According to the study, cultural activities are capable of slowing down the aging process. It was noted that loneliness increases the probability of developing depression, anxiety, and reduced cognitive functions, and also decreases motivation for physical activity.
In this regard, it was recommended that older people maintain social connections. This can be done by regular meetings with friends and relatives, as well as participation in various groups such as walking groups, book clubs, music classes, or spiritual gatherings.
The group BTS has once again drawn attention to the Grammy ceremony, but they are not the only artists refusing to participate in this significant musical night. For decades, the influential global star group has deliberately skipped submissions, withdrawn their works from consideration, or completely refused to accept awards.
For these musicians, the refusal has been a direct demonstration of protest against the convoluted policies of the Recording Academy, the limited selection of categories, and, most importantly, the opaque voting processes.
Leading this recent wave of resistance, the K-pop supergroup announced that they will not submit music for the 2027 Grammys. They stated that they hope their work will be valued for itself, rather than being divided by regional or linguistic criteria.
This decision followed the Recording Academy's introduction of a new category, 'Best Asian Pop Performance,' which many critics and fans perceived as an attempt to confine Asian artists to a separate sphere instead of granting them true recognition in mainstream categories. By declining to participate, BTS joins an elite circle of hitmakers who disagree with the terms of this institution.
The Weeknd remains one of the most prominent examples of this institutional friction. After being completely excluded in 2021 following a record year, he announced a permanent boycott of the Grammys, calling the process inherently corrupt due to its reliance on secret committees.
Similarly, Drake has repeatedly distanced himself from the Grammys, even requesting the Academy withdraw his already nominated works. His disagreements with the institution are usually linked to a deep divergence between real cultural influence and arbitrary award wins, especially when the Academy fails to understand genre specifics or reflect what fans listen to.
Frank Ocean took a similar position by refusing to have his highly acclaimed album Blonde considered. This move was widely interpreted as a direct rejection of the Academy's history regarding Black artists and a refusal to allow the voting committee to dictate his artistic legitimacy.
Besides those who refuse to submit entries, there are also artists who have decided not to attend the ceremony itself. Sinead O'Connor famously refused her Grammy in the early 1990s, protesting the commercialization and the 'false and destructive' values of the music industry.
Decades earlier, Will Smith led a boycott of the 1989 ceremony when a new rap category was excluded from the main broadcast. He used his absence to draw attention to how mainstream institutions marginalized hip-hop.
As BTS steps away from the Grammy race, they further confirm a growing truth in the modern music landscape: true power no longer belongs exclusively to the Academy, as the world's most famous artists increasingly allow the music to speak for itself.
Christopher Nolan's film 'Odyssey' not only revived interest in Homer's epic but also inspired travelers to visit the real landscapes that formed the basis of the story on screen.
Instead of relying heavily on studio sets, the Oscar winner filmed in some of the world's most impressive natural and historical locations, including Greece, Sicily, Morocco, Iceland, and Scotland. The result was a cinematic journey through ancient castles, volcanic coasts, secluded beaches, and age-old settlements that fans can now experience themselves.
Below are the real filming locations of 'Odyssey' that you can add to your travel bucket list.
The Peloponnese served as one of the film's most important backdrops. Scenes were shot at the famous Watergully Beach, Nestor's Cave, and the medieval Metoni Castle. This region, known for its turquoise waters, archaeological sites, and rugged coast, offers visitors the opportunity to explore some of Greece's most iconic landscapes while tracing Odysseus' legendary journey.
In Polyphemus' cave, the Cyclops, Odysseus blinds the giant before escaping. A shipwreck scene was also filmed near Watergully Beach.
Christopher Nolan filmed in both western and eastern Sicily, capturing the island's dramatic coastline and volcanic landscapes. On Favignana, located off the west coast of Sicily, the crystal-clear water and rocky cliffs helped create some of the scenes set on the island. In eastern Sicily, the volcanic landscapes and views around Taormina and the nearby Aeolian Islands added another layer to the mythical adventure. This island also serves as Ithaca, where the fortress is used as Odysseus' palace and place of return.
The ancient architecture and desert landscapes of Morocco were transformed into the city of Troy for the film. Filming took place in the vicinity of Marrakech, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou—a fortified village that has appeared in many Hollywood productions, including 'Gladiator' and 'Game of Thrones'. It was here that Troy was recreated, including the Trojan Horse and the final moments of the city after the war.
Iceland
Iceland's dramatic black sand beaches, volcanic terrain, and winding rivers provided some of the most otherworldly visuals for 'Odyssey'. The country's raw natural beauty has long attracted cinematographers, and visitors can explore lava fields, waterfalls, and geothermal landscapes that seem almost mythical. The black sand beaches and volcanic scenery depict Hades (the Underworld), where Odysseus goes in search of the prophet Tiresias.
Scotland also holds an important place in the film, especially the Mòre coast, where Findlater Castle and nearby beaches created a rugged backdrop for several scenes. The dramatic ruins on the cliff edge overlooking the North Sea remain one of Scotland's most picturesque historical attractions, accessible to visitors year-round.
Film-motivated travel continues to grow as fans seek to see the real locations behind their favorite movies and TV shows. According to luxury travel company Matt Concierge, which recently highlighted destinations featured in 'Odyssey', many travelers are increasingly looking for bespoke itineraries that combine cinematic spots with cultural experiences and luxury accommodation.
Mathew Shaw, founder of Matt Concierge, stated: 'Cinema has an incredible ability to make people want to personally visit a certain place, but our clients rarely look for a standard tour.' He added: 'They want to explore privately, comfortably, and in a way that feels completely personal. With proper planning, the landscapes shown in 'Odyssey' can be an exceptional journey in themselves.'
The Amazon Prime Video streaming platform received new additions during the week of August 3 to 9, including the Brazilian film Corrida dos Bichos and the original series Sterling Point.
On August 3, the film Papai was released. This 2023 US-produced drama follows Girlie as she arrives in New York, takes a taxi, and begins a meaningful conversation with the driver Clark. During this trip, both share important experiences and reflect on themes such as relationships, loss, vulnerability, and the decisions that defined their lives.
On Wednesday, August 5, the first season of Sterling Point premiered. This original Prime Video series, classified as drama and mystery, is set in the US and is scheduled for production in 2026. The plot focuses on Annie Jacobson, a 17-year-old raised in New York, whose life changes drastically after inheriting her grandfather's enigmatic island in Canada. In this new environment, she makes friends, falls in love, and begins to uncover family secrets that will alter her perception of the past.
Friday, August 7, brought the release of the film Corrida dos Bichos. This original Prime Video production, from 2026 and originating from Brazil, mixes action, adventure, crime, science fiction, and suspense. The story is set in a dystopian Rio de Janeiro, where the old 'jogo do bicho' evolves into a lethal competition between runners who personify various animals. To enter the contest, each participant must offer a loved one as collateral. When Mano's sister becomes a hostage in this game, he decides to abandon his principles and join the competition in the hope of rescuing her and overthrowing the system that has turned survival into a spectacle.
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