Ricardo Williams is currently the host of Nerd Nite Orlando and works as a designer, filmmaker, and musician. He also writes about culture, history, and US politics.
When I heard the news that the Justice League trailer was finally released, all I could think to myself was: “Please God don’t let them screw this up.” And although fans like me have fallen for this trap countless times before- dare I say it, the trailer actually looks very promising.
Here are a few of my reactions to the footage.
1.) Batman and Wonder Woman Are In Charge, Rightfully So.
When you look at the long history of the League and their very popular and powerful roster, the Last Son of Krypton is clearly at the top of the list and would by most guesses be the leader of the team. But the first live action outing of DC’s mightiest heroes presents a different scenario. It is not Superman, but Batman leading the team and taking on the very large responsibility of assembling everyone and by his side- the team’s most famous female member and (arguably) second most powerful, Wonder Woman. This makes perfect sense. Batman and Wonder Woman are trained fighters with actual experience in combat and strategy, Superman is not.
2.) Marvel’s Cinematic Formula is Front and Center
Marvel’s The Avengers in 2012 featured Nick Fury and SHIELD assembling Iron Man, Captain America, and other heroes in their cinematic universe to stop an unknown threat that “no single hero could handle alone”. The film’s huge box office return made all the other studios in the world hungry for their own billion dollar comic book movie team-up and its looking like DC and Warner Brothers are using the exact same story formula (aka we need to assemble a team of the most powerful people to stop a mysterious threat and they all just happen to have conflicting personalities and don’t necessary want to work together or even like each other but eventually realize they need to work together to stop this… threat- or whatever it is).
With that said, the first Avengers was the ultimate nerdgasm, some of the best comic book characters done right and brought together in a fun movie-going experience, but I don’t think its a good idea that Justice League is going that same route. One of my favorite comics ever is Geoff Johns’ “Justice League, Vol. 1: Origin (The New 52)”. Released a few years ago, it was a modern retelling of the formation of the Justice League. A fun and exciting character-driven issue with the famously skeptical Batman at the center struggling to trust these 6 super-powered people. There was no master plan of assembling a team, but rather a group of powerful people who met as the threat was happening and had to do some serious on-the-job training on working together. Johns is one of the best comic writers of all time and I’m hoping that through his involvement in the DC Extended Universe, some of his genius reaches the big screen.
3.) Aquaman Won’t Be Lame
One of the truly great achievements of the Justice League trailer is that Snyder and Co. have successfully made Aquaman not suck. The character in the comics is cool. He’s tough, powerful, and has a vast diverse universe (under the water)– but that hasn’t always translated into the public perception of him (aka non-fanboy world). When people think Aquaman, the first thing that comes to mind is a blonde, blue-eyed white guy in an orange and green suit, riding a whale and talking to fish… which is actually accurate. Casting Jason Momoa literally erases all the things that make him lame and judging by the trailer he’s heavy drinking and adventurous; and will most likely have a very fun relationship with Batman.
4.) Justice League is Just as Dark as Dawn of Justice… But More Fun.
Man of Steel, the Superman origin story that kicked off the DC Extended Universe, received mixed reviews. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, although making over 800 million bucks, received generally negative reviews. And Suicide Squad… that movie was just dumb- be honest. The first 3 films of DC’s movie world have had a rocky start but one thing is consistent among their critiques: the movies are just so dark– not just in tone, but literally dark. Its like the sun never comes out. Its like no one is happy. And its like no one tells a joke- or at least a joke that’s actually funny. Enter Ezra Miller’s portrayal of the Flash. A character that has thrived on television with its campy, yet very entertaining tone. This is a character that was made to be fun (and funny) and it looks like he plans to deliver on screen. One of the highlights of the trailer is Miller’s character sitting beside Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne and he condescendingly asks “What are your superpowers again?” to which Affleck responds: “I’m rich”. And with that one exchange the humor Gods have parted the clouds and allowed some light to peak its way into this dark world.
5.) The Justice League Doesn’t Need The Most Famous Character in Comic Book History.
If you’ve seen the trailer for the Justice League, you noticed that a certain someone doesn’t seem to be around- and if you saw Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, you understand why. Now obviously Henry Cavill is confirmed to be in the film and they are most certainly saving any footage of him for a later release as part of some marketing roll out– but lets be honest, its a really fucking bold move to introduce the first ever live action version of the Justice League WITHOUT the most famous character in comic book history.
With that said, something very strange occurs when you watch this trailer. After digesting the 2-minute spectacle of Wonder Woman kicking ass, Batman being a grumpy old man, the Flash being cute, Cyborg being a… cyborg (thats all I’ve got for now), and Aquaman making your girlfriend swoon (and your boyfriend jealous), you realize something… the Justice League doesn’t really need Superman- at least they don’t need him to make the movie look awesome. Superman may be the most famous character in comic book history, but he hasn’t always been the most popular on the big screen– and as the fans always say, “the books are better”
Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations– all while the audience drinks along in a casual atmosphere.
Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Q&A with the audience. Nerd Nite currently operates in over 106 cities around the world.
Guest speakers include: Brendan Byrne, Jason Reynolds, and Clayton Ferrara
Hosted by Ricardo Williams
For any questions, contact Ricardo at
—–
PRESENTATION #1: “Poop, Pee & Puke: Dealing with the Gross Stuff When Exploring Space” By Brendan Byrne
DESCRIPTION: As humans start to travel farther and spend more time in space, there’s going to be a lot of crap we have to deal with. From recycling pee to wiping away space-poo, scientists are trying to figure out what to do with waste in space.
BIO: Brendan Byrne is WMFE’s Space Reporter. He regularly produces radio stories looking at the developments from Florida’s Space Coast and contributes to NPR’s nationally broadcasted shows. He host the podcast ‘Are We There Yet?’ which explores human space exploration.
PRESENTATION #2: “Yes, I’m Black: Debunking Stereotypes About Black Men” by Jason Reynolds
DESCRIPTION: Jason is on a mission to debunk the stereotypes associated with black men. He will engage the audience in a discussion about being a black man, their stereotypes of black men, how to adjust their stereotypes, and why this is important to him.
BIO: Jason is an urban planner focused on engaging and redeveloping communities. He enjoys playing and watching soccer, living a downtown lifestyle, and reinvesting in the community through volunteering and serving on advisory boards.
PRESENTATION #3: “Do You Think He Saurus Rex?: The Scaly Truth Behind Sci-Fi Reptiles” by Clayton Louis Ferrara
DESCRIPTION: Reptiles are all over pop-culture – from Jurassic dinosaurs, to radioactive teenage mutant ninja turtles, or reptilian politicians – but what’s the real deal on our scale brothers and sisters? Join biologist Clayton Louis Ferrara and find out!
BIO: Clayton Louis Ferrara is a biologist, a Darwin Fellow, and Executive Director of IDEAS For Us.
On Saturday, March 11, 2017, Ricardo Williams hosted a special version of Nerd Nite at SXSW in Austin, Texas with National Geographic Channel. Speakers included MIT researcher Adam Haar Horowitz, science and tech journalist Seth Porges, and submarine pilot Erika Bergman.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 1, 2017)
Contact: Ricardo Williams
Organization: Nerd Nite Orlando
813-464-1712
Nerd Nite Orlando to Talk Politics, Pop Culture, and Robots at 4-Year Anniversary
Orlando, FL – On Thursday, March 9th, Nerd Nite Orlando will celebrate the fourth anniversary of its monthly event series. Held on every second Thursday, Nerd Nite was first launched in Orlando at Stardust Video & Coffee on March 14, 2013 by Josh Manning.
The concept of Nerd Nite, first formed in 2003 in Boston, is very simple; a monthly event featuring entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Q&A with the audience. In the last 14 years, Nerd Nite has spread to 6 continents and currently operates in over 106 cities around the world.
Manning attended Nerd Nite in Washington DC and was inspired to bring the event to Orlando and recruited Valerie Cepero and Ricardo Williams to join the organizing team at the first event in 2013.
Williams, who now solely organizes and hosts the event, has brought Nerd Nite to various venues around town, including the Church Street Exchange building, Purple Rock Scissors’ office, Ferg’s Depot, the Geek Easy, Stardust Video & Coffee, and The Abbey.
In the years since its inception, Nerd Nite Orlando has expanded to include special events at Comic Con, SXSW, Maker Faire, and added programming, such as speed dating, trivia, walking tours, movie and game nights, and the dry t-shirt contest which will make its return on March 9th. The contest features contestants from the audience who are invited on stage to compete against each other on who is wearing the nerdiest t-shirt.
At the 4-Year Anniversary, veteran Nerd Nite speakers Max Jackson, Amy Selikoff, and Joshua Walker will each return to give all new presentations. The evening’s topics will range from relevant issues of automation, robots, politics, pop culture, and more.
###
Nerd Nite Orlando’s 4-Year Anniversary
When: March 9, 2017. Doors open at 6pm, Program starts at 7:00pm
Where: the Abbey, 100 S Eola Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32801
Suggested Donation: $10
Guest speakers: Max Jackson, Amy Selikoff, and Joshua Walker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 16, 2017)
Contact: Ricardo Williams
Organization: Nerd Nite Orlando
813-464-1712
Nerd Nite Orlando to Kick Off Busy Month with 4-Year Anniversary on March 9th
Orlando, FL – Nerd Nite Orlando is set to celebrate its four year anniversary on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Abbey. The event, which is held on the second Thursday of every month, was first launched in Orlando at Stardust Video & Coffee on March 14, 2013 by Josh Manning.
The concept of Nerd Nite, first formed in 2003 in Boston, is very simple; a monthly event featuring entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Q&A with the audience. In the last 13 years, Nerd Nite has spread to 6 continents and currently operates in over 106 cities around the world.
Manning attended Nerd Nite in Washington DC and was inspired to bring the event to Orlando and recruited Valerie Cepero and Ricardo Williams to join the organizing team at the first event in 2013.
Williams, who now solely organizes and hosts the event, has brought Nerd Nite to various venues around town, including the Church Street Exchange building, Ferg’s Depot, the Geek Easy, Stardust Video & Coffee, and The Abbey.
In the years since its inception, Nerd Nite Orlando has expanded to include special events at Comic Con, SXSW, and added programming, such as speed dating, walking tours, movie and game nights, and dry t-shirt contests, among others.
Following the four-year anniversary on March 9th, Williams will fly to Austin, Texas to host a special version of Nerd Nite at SXSW with National Geographic on March 11th.
The following week, Orlando will be home to the second-ever “Nerd Nite Bosses Retreat” where Nerd Nite organizers and hosts from across the country will fly-in to discuss the direction of the global event as well as share best practices from their experiences.
###
Nerd Nite Orlando’s 4-Year Anniversary
When: March 9, 2017. Doors open at 6pm, Program starts at 7:00pm
Where: the Abbey, 100 S Eola Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32801
Suggested Donation: $10
Guest speakers: Max Jackson, Amy Selikoff, and Joshua Walker
Join us on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Abbey as we celebrate FOUR YEARS of thinking and drinking. The evening will feature new talks, games**, prizes, and everything you love about Nerd Nite Orlando.
Nerd Nite, formed in 2003, is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations– all while the audience drinks along in a casual atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Q&A with the audience. Nerd Nite currently operates in over 106 cities around the world.
Nerd Nite was brought to Orlando on March 13, 2013 by Josh Manning and monthly events are organized and hosted by Ricardo Williams. Live Nerd Nite presentations in Orlando are always the second Thursday of every month.
WHERE: the Abbey, 100 S Eola Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32801
WHEN: Thursday, March 9, 2017. Doors open at 6pm. Program begins at 7pm.
Guest speakers: Max Jackson, Amy Selikoff, and Joshua Walker
For questions, contact Ricardo at
PRESENTATION #1: “Amazon Web Services Explained Through Politics and Shitty Pop Culture” by Joshua “TechDev” Walker
DESCRIPTION: Some people still think the Amazon is just a beautiful forest and the cloud is how Goku gets to his fights. Josh will push past the Silicon Valley Bullshit and explain Amazon’s prized ecosystem Amazon Web Services through a combination of Politics and mind numbing Pop Culture.
BIO: Joshua “TechDev” Walker is an Honorable Vet Turned Tech, Passionate About AWS, Programming, Data Science and People
PRESENTATION #2: “Amendments: Using the Constitution to Fight the Apocalypse” by Amy Selikoff
DESCRIPTION: Amendments? What are they? Is that something for smart people to know? Will this help you survive the zombie apocalypse? Possibly. Get ready for this crash course into all 27 amendments and the process for creating more in the face of the impending implosion of our democracy.
BIO: Amy Selikoff has taught social studies to 7th graders for 12 years. Her life goal is to learn everything there is to learn about anything there is to learn about. And travel the world.
PRESENTATION #3: “Automatic Robot Scientists” by Max Jackson
DESCRIPTION: Are the jobs of scientists safe from being replaced by automation? Can robots design experiments, work around errors, and interpret data? What will we do if we can outsource our ability to make sense of the world? All of these questions will be explored and more, from the beginnings of human inquiry to today, concluding with what the future will likely hold for all of us.
BIO: Max Jackson is a research associate at the Hybrid Systems Lab at the UCF Nanoscience Center. He is also a tech journalist covering major events and trends in the Orlando area. His hobbies include reading, writing, and democratic-socialist organizing.
** We will also be hosting a dry t-shirt contest. All you need to compete is wear your nerdiest shirt.
Nerd Nite, formed in 2003, is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations– all while the audience drinks along in a casual atmosphere.
Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Q&A with the audience. Nerd Nite currently operates in over 106 cities around the world.
Live Nerd Nite presentations in Orlando are always the second Thursday of every month.
Lineup:
1.) “How to be a #RockStar: A Dummy’s Guide to Building Your Personal Brand” by Carolina Castaneda
2.) “Sci-Fi 101: Analyzing the Science in Fiction and Whether or Not You’ll Ever Be Iron Man” by Ricardo Williams
3.) “Photography – Finding Your Light and Why Your Selfies Suck” by Holly Whelden Carpenter
WHERE: the Geek Easy, 114 S Semoran Blvd #6, Winter Park, FL 32792
WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2017, 7pm.
Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!
For questions, contact Ricardo at
PRESENTATION #1 “How to be a #RockStar: A Dummy’s Guide to Building Your Personal Brand” by Carolina Castaneda
Whether you like it or not, the world is going to have an opinion about you — so why not take an active role in shaping it? Learn how to build your personal brand through an easy yet strategic marketing approach. We’ll develop kickass branding, own social media, nail your photog skills, dominate Google search results & more. Are you ready to show the world just how awesome we are? #LetsDoThis
SPEAKER BIO: Carolina Castaneda is a Sr. Digital Marketing Director by day, & a Yoga Teacher by night. With over a decade of marketing experience, Carolina is passionate about the power of marketing & how it can help build your personal brand. She’s made a career of being Ms. Right: producing the Right Content, sharing it on the Right Platform, at the Right Time. Carolina believes in om-ing & flowing through life, the importance of doing downward facing dogs, feeding your wanderlust & being #rockstar in everything you do.
PRESENTATION #2 “Sci-Fi 101: Analyzing the Science in Fiction and Whether or Not You’ll Ever Be Iron Man” by Ricardo Williams
Science fact and science fiction. The two have a long history of influencing each other; from the communicators, the universal translator, and almost everything else from Star Trek influencing real-life tech. But are other popular sci-fi trends possible? Time travel? Super soldiers? Interstellar travel? Drinking in space? We will do a brief analysis of the world of fiction and show what’s real science and what isn’t.
Ricardo Williams is a film artist, musician, event organizer, program coordinator, and and self-proclaimed expert in comic book fiction. Since studying communications at Pace University in NYC, he’s appeared in commercials and independent films; and produced numerous albums. He’s also guest lectured on film theory and video production at New York’s School of Visual Arts. Currently, Ricardo is the social media manager at IDEAS For Us and the host of Nerd Nite Orlando.
PRESENTATION #3 “Photography – Finding Your Light and Why Your Selfies Suck” by Holly Whelden Carpenter
In this talk, we’ll explore the power of light, the incredible intricacies of our eyes and how these natural tools win out over any camera. Everyone is a photographer, no matter the price of your camera or the audience for your photos. Your family photo is more valuable than many Annie Leibowitz. I will show you how using light and the science behind the creation of sight can help your photos and get around the short comings of your camera. Get yourself a better Tinder profile picture if nothing else because everyone is a photographer, and that’s pretty spectacular.
SPEAKER BIO: Holly’s big girl job is a Creative Entertainment Lighting Designer for a Walt Disney World making “magic” through designing new shows, character greetings and special events. At night she’s an Event Photographer for Orlando Weekly, Orlando Sentinel as well as many other Orlando organizations photographing special events, bar crawls and any number of the many strange happenings in our city.
Macbeth Studio and Local Love Orlando are hosting a series of fundraisers they are calling “Local Love Nights” to celebrate and benefit local Orlando non-profits doing real, tangible good.
The first Local Love Night is going to be held at their studio in the historic Angebilt Hotel building on Thursday, February 2, from 5 – 9 p.m. to benefit the Zebra Coalition.
The Zebra Coalition is a network of organizations which provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBT+) ages 13 – 24. The Coalition assists young people facing homelessness; bullying; physical, sexual and drug abuse; and isolation from their families with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability. http://zebrayouth.org/
Local Love Night is a networking/social party, with members of the Zebra Co staff and board on-hand to tell guests about the organization. Food and drink will be included with your donation, and is being provided by sponsors.
They will live-post photos taken in front of this beautiful custom background and they are suggesting a donation of $10-$20, the proceeds of which will go directly to the Zebra Coalition.
Also: Limited-edition Pulse Map 8″x10″ letterpress prints by Mama’s Sauce will be on sale at this event, and will sell for $10 while supplies last. Again, all proceeds of the sale will go directly to Zebra Coalition.
Details and updates will be added as they become available. Check back with the Facebook Event page for details.
1.) Batman and Wonder Woman Are In Charge, Rightfully So.
3.) Aquaman Won’t Be Lame
