The “Nickle Boys” movie is based on two young black boys, who formed an inseparable bond, while overcoming abuse at a historic reform school, during the Jim Crow era.
Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, Hearth Restaurant. Manhattan, New York —What if I told you 40,000 people in the US know of a clinically tested way to boost memory, learning, focus, reasoning, accuracy, concentration and mental alertness in one dose of a naturally sourced dietary supplement? Well, they have, and I am here to share the secret with you.
It’s been determined through a national study of 40,000 American shopper’s that Neuriva is the Most Innovative Product in Wellness Supplements of 2024. Championed for its efficacy in enhancing cognitive performance, each capsule of Neuriva contains naturally sourced ingredients that include, Neurofactor (Coffee Berry, 100 mL) a natural extract derived from Coffea arabica coffee cherries that contains a unique profile of polyphenols shown in clinical studies to stimulate production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a vital neuroprotein involved in overall brain health; and Plant Sourced PS (Phosphatidylserine, 100 mL) a compound now made from cabbage or soy. Phosphatidylserine, Plant Sourced PS, is used for Alzheimer disease and normal age-related decline in memory and thinking skills.
To celebrate its launch, Neuriva, the leading brain health supplement, along with renowned TV Personality, Food-Scientist, Cinemotographer, Voice Actor and Chef, Alton Brown, hosted the “Neuriva 30-Day Brain Health Challenge Kick Off”, an intimate dinner party highlighting brain-boosting foods at the Hearth Restaurant in Manhattan, New York. Chef Alton Brown, a longtime user of the brain-support supplement, partnered with the brand to support the 30-Day Brain Challenge by highlighting his favorite Butterfield Chicken recipe and some of the best brain-boosting foods to add to our diets.
Before our brain nutrient rich dinner began, Alton and I sat to discuss his new partnership with Neuriva, and what it meant to him to be a part of the mission to fuel the 7 major indicators of brain health.
Danielle Niecey, The Knockturnal: What does Brain Health mean to you and how did you come to partner with Neuriva?
Chef Alton Brown: Brain health means to me, ‘being able to continue working; working better; working more efficiently and working more creatively,” more so now that I moved into my 60’s’. I started thinking, especially since I’ve worked so much in nutrition, and coming to a full understanding of what food does to the body, I realized that I’d never done anything for my brain besides feed it alcohol on a regular basis. And it’s [my brain] has held me up thus far, so I thought, maybe it’s time that I ask my brain what it wants.
I delved into research, because that’s the thing I do, and I began reading a lot of purity papers and learning how to say words with 10 syllables, [laughing], so by the time Neuriva knocked on the door and said, “Hi!” I could say back to them, “Hey, I know what’s in there [referring to the Neuriva’s Brain Health Dietary Supplements], because I’d seen the same ingredients in the papers.” So I was able to get with their science officers, and quickly move through large amounts of technical research and white papers, and all of their compiled research. I realized, almost immediately, ‘Neuriva, you’ve done your due diligence’.
There were two supplemental substances that I wanted for my brain. The first, Neurofactor, Coffea Arcabica coffee cherries, not from the seed, but from the fruit. It is a highly tested and well documented activator for making mental synapsis and aiding the traffic flow of the brain, so that it works well. And the other one is, Plant Sourced PS (Phosphatidylserine, which used to be taken out of pig brains)…it’s kind of a bummer, from their brains to our brains. Its different now, it’s plant-based now. But it helps to maintain and rebuild cell membranes; especially the ones in the brain. I told them, I want that [the Neuriva supplement], and that was the Original Neuriva Formula that had that. Then they added Neuriva Plus, with an addition of vitamin B6 and B12, supporting 6 functions that indicate brain health; and now, more recently, the launch of Neuriva Ultra, which fuels the 7 indicators of brain health that include: memory, learning, focus, reasoning, accuracy, concentration and has a new clinically tested ingredient, CogniviveTM, which helps support mental alertness from just one daily serving!
Danielle Niecey, The Knockturnal: That’s incredible! I am so excited to try these supplements for myself. What tips can you share with The Knockturnal readers on how to incorporate brain-boosting ingredients into everyday meals?
Chef Alton Brown: Welp, our first line of defense is our food. There’s no way around it, our medicine is our food. So first thing, we’ve got to lay off the crap. Can you occasionally have some potato chips? Of course you can! But, you cannot live off of them. I mean you can, but not well, and likely, not very long.
Chef Alton expounded on the The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), created in 2015, that combines the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet to create a dietary pattern, focusing specifically on brain health. The MIND Diet emphasizes increased consumption of fruit and green leafy vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, poultry and fish and reduced intakes of fats.
Chef Alton, continuing, states: The diet recommends more consumption of dark fruits, especially blueberries; olive oil was noted to be amazing for the brain; green leafy vegetables, the darker, the better; and this diet actually puts chicken over fish…
Danielle Niecey, THE KNOCKTURNAL: That’s surprising! Fish is always praised as the ‘king’ of proteins because of the omega-3’s and its brain boosting compounds.
Chef Alton Brown: Yes, extremely surprising! But Chicken contains choline, a chemical substance that we do not make ourselves but it sustains our brain structure and function. These nutrients are crucial for memory retention, cognitive function, and mood regulation. Above all else, eat real, whole foods; if it has a strong color, eat that; oh, and take a shot of olive every day, it’s good for you!
Danielle Niecey, The KNOCKTURNAL: How can our readers join the Neuriva’s 30-day Brain Health Challenge to redefine their cognitive potential?
Chef Alton Brown: Oh, It’s super easy. It’s actually an app with super addictive games that are a lot of fun! You can download it on the App store or Google Play and the games track your progress.
Danielle Niecey, THE KNOCKTURNAL: Last question, what are some brain-friendly ingredients that make up your favorite brain healthy recipes?
Chef Alton Brown: Well tonight, the main course we’ll be having is one of my recipes, the Butterfield Roasted Chicken. Its a butterflied chicken, slow roasted and served with sesame glazed greens. That’s an example of finding fun ways to feed my brain; I’m not going to eat something that tastes like crap, just because it’s good for my brain and that’s what my brain wants. I like dark leafy greens, but I don’t want to sit down and eat a bowl of just kale. I just don’t. But I’ll eat kale with some sauteed quinoa with some other type of grain. So, I’ll usually take the things I am not crazy about and marry it to the thing I am crazy about. Then I can get what I like, with what I need. Because, hey life’s short!
The cuisine starters, compliments of Hearth Restaurant, consisted of slices of whole grain french bread with a cold-pressed olive oil dipping. Bread, and the pastas served, both carbohydrates, have been proven to increase serotonin levels which contribute to feeling happier; a great boost for our dopamine addicted culture. The olive oil, on the other hand, contains oleic acid, a compound that protects the brain, improves memory and reduces Alzheimer’s biomarkers.
Presented next was, Ribollita, a hearty and savory Italian soup, consisting of a tuscan bean and vegetable soup with breadcrumbs and thyme further complimented the bread and oil pairing. Encouraging us to take the in the scent of the aromatic dishes before indulging, Chef Alton Brown drew our focus to the brain boosting luteolin, found in the thyme, carrots and celery, all ingredients in the Ribollita soup, that benefit cognitive abilities, aiding in memory. Next on the list, the Pizzocheri pasta, mushrooms (a nerve boosting food), cabbage (a vegetable that aids in the proper functioning and conditioning of the brain, nervous system, and endocrine system), and a light dusting of fontina (a cheese rich in calcium, zinc, and vitamin B-12 that stimulates brain function).
The main dish consisted of Alton Brown’s Butterfield Chicken with Aleppo and Za’atar and lemon sesame glazed-greens. Chicken, Alton’s favorite protein, has also been known to be one of the best proteins for the brain, along with fish and beans. Chicken, he states, has been known to support healthy brain function and development; it also includes choline and vitamin B12, a key ingredient found in the Neuriva and is packed with nutrients that are crucial for memory retention, cognitive function, and mood regulation. The savory dinner came to a close with a dessert of Tangerine Almond Cake, dressed with kumquats, whipped creme fraiche. Besides being absolutely satisfying, the health benefits pack a punch as Almonds, the main ingredient in the cake, contains L-carnitine and riboflavin that helps in the growth of brain cells; and kumquats which are high in vitamin C and aid in overall brain health. The meal was paired with dark red and white wines, Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi, brunori “san nicolo,” 2022, Marche, Italy; and Etna Rosso, villagrande, 2021, Sicily, Italy. Resveratrol, found in wine, increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which might help reduce the symptoms of depression. Other compounds contained in wine may regulate serotonin transmission within the brain, a mechanism that tends to malfunction in cases of mood disorders.
After the end of our informative and delightful meal, guest were given gift bags containing a stress brain ball, a complimentary supply of Neuriva PLUS Dietary Supplements, a Star Puzzle – a Wooden Puzzle Brain Teaser from Kiyuba Games and the Author of the New York best-selling GOOD EATS Series, Alton Brown’s, “GOOD EATS 4” the fourth Good Eats cookbook installment in his series, compliments of Neuriva and Chef Alton Brown.
So, here’s how you can get into your Brain-Health bag for 2024 with Neuriva:
- Choose Neuriva Original, Plus or Ultra (I’m currently reaping the brain boosting benefits of Neuriva Plus)
- Take the Neuriva daily dietary suuplement to support the 7 indications of brain health, including memory
- Download the Neuriva Brain Gym app and play stimulating Brain Games daily (this includes 30 + games and personalized training plans; assessments to receive your brain age and cognitive score; earn points, climb in ranks and track your progress to achieve various levels of cognitive mastery
- Most importantly, embrace a healthier lifestyle by following up with Neuriva’s assessment tips and tools
For more information, visit www.Neuriva.com and download the Neuriva Brain gym App available in the Apple and Google Play app stores.
The five design houses of KiyoKa Hase, Miari Shigeta, Sun Below, Re Rhee And Yaxin Zone displayed their exquisite creations and diverse fashion palettes.
My absolute personal favorite show was by Japanese brand and designer KiyoKa Jade, which played with textures and layers using the hues of grey, black and whites. The designs were futuristic and out-of-the-box and I could definitely imagine rappers such as Playboi Carti wearing the detailed and baggy looks that were completed with oversized circular black sunglasses.
My second personal favorite was the fashion brand Yaxin Zone by Taiwanese designer Ya-Hsin Chung. Her fabrics were thick, cozy and fluffy and offered a fashionable alternative to winter puffers, with its warm layering. As a contradiction to the soft materials, the designer featured diagonal stitchings of huge zippers and most pieces were asymmetrical, which created a unique experience for onlookers at each turn.
The designer focused heavily on making her creations interesting from all angles, being that an equal amount of focus on detail was placed on the front, sides and back of the outfits. Ya-Hsin also played with accessories such as bags and clip-on, clip-off layers of clothing, so fashionistas can easily transform looks from short to long and vice-versa.
Fashion Designer Jason Christopher Peters brought his passion and purpose to New York Fashion Week!
Every year, NYFW introduces many new and exciting designers and organizations to the fashion landscape, and on Wednesday, February 7, the Sakura Collection made its official debut by holding a reception party at the famous Pierre Hotel.
Sakura Collection, launched by Noriko Tabata (now Representative Director of the brand), was intended to bring the “rich cultural heritage of Japan to the world” through the distribution of traditional Japanese materials to an international audience. Every year, they provide opportunities for young designers by supporting their endeavors, allowing them to create their art with these materials, and helping them learn how to utilize dyeing techniques stemming from all over Japan. Since 2012, they’ve collaborated with thirty-eight fashion designers from fourteen countries.
The Collection also strives for many of these materials to be sustainable, and they continuously promote recyclable fashion to their students. They’ve held over thirty-four award ceremonies, and through their Fashion Design Award, they further advance their Sustainable Development Goals with the intention of “creating a better world.”
After check-in, guests were led to the Wedgewood room, where they sipped on cocktails, ate delightful hors d’oeuvres, and mingled with other attendees before the main event began. A fashion show commenced; The show featured the creations of three of their designers, all of the outfits ranging in structure, fabrics, and colors/patterns. There was a dramatic dance performance, where they showcased the designer’s handmade costumes, and passed around scarves for guests to feel and admire.
When the show concluded, attendees were able to speak to vendors in the room and buy various items from bow ties and archive dresses, to custom-made jackets and dresses; All the funds would be used to further The Sakura Collection’s mission of nurturing their fashion students’ aspirations.
If you’re interested in donating to Sakura Collection, click this link here.
Photo Source: Sakura_Collection.Gram
The Knocturnal attended Celestial Arts Presents The Influence, Writers Who Brunch, and Inconvenient Conversations.
Born and raised in Wales, independent artist and singer-songwriter Ben Ellis is most certainly one to watch.
Photography by Dijana Mesin
Christmas on Cherry Lane was a unique and thoughtful film that followed the story of three families simultaneously. We witness each family member’s festivities, traditions, worries and anxiety, especially pertaining to their holiday plans.
The film’s brilliant showcase of separate plots over various decades was perfected effortlessly and beautifully by both the writer and director. Christmas on Cherry Lane had a unique “big picture” take and gave us both a bird’s eye view and fly on the wall perceptions. The audience stepped into each of the three houses and rooted for each person to manage to surpass their personal obstacles.
The film was not only a sentimental and thoughtful seasonal movie but also a confirmation of how we’re all connected. The sense of humanity and empathy in the movie was done intentionally and with a purpose. Audience members discovered how all the families have been connected through different generations thanks to the protagonist’s evolution from being a teen to an elderly resident in the community tying it all together.
Besides Christmas on Cherry Lane displaying charming holiday themes, the movie philosophically confirmed the domino effect of our actions and the beauty of us all being connected with each other over decades of time. It’s a family friendly film that tugs at your heart strings and leaves a lasting effect of hope and positivity on the watcher and perhaps even a tear or two (guilty!).
Ever wonder if your favorite SNL stars get nervous before a show or if they get star struck when getting to work with a new host? Now’s your time to find out!
SNL episodes have a fast turnaround rate and the actors are all tremendously talented at being able to adapt quickly to new scripts, characters and changes that are being made. Not only are they adapting to those elements, but to add in another level, they work alongside new hosts frequently.
Some of the SNL cast confessed to getting star struck when working with Emma Stone, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. Others admitted that they still get nervous before getting on stage despite all the practice they’ve had and the amount of years they’ve been with the show. However, as one actor said, “feeling nervous means you care,” and I couldn’t agree more.
The cast lit up the red carpet with their charm, witty jokes and honesty. The tight knit members often spoke highly of each other and served as each other’s hype men and woman. Given the amount of long hours they put into the show, the actors dotingly told me that they consider each other family, and that was more than evident on the AMNH’s Gala red carpet.
In a groundbreaking move, RZA, the visionary force behind the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, is poised to captivate audiences with his latest venture—Wu-Wednesdays, a dynamic radio show set to debut on LL COOL J’s esteemed Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM, broadcasting on Channel 43. This innovative platform promises a sonic journey through the rich tapestry of Wu-Tang Clan’s storied legacy, showcasing classic tracks that have left an indelible mark on the genre.
However, Wu-Wednesdays goes beyond the realm of nostalgia, offering an immersive experience with exclusive DJ mixes, unreleased musical gems, and engaging interviews with special guests. RZA, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the hip-hop landscape, invites listeners to join him on a weekly exploration of the past, present, and future of the Wu-Tang legacy, making Wednesday nights a must-listen for hip-hop enthusiasts and music connoisseurs alike.
We recently caught up with RZA. Embarking on a project he has long harbored a desire for, RZA expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming launch of “Wu-Wednesdays” on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio. Reflecting on the journey, he revealed, “Well, it’s just something I’ve been wanting to do for years. It’s funny because maybe five years ago I was going to do it with the BBC, and then I was going to do it right in New York with Hot 97,” he said. In essence, RZA sees Rock The Bells Radio as the ideal platform to bring “Wu-Wednesdays” to life, aligning seamlessly with the station’s significance in the hip-hop landscape.
RZA acknowledged, “It’s something that I probably had in my creative wheelhouse and never really got a chance to fully explore. And now I do have the chance, and I’m looking forward to exploring it.” RZA has always wanted to do radio, so this radio venture represents the fulfillment of a creative aspiration he had for years.
RZA also highlighted the importance of staying authentic to different demographics as Wu Tang Clan’s music is geared towards Gen X, older and younger Millennials while also Gen Z, who is discovering it for the first time. The optimal approach is to retain your talent and music within your creative arsenal. Wu-Tang Clan, in particular, has carved out a distinctive subgenre within hip-hop, evident in their expansive catalog that could arguably require the collaboration of a substantial portion of the hip-hop community to match. It’s extensive catalog serves as a perpetual source of discovery, marking a rite of passage for generations—from Wu-Tang’s inception to the present day. Countless enthusiasts have attested that their initiation into the realm of hip-hop stemmed from the transformative experience of engaging with Wu-Tang’s seminal works like “36 Chambers” or other projects within the Wu-Tang Clan.
“I think that Wu-Tang, especially in our first 5 to 7 albums, are capturing the youth energy of the world, especially of America, of our community, but of the world because you get nine points of view of young energy. And I think when somebody hears it, that is something that relates to them. A kid could be 14 years old and he’s ready to bring the ruckus. A kid could be 19 about to go to college and think about his parents and growing up saying why life can be all so simple. Or a kid could be exploring life and getting into the job market and realize cash can rule around him,” he said.
Also during our discussion about the intricacies of musical production, RZA delves into the episode of sampling on “Wu-Tang: American Saga,” shedding light on the artistry and innovation that defined the group’s distinctive sound. With a narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes and creative processes, RZA offers a unique glimpse into the transformative role of sampling in shaping the Wu-Tang Clan’s iconic tracks.
“That was the intention of that when we sat down and we decided how we wanted to explain it,” said RZA. “We thought about other movies that did great music documentaries, whether it was Rocketman or whether it was, you know, James Brown or all these biopics. Everybody has a way of going into showing the creation of music. But for hip hop, it’s a different formula, a different process. And we said the only way to do it is to actually see if we could go into the mind of the producer and explain what he’s doing. And as I explained it in the writers room, we were able to put it in writing and we had Mario Van Peebles, a very intelligent director. He was able to then take that and translate it into the episode that we saw, which I think is good enough to be shown in classes. I think it’s like an educational tool. You could take that now and use it as a reference to understand the process of hip hop creativity and production.”
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