LONDON has lots to offer in 2008. So if you are given an all-expense two-week break by your employer, then demand from them that you’ll go to London any time of the year. One of the things that you’ll admire in London is their sense of art appreciation. After all, the city is the capital of the country which was once upon a time one of the world’s greatest superpowers. In fact, London has a whole university dedicated to propagating its culture. It may not have its own cuisine and the food staple there may be the generic Western one but London has lots of contributions in other art fields. It is also currently pursuing London art awareness through all its British embassies worldwide. All embassies of Britain have their own branch of the British Council which oversees student exchanges for the London University of the Arts.

Some of the programs offered at the London University of the Arts include short courses which may last from three days to two weeks and three months to three years leading to an associate degree. There are also long-term courses offered leading to a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and even a doctorate. Among the short courses offered at the London University of the Arts include the following – textile design, printmaking, Adobe InDesign, ceramics, architecture, interior design, technical drawing, 3D modeling, acting, anatomical drawing, storyboarding, how to build a jewelry business, etching, embroidery, silkscreen printing, travel photography, painting, event management, QuarkXPress, film makeup, maternity wear design, graphics, cartooning and many more. As one can read it, one will know that these programs are as diverse as they can be. In short, there is no such thing as being bored here in London. Everybody here is gay and happy.

But if you like pop culture, there’s one English movie I recommend that you’ll see – Atonement. Atonement follows the story of a 13-year-old boy who was condemned for committing a crime he didn’t commit. He was only expiated during his early adulthood. The movie is a London masterpiece since it is being directed by a British director, the same one who megged the critically-acclaimed Pride and Prejudice which also starred Keira Knightley. Other London-based movie directors who made a mark in world film success last year were Danny Boyle who made the sci-fi thriller Sunshine and of courser Paul Greengrass who already directed the critically-acclaimed films United 93 and Sunday Bloody Sunday but of course is better known as the director of the 2007 megahit Bourne Ultimatum.

It’s not just in the arts that Londoners love. They also love boxing as well. Londoner Amir Khan is expected to take on Australian Gairy St. Clair for the Commonwealth lightweight title next month in Sydney. This will be a wonderful night since Khan has never been defeated and he already has 12 knockouts in his glory. Boxing and art? Hmm…I find that a very interesting combination.