hulk and Wendigo. Who was this guy? From that start he became a member of the New X-men along with Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler. There was still no answer as to who and where this little guy with the claws, cigars and bad attitude came. The mystery of Wolverine's origins kept getting bigger and bigger. When his origin was finally revealed decades later it did not hurt the mystique of the character but added even more subtext to Wolverine. With the release of the X-men films Wolverine not only became a household name but he made an unknown Australian actor an A-Lister in Hollywood. Easily the most popular character created since the silver-age there just doesn't seem to be any slowing Wolverine's progression to icon status.
8. Robin/Nightwing (Dick Grayson):Bucky, Captain Marvel Jr., Kid-Flash, Speedy, Aqualad, Pinky and everybody else owes their existence to Dick Grayson. When Batman took a young orphaned acrobat and turned him into a crime fighter he spawned a whole host of kid sidekicks. Dick Grayson however didn't remain a child sidekick forever. The character has continued to evolve and grow through the years. He became the leader of the Teen Titans both "old" and "new" despite being the only non-powered member of the group. He went from Boy Wonder to Teen Wonder and as an adult he has assumed his own identity as Nightwing and become an A-list hero on his own.
7. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Before Jedis there was the Green Lantern Corps. 3,600 beings from throughout the universe armed with the most powerful weapon ever created and all working to conquer evil at the behest of the Guardians of the Universe.
What makes Hal Jordan unique in the world of superheroes is that he is not unique. On Earth he was special in that he was born without fear. This attribute was later changed to an ability to overcome great fear (which makes him more heroic and less psychotic) but throughout the universe there were thousands (currently there are 7,200 Green Lanterns) with his exact same attributes. Of course Hal Jordan was able to stand out amongst the throngs of Lanterns on multiple occasions as the "greatest Green Lantern of all" but on those occasions when he would fight alongside other Lanterns it provided perspective to the magnitude of the threat. After all if Hal Jordan (who is one of the most powerful heroes on Earth) needs hundreds of similarly powered allies then whatever they are facing must be one powerful entity. Green Lantern reminds us that there is the distinct possibility that humankind and the planet Earth may be relatively insignificant on a universal scale.
6. Captain America:Similar to Superman, Captain America has always meant to inspire. In his very first appearance in Captain America Comics #1 he is seen punching Hitler in the jaw. This book was first published March 10, 1941. This was months before Germany formally declared war against the United States on December 11, 1941, and yet there is Captain America inspiring Americans to take a sock at Hitler.
Even though Captain America like many Golden Age heroes faded after the war he became an inspiration for a new generation with his 1960's revival in Avengers #4. Now the Captain as a man out of his own time serves as a constant mirror by which our own time period is judged against those of "the greatest generation".
5. Captain Marvel:The original Captain Marvel epitomizes every young boy's fantasy, "to be big". Simply by saying a magic word, "Shazam", young Billy Batson is able to make all of his troubles disappear at the speed of lightning as he becomes Captain Marvel. Who armed with a mixture of abilities from different pantheons (Solomon Hercules Atlas Zeus Achilles Mercury) becomes the World's Mightiest Mortal. Unlike Dick Grayson (see Robin at #8)Billy wasn't a young hero who was permitted to work with the adult hero he was the hero who had several sidekicks of his own (Captain Marvel Jr. at #32, Mary Marvel, the Lieutenant Marvels, Uncle Marvel and even a talking Tiger). Captain Marvels appeal to youth was so great that at his height he had the top-selling comic book in America. Captain Marvel's greatest weakness seems to be to lawyers. First he lost a battle to Superman than he lost his name to Marvel Comics.
4. Wonder Woman: Part of the "holy trinity" of DC comics. Until recently Wonder Woman was the product of an immaculate conception and a gift from the Greek pantheon of Gods to aid man's world. Created by William Moulton Marston in 1941 as a role model for girls, Wonder Woman has had varying characterizations in her past but at her best she falls somewhere between Superman and Batman. She is an inspiration but willing to get her hands dirty in order to make her vision of peace comes true.
3. Spider-Man: The proportional strength of a spider and still can't get a job. What Stan Lee and Steve Ditko brought to comics in 1962 was the opposite of just about everything we had previously seen in comics. He wasn't a millionaire philanthropist, a successful business man, or respected reporter, scientist or test pilot. Peter Parker was a teenager with real problems like how to make the rent. Yet despite the issues in his own life Spider-Man always remembered "that with great power comes great responsibility".
2. Batman: How does one react to the loss of their parents? In fiction we are given a few examples. In 1912 Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote that fine breeding and good genetics could overcome any adverse situation when he created Tarzan. In 1954 William Golding wrote about a group of British school boys degenerating into savagery without parental guidance. In 1939 Bob Kane gave us something in-between. Bruce Wayne's parents were killed by Joe Chill in what would become known as Crime Alley. Suddenly orphaned young Bruce Wayne dedicated his life to battling criminals. Driven by rage and revenge Batman became a Dark-Knight fighting a never-ending battle crime. Unlike Superman, Batman is completely human. Where Superman presents a spiritual ideal for man (insert Jesus Christ metaphors here) Batman represents what man can become in reality if he is driven.
1. Superman: The first and in my opinion the best. All super-heroes stem from either the "tree" of Batman or Superman and without Superman there would be no Batman. For those who don't like Superman because they can't relate to him than they are missing the point. Superman is a concept that is meant to inspire. He is not supposed to be "one of us." He is a strange visitor from another planet that is supposed to give us hope that one day we too can be "supermen". Superman doesn't actually fight for "Truth, Justice and the American Way" he fights for the "American Ideal." He represents everything that we should aspire to be as people and as a nation. That's why whenever someone tries to make Superman "relevant" it never rings true. Sure everyone has felt like an awkward teenager at some point or even been filled with an almost uncontrollable rage and desire for revenge (that's why those characters are easier to write and are easier to digest as they appeal to our emotions) but Superman shows us who we can be as people if we apply ourselves. We just have to be open to the message.