The heavy metal umlaut, or "rock dots", is an umlaut over letters in the name of a heavy metal band, such as Mötley Crüe or Motörhead. The use of umlauts and other diacritics with a blackletter style typeface is a form of foreign branding intended to give a band's logo a Teutonic quality. It is a form of marketing that evokes stereotypes of boldness and strength commonly attributed to peoples such as the Vikings; author Reebee Garofalo has attributed its use to a desire for a "Gothic horror" feel. The heavy metal umlaut is never referred to by the term diaeresis in this usage, nor is it intended to affect the pronunciation of the band's name, with the exception of Green Jellÿ.Heavy metal umlauts have been parodied in film and fiction. In the mockumentary film This Is Spın̈al Tap (spelled with an umlaut over the n), fictional rocker David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) says, "It's like a pair of eyes. You're looking at the umlaut, and it's looking at you." In 2002, Spin magazine referred to the heavy metal umlaut as "the diacritical mark of the beast."

February 6 & 7th celebrates Chinese New Year for 2008 - find out what this ancient festival that dates back to ancient China is all about - the rituals of red packets and dragon dances, the abundance of foods & snacks, and more. .!

A celebration on March 17 for the entire family. Enjoy the food, fun and festivities.

Things are getting plenty weird in the Canadian culinary scene - or at least the one east of Thunder Bay. Apparently Montrealers actually want to eat Toronto food, or at least food prepared by a handful of Hogtown's top toques. It's the annual Montreal Highlights Festival, which always includes a major chef visit: The Air France Wine and Dine...

Asian restaurants curiously abound in Park City in a state where Asians comprise just 1.8 percent of the population. Thankfully, the home of the Sundance Film Festival has plenty of options ranging from Japanese to Vietnamese to Asian fusion food. Here are a few places to dine at…or not.

SIMPLE SOLUTION: Mid-winter is the traditional time for good 'ol comfort food, but this unusual take on the classic macaroni and cheese will hit the spot any time of year. With a bit of a festive flare, the dish is as fun for a party as to cheer up any night of the week.