Root Cause Analysis Blog

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5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training to be Offered in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

las-vegas The 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training will be held March 1 - 5. Learn all the TapRooT® tools, and also many advanced skills that a Team Leader needs to collect information, analyze root causes, and develop effective fixes that will help your company improve performance.

Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada, and it is the 28th most populous city in the United States, with an estimated metropolitan area population of 1,865,746. Established in 1905, Las Vegas officially became a city in 1911. With the growth that followed, at the close of the century Las Vegas was the most populous American city founded in the 20th century (a distinction held by Chicago in the 19th century). The city’s tolerance for various forms of adult entertainment earned it the title of Sin City, and this image has made Las Vegas a popular setting for films and television programs. With the over abundance of outdoor lighting displays, Las Vegas is seen from space, making it the brightest city on Earth. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas,_Nevada).

While a majority of visitors go to Vegas for the gambling, The Entertainment Capital of the World has more to offer than just “rolling the bones.” Here are some suggestions for your trip to Las Vegas:

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition features more than 300 artifacts from the ill-fated ocean liner, as well as breathtaking replicas from the famous ship. Jewelry, china, personal belongings and more bring the story of Titanic to life.

The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel delights visitors with its 4,000 tropical fish, including three species of stingrays and three species of sharks, in the 117,000-gallon, curved acrylic tank.

CBS Television City Research Center is located in the MGM Grand Hotel and allows visitors to become involved in the television program screening process. Five minutes before the screening begins, viewers are led into one of four studios to watch the latest offerings from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon and other Viacom networks. Viewers then are instructed on how to use the test pads and monitors to register their opinions, and settle into the viewing process.

Bellagio Conservatory boasts five themes per year: Holiday, Chinese New Year, Spring, Summer and Fall. Each time there is a change-out, it takes a total of 100 people working 24 hours a day for a week. Flowers and plants for the conservatory – such as coastal Redwoods reaching upwards of 25 feet, weeping willows and 40-foot poplar trees, azaleas, hydrangea, miniature roses, dahlias, agave and agapanthus – are shipped in from all over the nation and are temporarily kept in a 40,000-square-foot, off-site greenhouse until ready for display. Theatrical lighting, sounds, and water features enhance the conservatory.

Dining in Las Vegas: While you could stay months in Vegas and never eat at the same place twice, some restaurants do stand out from the others. So skip the free buffets and check out these choice locations:

Delmonico Steakhouse is another successful venture by Chef Emeril Lagasse. Located on The Strip, this restaurant received Wine Spectator Magazine’s Grand Award and is consistently being voted as one of Vegas’ best steakhouses. Not just your ordinary steakhouse, the menu also offers tuna, lamb, chicken, pork tenderloin, and Emeril’s BBQ Salmon With Andouille Sausage.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant will have you saying, “Par Excellence!” You’ll think you’re in The City of Lights when you enjoy this authentic French dining experience. Specialties include The Grand Seafood Platter with lobster, shrimp, oysters, crab, and clams, Beef Wellington, Roasted Rack of Lamb, and a decadent selection of soufflés.

Top of the World Restaurant is located more than 800 feet above Las Vegas in the Stratosphere Tower. Awarded “Best Gourmet Room” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Top of the World features culinary delights served in an elegant atmosphere with unparalleled views of Las Vegas as the restaurant revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes.

Rosemary’s Restaurant offers everything from pasta to chicken to beef and fresh fish. They have received the “Award of Unique Distinction” in 2008 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, “Best Gourmet Restaurant” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” in 2008.

To register for this course, click here.

La Basílica y Parroquia La Purísima Concepción

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Root Cause Training in Monterrey, Mexico

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

We have scheduled a public root cause analysis training course for Spanish speaking professionals in Monterrey, Mexico.

Monterrey

Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico. Monterrey visitors can enjoy a rich nightlife, cultural activities, and exciting sporting events. Many of the local people enjoy locally brewed beer while watching fútbol on a weekly basis. Visitors can also enjoy machaca con huevo, a traditional Monterrey dish. We are taking registration for:

3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis - March 1 - 3

Some popular tourist destinations in Monterrey are:

Museo de Mexicana Historia

The Museum of Mexican History is an informative and interesting collection of Mexican history. The museum offers free guided tours during regular hours as well as self-guided tours of the many exhibits. Tuesday and Fridays are free admission to the museum and there are frequently concerts for museum guests. El Museo de Mexicana Historia is an enjoyable place for people of all different interests to visit.

Club de Futbol Monterrey

Futbol is an important part of the culture in Monterrey. There are two teams that call Monterrey home and much of Monterrey entertainment revolves around the schedules of the games. The Rayados and the Tigres both play in Monterrey.

“El Templo de la Purísima, es el símbolo de la piedad cristiana de Monterrey. La Basílica y Parroquia La Purísima Concepción de Monterrey, es parte de la Arquidiócesis de Monterrey y en su organización Diocesana corresponde al Decanato I de Catedral y a la primera Zona de Pastoral” (http://lapurisimamonterrey.org/index.php).

The church of the Immaculate was built in the 1940s and was the first religious building with modern architecture in Mexico. The design was very controversial at the time it was being built, but is not a well-known landmark in Monterrey. Visitors can attend Roman Catholic masses twice a day each day of the week.

The Outdoors

“Are you the outdoors type? The mountains surrounding Monterrey offer recreation options available nowhere else in Mexico! Go rock climbing or hiking. Explore caves few humans have ever visited. Take a mountain bike down some of the most extreme slopes anywhere!” (Source: http://www.allaboutmonterrey.com/)

Are you looking for a Spanish speaking root cause analysis course, or do you have an associate who would be interested in performance improvement, problem-solving and corrective action programs taught in Spanish?

Visit our website to download a brochure: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=720&l=1

Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)
Instituto Itaú Cultural
Japantown
Central Market
Jaragua Peak
Ibirapuera Park

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Upcoming São Paulo, Brazil 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis Course

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Learn TapRooT® in Portuguese! Attend our 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis Course in São Paulo, Brazil March 4 - 5, 2010! This course will be held at the George V in São Paulo.

saopaulo

São Paulo is the largest city in South America - stay through the weekend to visit different neighborhoods with their special Italian, Japanese or Arabic influences. They have their own characteristic atmosphere! And one of the things every traveler should do before leaving São Paulo is take a train into the countryside and escape the rush of the city traffic.

Enjoy delicious Brazilian cuisine while exploring area attractions, like Edifício Martinelli, (the first skyscraper in Latin America) or one of these:

REGISTER TODAY for the upcoming São Paulo, Brazil 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis Course March 4 - 5, 2010!

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TapRooT® Root Cause Analysis Course in Kuala Lumpur

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Here’s some pictures from Kevin Palardy taken during a course in KL last week. Great pictures of the Petronas Towers!

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2-Day TapRooT® Course to be Offered in Edmonton, Canada!

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

edmonton-cityscape Edmonton will be the location for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on January 25-26, 2010.

In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, click here.

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and is well known for its scenic river valley and a thriving music and art community. Located 183 miles north of Calgary, Edmonton is home to North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, West Edmonton Mall. More than just a shopping center, West Edmonton Mall also has a giant water park, a man-made lake, a skating rink, two mini-golf courses, 21 movie theaters, a Vegas-style casino and an amusement park with 25 rides and attractions. Edmonton’s vibrant population tends to hang out and let loose at the trendy Whyte Avenue district, which is situated next to the reputable University of Alberta.
(Source: http://www.discoveredmonton.com/)

With abundant outdoor activities and a host of museums, restaurants and attractions, Edmonton has much to offer. Here are some itinerary suggestions:

Alberta Legislature Building is surrounded by 57 acres of parkland. This beautiful building is a must see for those interested in architecture, politics and history.

The Muttart Conservatory is set in Edmonton’s lush river valley. Four huge, glass pyramids make up the conservatory, and it is home to thousands of species of plants, both domestic and exotic. There is The Tropical Pyramid, The Temperate Pyramid, The Arid Pyramid, and The Show Pyramid, which is completely changed six times a year.

The Provincial Museum is one of Canada’s most popular museums. Set in a park just west of downtown, the Museum offers a full range of exhibitions and activities for every age level and interest.

Sir Winston Churchill Square is a park in the core of Edmonton’s downtown and is a favorite hangout for visitors and weekend fun seekers. The square hosts many of the City’s festivals, and is the “front yard” of the Edmonton’s pyramid-topped City Hall.

Dining in Edmonton:

New Asian Village offers East Indian cuisine at its best. Enjoy great dishes like Shahi Butter Chicken, Jumbo Prawns cooked in butter sauce served with cashew nuts and raisons, or try one of their famous Tandoori dishes. The restaurant also offers private dining in their silk curtain-lined Maharaja Rooms.

Doan’s Vietnamese Restaurant has been an Edmonton favorite for more than 10 years. Try their Green Papaya Salad (mixed with shredded grilled beef) or their traditional Spring Rolls. At the top of an impressive list of entrees are the Pan Fried Lemongrass dishes, sizzling platters with different sauces of curry, satay or black bean.

Violino is located in a 1913 mansion in a stylish, well-established neighborhood. Beautiful trees and lush gardens surround the restaurant. They pride themselves on putting a contemporary and gourmet influence on traditional Italian favorites.

Century Grill offers an outstanding menu of contemporary North American cuisine. The atmosphere is elegant, the food is considered “high end,” but the prices are very reasonable. They use only the freshest ingredients, and everything is made from scratch. The chef puts his own unique twist on anything from seafood linguini and rack of lamb, to prime steaks and pork chops.

Home Fire Grill specializes in grain-fed Alberta Bison, AAA Angus Beef, rotisserie chicken and fresh fish. With the aroma of flame-grilled entrees and the warmth of the central fireplace, patrons are sure to enjoy their visit.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Edmonton, click here.

Colorado Cellars Winery

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2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Grand Junction, Colorado!

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

grand-junction1 Grand Junction, Colorado, will be the location for a 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on February 9-10, 2010. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the course in Grand Junction, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=851&l=1.

Grand Junction is located along the Colorado River, where it receives the Gunnison River from the south. The name “Grand” refers to the historical upper Colorado River until renamed in 1921, and the word “Junction” is from the joining of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. Hence, Grand Junction has been given the nickname “River City.” The city sits near the mid-point of a 30-mile arcing valley, known as the Grand Valley, a major fruit-growing region. In recent years, several wineries have been established in the area as well. The Colorado National Monument, a series of canyons and mesas similar to the Grand Canyon, overlooks the city on the west, while the Book Cliffs are a prominent series of cliffs that define the northern side of the Grand Valley. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Junction,_Colorado)

Things to Do in Grand Junction:

Adventure Bound River Expeditions will take you down the Colorado River for the experience of a lifetime. Whether you enjoy riding in an oar raft, a large pontoon boat, an inflatable kayak, or you want a combination of options, they have the appropriate trip for you. Their professional crew will handle the rafts, pack and unpack gear, and prepare all meals.

Museum of Western Colorado is the largest multi-disciplinary museum between Salt Lake City and Denver. Over the past 40 years, they have grown to incorporate many facilities. You can visit Museum of the West, Cross Orchards Historic Site, Dinosaur Journey Museum, Loyd Files Research Library, and Whitman Educational Center.

The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens hosts classes, concerts, butterfly releases, and other exciting events. Their mission is to promote responsible conservation of precious natural resources in Western Colorado by providing educational and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

Colorado National Monument offers 23,000 acres of rock formations, arches, canyons, and exposed layers of earth. Hikers can enjoy more than 20 miles of trails, where they will experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons, as well as an abundance of wildlife.

Surrounded by spectacular scenery, The Grand Valley region produces wonderful, wine-with-grapes high-quality wines. There are many charming vineyards and wineries to choose from, and a tour through the heart of Colorado Wine Country is perfect for any level of enthusiast:

Carlson Vineyards

Garfield Estates

Plum Creek Winery

Dining in Grand Junction:

Il Bistro Italiano offers a combination of traditional and modern Italian dishes. The pastas, breads, sauces, and desserts are all made at the restaurant from fresh, local ingredients. Try a traditional favorite like Lasagna or something a bit more unique like Crespelle: parmesan flavored crepes folded and baked with oven-roasted rosemary ham, provolone cheese, and sautéed mushrooms.

Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery is located in the heart of downtown Grand Junction. Enjoy their award-winning handcrafted micro brews while you try to decide on something from their spectacular menu. Their eclectic menu has everything from burgers, pasta, and pizza to chicken fried steak, meatloaf, mahi-mahi, ribs, steaks, quesadillas, and so much more!

626 on Rood — Modern American Cuisine & Wine Bar features Mediterranean and Latin dishes with a decidedly modern American twist. The chef uses local suppliers and growers for many of the organic and natural ingredients used in the 626 kitchen. Also known for premium seafood, their fish is only sourced from Honolulu Fish Company, over-nighted directly from the Honolulu docks. Enjoy a selection from 56 wines by the glass from around the world on their garden patio.

Fly’n Roosters has an atmosphere that is as spicy as their wings. But they are more than just wings! Have a cold brew on their patio while enjoying great sandwiches, burgers, ribs, fish n’ chips and more.

Rib City Grill has won numerous awards for their Southern-style barbecue. In addition to pork and beef BBQ, you will find smoked turkey, chicken and fish sandwiches, burgers, shrimp, steak and, of course, their famous baby back ribs.

For more information and to register for the course in Grand Junction, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=851&l=1.

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2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

philly-skyline Philadelphia (Kennett Square) will be the location for a 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on November 2-3, 2009. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information or to register for the course, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=676&l=1

A commercial, educational, and cultural center, Philadelphia was once the second-largest in the British Empire (after London), and the social and geographical center of the original 13 American colonies. Ben Franklin took a large role in Philadelphia’s early rise to prominence. It was in this city that many of the ideas, and subsequent actions, gave birth to the American Revolution and American Independence, making Philadelphia a centerpiece of early American history. It was the most populous city of the young United States and served as the nation’s first capital during much of the Revolutionary War and after. Following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, it was the temporary national capital from 1790 to 1800 while Washington, DC, was under construction. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia)

Profoundly rich in history and American culture, everyone should make a trip to Philadelphia. Kennett Square is conveniently located to The City of Brotherly Love, so here are some itinerary suggestions for your trip to Kennett Square and Philadelphia:

The Liberty Bell Center offers a video presentation and exhibits about the Liberty Bell, focusing on its origins and its modern day role as an international icon of freedom. liberty-bell

Independence Hall originally served as the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania and is best known as the place where the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

The Betsy Ross House was built more than 250 years ago and is the house where Betsy sewed the first American flag. Take a tour of the house and grounds and then enjoy a nice picnic lunch in their shady courtyard.

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is world-famous and encompasses 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Enjoy over 11,000 types of plants, more fountains than any other garden in the US, educational and visitor programming, and over 400 performances a year.

The Kennett Underground Railroad Center takes you back in time and allows you to experience the inspiring story of how slaves in the years prior to the Civil War sought their liberty by escaping along the Underground Railroad, which ran right through Philadelphia. Guided hour-long tours via trolleybus depart from the Chester County Visitors Center and will take you past “stations” of underground railroads and offer presentations at the Kennett History Station.

Dining in Philadelphia and Kennett Square:

Le Bec-Fin is Philadelphia’s premiere fine dining restaurant. Opening its doors in 1970, Le Bec-Fin has become a Philadelphia landmark and has won numerous accolades. Their menu is impeccable and their dessert cart is legendary!

Morimoto in Philadelphia is run by Chef Masaharu Morimoto who rose to fame on the Iron Chef television show. The menu is spectacular! Try the Chef’s Choice which is a multi-course tasting menu designed to allow you to experience the essence of Morimoto’s cuisine.

Floga Bistro, located in Kennett Square, has been touted as having the best brick oven pizza in the area. Also on the menu, you will find great antipasti, paninis, pasta, seafood, chicken, veal and more.

Portabellos Italian Restaurant is also located in Kennett Square and offers traditional favorites like Chicken Parmesan and Veal Marsala, in addition to great seafood and steaks.

You can’t visit Philadelphia without trying the city’s famous Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. There has been an on-going battle for decades here in The City of Brotherly Love as to who is king when it comes to this legendary sandwich. Try some of the contenders and see what your vote is! sandwich2

Geno’s Steaks

Pat’s King of Steaks

Abner’s Cheesesteaks

Campo’s

For more information or to register for the course in Philadelphia, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=676&l=1

2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Toronto, Canada!

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

toronto-skyline Toronto, Canada, will be the location for a 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on December 9-10, 2009. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the course in Toronto, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=696&l=1.

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. With over 2.5 million residents, it is the fifth most populous municipality in North America. Toronto is at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and is part of a densely populated region in Southern Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe, which is home to 8.1 million residents and has approximately 25% of Canada’s population. As Canada’s economic capital, Toronto is considered a global city and is one of the top financial centers in the world. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto)

Toronto Attraction:

Ontario Science Centre is sure to please adults and children alike. The Science Centre has a wide spectrum of exhibits and interactive activities. You can see poisonous dart frogs in the 250-square-meter rainforest, check out the stars in the planetarium, see a real elephant’s heart or a 130-year-old human skeleton, and much, much more!

Fort York is home to Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. The Fort is open year round and offers a number of services, including tours, exhibits, period room settings and seasonal demonstrations.

Ontario Place is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland located in Toronto. The complex extends throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront with pedal boats, a marina, restaurants, and the world’s first permanent IMAX® theatre, the Cinesphere.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is celebrating its 25-year reign in North America. Welcome to the 11th Century where the costumes, weaponry, and atmosphere are authentically Medieval. You’ll see the show of your life, complete with Hollywood-caliber special effects, as you enjoy a four-course feast.

Dining in Toronto:

Canoe Restaurant and Bar is located high atop the TD Bank Tower and offers a spectacular view of the city. From mouthwatering squab, lamb, tuna, and prime ribeye to decadent desserts like chocolate mousse and warm date pudding, this menu will test your decision-making skills.

Splendido Restaurant is contemporary fine dining at its best. The chefs use seasonal, locally-sourced, family-farmed products to prepare each dish. Try their Yorkshire Suckling Pig or the Butter Poached Lobster. The menu also offers a selection of chicken, pasta, fish, veal, and beef.

Via Allegro Ristorante is consistently listed as one of the top ten restaurants in Toronto by Toronto Life Magazine. They offer traditional Italian cuisine but also pride themselves on creating new and exciting dishes. They also received the Grand Award from The Wine Spectator Magazine, the highest wine award in the world.

Sushi Kaji is particular about authenticity. Fish comes strictly from Tokyo Bay. Rice, vegetables, and even garnishes are from Japan. More than once, the restaurant has been touted as having the best sushi and sashimi in Canada.

North 44 Restaurant is named after the city’s latitude and offers a unique dining experience in an elegant setting. Start off with their Ricotta Ravioli with Woodland Mushrooms. For the main course, try the Lamb Loin with Scallop Potatoes, and finish off your meal with the Strawberry and Vanilla “Shortcake” Tower. You can’t go wrong at North 44!

For more information and to register for the course in Toronto, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=696&l=1.

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2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Charleston, SC!

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Charleston, SC, will be the location for a 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on December 7-8, 2009. In just two days, you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=695&l=1.

Charleston is known as The Holy City due to the prominence of churches on the low-rise cityscape, particularly the numerous steeples which dot the city’s skyline, and for the fact that it was one of the few cities in the original thirteen colonies to provide religious tolerance to the French Huguenot Church. In fact, it is still the only city in the U.S. with such a church. Charleston was also one of the first colonial cities to allow Jews to practice their faith without restriction.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston,_South_Carolina)

Often referred to as the “best-mannered” city in the U.S., Charleston has much to offer visitors:

The Charleston Museum is America’s First Museum, founded in 1773. Located downtown, its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The Aiken-Rhett House is the most intact townhouse complex showcasing urban life in antebellum Charleston. It was built in 1818 and then greatly expanded by Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s. The house has survived virtually unaltered since 1858.

The Nathaniel Russell House is set amid spacious formal gardens and is a National Historic Landmark. It is widely recognized as one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings.

Fort Sumter Tours and SpiritLine Cruises have been showcasing the beauty of Charleston from its fabulous waterways since 1961. Whether it’s an elegant dinner, an historic tour of Fort Sumter or a leisurely cruise through Charleston Harbor, this is a beautiful way to tour the city.

The Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Walking Tour was featured on the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted Places. The tour offers exclusive access to the Pre-Revolutionary dungeon.

Dining in Charleston:

Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a Charleston favorite. With too many accolades to mention, suffice it to say, if you visit Charleston, this restaurant is a must!

Mercato’s brings delicious Italian-American dishes to Charleston’s historic City Market. Enjoy classic pasta and pizza dishes, daily creations, and house-made desserts, as well as chef specialties like Potato Gnocchi and Pork Osso Bucco.

The Peninsula Grill offers four-star, four-diamond dining in the heart of the City Market. Elegant but not pretentious, the restaurant offers such favorites as Pan Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast, Grilled Peach Glazed Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, and Benne Crusted Rack of New Zealand Lamb.

Tommy Condon’s is an authentic Irish pub located on Church Street, just a half block off Charleston’s Historic Market. Try favorites like Irish Potato Chowder, Charleston She Crab Soup, or traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie.

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant is located in a turn-of-the-century warehouse overlooking the Historic Market. The restaurant recreates a classic Charleston Fish House and was voted the “Best Seafood Restaurant” ten years straight by the Charleston City Paper.

For more information and to register for the course in Charleston, SC, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=695&l=1.

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2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Houston, Texas!

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

houston-tx The 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis will be held January 27-28, 2010, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held January 27-29, 2010.

In just a few short days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of problems PLUS, if you stay the extra day, you’ll learn the Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting Technique for Root Cause Failure Analysis of Equipment Problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

Additionally, if you have already taken the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis course, you can sign up for the 1-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis course on January 29. Find the root causes of equipment and machinery problems at industrial plants including utilities, petrochemical plants, manufacturing facilities, or refineries.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 1-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, click here. (**Please note: You must first have attended a 2 or 5-Day TapRooT® course that was taught by a System Improvements instructor in order to attend this course.)

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, the largest city within the state of Texas, and “the energy capital of the world.” As of the 2008 U.S. Census estimate, the city had a population of 2.2 million within an area of 600 square miles. Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area—the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with a population over 5.7 million. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston)

Quirky and fun, Houston boasts some very unique attractions: a house covered in beer cans, a monument dedicated to the orange, the world’s oldest and largest Art Car parade, and even a museum dedicated to the funeral industry. Consider some of these suggestions when visiting Houston:

The Houston Museum District attracts more than seven million visitors each year and is considered to be one of the top cultural districts in the country. Eighteen institutions make up the Houston Museum District, and 11 are free all the time.

Battleship Texas is the last of the battleships to participate in World War I and II. It became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948. The battleship is now permanently anchored on the Buffalo Bayou and the busy Houston Ship Channel.

The Beer Can House is a folk art gallery and workshop consisting of more than 50,000 beer cans. The house is blanketed with beer cans and the lawn with concrete blocks inlaid with bits of colorful glass. The owner also drilled holes in the redwood fence, filling the spaces with marbles. Clinking curtains hanging on the porch are made out of the cans’ pull-tabs. Truly a must-see!

Gulf Greyhound Park offers live greyhound racing year-round, rain or shine. The park offers a variety of dining and viewing options and also includes 318 teller windows and more than 1,100 closed-circuit televisions.

Galveston Island State Park is less than an hour from Houston and features 2000 acres of surf, beach, dunes, coastal prairie, fresh-water ponds, wetlands, and bay shoreline. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including spoonbills, tree frogs, egrets, coyotes, sandpipers, pelicans and more.

Dining in Houston:

Mark’s American Cuisine is located in a 1920’s renovated church and was voted as Houston’s most romantic restaurant. The menu changes often to incorporate only the freshest ingredients. Try the Kobe Beef Osso Bucco, Copper River Salmon, FRESH Alaskan King Crab Legs, or Spiney Lobster Tails.

The Monument Inn specializes in Fresh Gulf Coast Seafood and offers a wide array of pastas, beef and chicken. One of Houston’s most popular restaurants, patrons will enjoy the menu and the location, overlooking the exciting Houston Ship Channel.

The Empire Turkish Grill offers authentic Turkish cuisine that has received rave reviews: “Empire Grill was a wonderful experience! The food, service, decor, everything was great. We definitely will return to this restaurant. We had the lamb which was some of the best we’ve had in a long time…we highly recommend this restaurant!”

Max’s Wine Dive is something every visitor to Houston should experience. Serving “gourmet comfort food,” Max’s is a place where you can enjoy a unique menu and an extensive wine list. All wines are available for retail sale and by the glass. On the menu, you will find everything from Texas chili, pot roast, and fried chicken to wild boar pasta and pan seared salmon.

Bistro Le Cep is French country cooking at its best. Try traditional favorites like Steak au Poivre or Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise, a Southern France specialty made with fresh fish and shellfish simmered with onions, saffron, fennel, leeks, garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, click here.

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2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Edmonton, Canada!

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

canada-edmonton Edmonton will be the location for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on November 23-24, 2009, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held November 23-25, 2009.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, click here.

Additionally, Edmonton will be the location for the 1-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis on November 25. (*NOTE: You must first have attended a 2 or 5-Day TapRooT® course in order to attend this course.) For more information and to register for the course, click here.

Edmonton is Canada’s second most populous provincial capital (after Toronto) and is a cultural, governmental, and educational center. It plays host to a year-round slate of world-class festivals, earning it the title of “The Festival City,” and it is also home to North America’s largest mall. Edmonton’s thriving arts & culture scene boasts everything a major metropolis should offer: galleries, museums, live theatre, concerts, opera, and ballet.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton)

Here are some itinerary suggestions for your trip to Edmonton:

Area Attractions:

The West Edmonton Mall boasts more than 800 stores and employs more than 23,000 people. Visitors will be overwhelmed with all the mall has to offer: the world’s largest indoor amusement park, a five-acre waterpark, an 18-hole miniature golf course, an indoor lake, a National Hockey League sized ice rink, and much, much more!

Fort Edmonton Park is North America’s largest interactive historic park. Go back in time as you walk through four historical periods – costumed interpreters bring the past to life, answer your questions, and invite you to experience the best of the period. Take a ride on a steam train, play pioneer games, bake bread the old-fashioned way, shop, or hit the midway for rides and games.

The Edmonton Queen Riverboat is a unique attraction in the heart of downtown Edmonton. It offers a unique experience, a relaxing atmosphere, and one of the most picturesque views of the city and the beautiful River Valley.

Dining in Edmonton:

Character’s Restaurant is a local favorite with an array of menu options to choose from. Try their Spicy Lobster Spaghetti with cherry tomatoes & parmesan or the Venison Chop with a huckleberry port reduction & braised cabbage. Top off your dining experience with the Banana, Kahlua & pecan bread pudding.

The Hardware Grill has been touted as one of the best restaurants in Canada. Accolades include eight consecutive Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, voted Best Fine Dining, Best Wine List, and Best Ambiance, and it was among EnRoute magazine’s 100 Best Restaurants in Canada.

Packrat Louie Kitchen and Bar is located in an old brick building in the heart of Old Strathcona and is a charming, and locally popular, bistro. Choose something from the menu like Lemon Pizza or Jumbo Shrimp in Bourbon Cream Sauce and you will not be disappointed. For something really different, try Grilled Tenderloin of Ostrich.

Tom Goodchild’s Moose Factory is without question Alberta’s largest and most beautiful steak house. For starters, try Escargot Gorgonzola and for a main course you can choose from steak, chicken, lamb, bison, or tantalizing fish and seafood dishes like Honey Soy Glazed Salmon or Fricassee of Lobster with parmesan cream sauce served over angel hair pasta.

Mikado is Alberta’s first Japanese restaurant serving Edmonton since 1972. They have fresh fish flown in weekly from Tsukiji, Japan (the world’s largest fish market), California, Nova Scotia, and the B.C. Coast.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 1-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis on November 25, click here. (*NOTE: You must first have attended a 2 or 5-Day TapRooT® course in order to attend this course.)

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2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Salt Lake City, Utah!

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

salt-lake-city The 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis will be held November 10 and 11, 2009, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held November 10-12, 2009.

Additionally, if you have already taken the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis course, you can sign up for the 1-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis course on November 12. Find the root causes of equipment and machinery problems at industrial plants including utilities, petrochemical plants, manufacturing facilities, or refineries.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, click here.

Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of Utah. The Salt Lake City metropolitan area spans Salt Lake, Summit and Tooele counties and has a total estimated population of 1,115,692.

The city was founded in 1847 as Great Salt Lake City by a group of Mormon pioneers led by their prophet, Brigham Young, who fled hostility and violence in the Midwestern United States. They extensively irrigated and cultivated the arid valley and faced persecution from the U.S. government for their practice of polygamy, which was abandoned in 1890. Today, Salt Lake City is still home to the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mining booms and the construction of the first transcontinental railroad initially brought economic growth, and the city was nicknamed the Crossroads of the West. Salt Lake City has since developed a strong outdoor recreation tourist industry based primarily on skiing. Salt Lake City was host to the 2002 Winter Olympics and is the industrial banking center of the United States. The city and surrounding areas have much to offer visitors, and here are a few suggestions for your stay:

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Lake_City)

The Great Salt Lake abounds with activity and recreational great-salt-lake1 opportunities. A remnant of the massive ancient Lake Bonneville, the lake is now landlocked and its waters are saltier than the oceans. It is the largest lake between the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean and is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.

Salt Lake City Tours will pick you up at your location and show you all the sights of the city and surrounding areas.

Clark Planetarium will take you to the stars! Great exhibits, laser shows and more await you.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument sits high in the Wasatch Mountains. The cave system consists of three distinct and separate caverns. As visitors climb to the cave entrance, on a hike gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation, they are offered incredible views of American Fork Canyon.

Temple Square is Salt Lake City’s most popular tourist destination. Within a few short blocks, visitors can see many attractions, including the Mormon Temple, the Mormon Tabernacle, and the Mormon Family History Library.

Dining in Salt Lake City:

Bambara Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake and is one of the city’s top dining destinations. Try specialties like Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin served with soft and cheesy polenta or Seared Maine Diver Scallops with summer squash risotto. Finish it off with Warm Valrhona Chocolate Bundt Cake served with Espresso Ice Cream and Hazelnut Brittle.

Market Street Grill is celebrating their 29th year as one of Salt Lake’s finest seafood restaurants. In addition to fresh seafood which is flown in daily, they also boast prime steaks and pasta.

Stoneground Restaurant offers New York-style pizza, pastas, steaks, salads, soups, sandwiches and an award winning, house-made Tiramisu. The menu carries a large selection of traditional Italian entrees and much, much more!

Metropolitan Restaurant features seasonally-inspired, New American cuisine. With entrees like Bison Rib Eye, House-Cured Salmon Pizza, and Olive Oil Poached Halibut, patrons are sure to enjoy this Salt Lake City treasure.

Sawadee Thai Restaurant has been praised as “the most authentic Thai eating experience in Utah.” If you ask a local for great Thai food, they will most likely send you to Sawadee’s.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, click here.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, click here.

2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Aberdeen, Scotland!

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

aberdeen2 The 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis will be held November 9-10, 2009, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held November 9-11, 2009.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Aberdeen, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=683&l=1.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis in Aberdeen, visit
http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=684&l=1.

The traditional industries of fishing, paper-making, shipbuilding, and textiles have been overtaken by the oil industry and Aberdeen’s seaport. Aberdeen Heliport is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world, and the seaport is the largest in the northeast of Scotland.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen)

The Glover House is one of Aberdeen’s lesser known tourist attractions. Thomas Blake Glover built the house for his parents and then moved to Japan where he founded the Mitsubishi Corporation.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is situated on the historic Shiprow and tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the sea. The museum also offers a spectacular view of the busy harbour on which it sits.

St Machar’s Cathedral dates back to 580AD and is the oldest and most famous of Aberdeen’s three Cathedrals (the others are the Roman Catholic St Mary’s and the Episcopalian St Andrew’s).

Candle Close Gallery is an eclectic shop and one of Aberdeen’s best kept secrets. You will find unique furniture, unusual jewelry, and extraordinary gifts.

The University and King’s College of Aberdeen was the first university in Aberdeen, the third in Scotland and the fifth in the United Kingdom. The beauty and history of the buildings is something to behold—be sure to visit King’s College Chapel, one of the most adored and historic buildings at the University.

Dining in Aberdeen:

The Silver Darling Seafood Restaurant allows patrons to dine with a spectacular view of Aberdeen Harbour and Bay. Try their steamed filet of wild sea bass served on a bed of red pesto couscous or the black pepper crusted tuna loin served with sweet rougail, shredded white scallions & teriyaki balsamic sauce.

La Stella Restaurant has a team of chefs to create dishes from the freshest local produce available. Specializing in fresh fish, the bistro-setting offers Scottish traditions with a modern touch.

Cafe 52 is located in one of the oldest parts of the city called The Green. Try specialties like Welch Rarebit or Pork & Sage Meatloaf.

Foyer Restaurant and Gallery has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen. The menu is varied and offers diners a new twist on traditional entrees like lamb, pork, pastas, and steaks. You can also enjoy the contemporary art located in the gallery.

Howie’s Aberdeen was a finalist in the Scottish Restaurant Awards and is a local favorite. Try their Roast Honey Mustard Pork Loin, Grilled Filet of Seabass, or the Braised Lamb Shank…all are sure to please!

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Aberdeen, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=683&l=1.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis in Aberdeen, visit
http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=684&l=1.

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5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in Lake Charles, Louisiana!

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

lake-charles-2 Lake Charles will be the location for the 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training November 9-13, 2009.

You will learn all the TapRooT® tools, and also many advanced skills, that a Team Leader needs to collect information, analyze root causes, and develop effective fixes that will help your company improve performance. Beyond being able to analyze problems, you will be able to communicate what you discovered. You will learn tools for presenting your findings in a powerful, yet easy-to-understand format and make it easy for others to grasp the importance of implementing the corrective actions.

For more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=709&l=1.

Lake Charles is the fifth largest incorporated city in Louisiana. It is the major cultural and educational center in the southwest region of the state and one of the most important in Acadiana, the official name given to the French Louisiana region.

The city is considered a major petrochemical refining center, gaming center, and home to McNeese State University. With over 75 festivals held annually, Lake Charles is referred to as the Festival Capital of Louisiana.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Charles,_Louisiana)

From casinos or the great outdoors, to rhythm & blues and great Louisiana cuisine, Lake Charles makes for exciting travel. With its tropical climate and Southern hospitality, visitors are sure to enjoy their stay. Here are some attractions and dining options for your visit:

Creole Nature Trail was one of the first National Scenic Byways designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in the Gulf South. This more than 180-mile stretch meanders through Louisiana’s Outback, one of America’s “Last Great Wildernesses.”

L’Auberge du Lac is a luxury 26 story casino resort that boasts a large single-level riverboat casino with 60 table games and over 1,600 slot machines (click here for more casinos in Lake Charles).

Graywood Championship Golf Course will impress even the most experienced golfer. It was among Golf Digest’s top 100 public courses in the country, and ESPN ranked it as “extraordinary” in its review of the country’s top golf clubs (click here for more golf courses in Lake Charles).

The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu offers a true taste of Mardi Gras in Louisiana. The Museum features the largest collection of Mardi Gras Costumes on the Gulf Coast.

Sam Houston Jones State Park has tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine and hardwood forest. The park is located just north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana, so bird watching is always excellent.

Big Lake Guide Service has been providing some of the best fishing and hunting experiences for visitors to Southwest Louisiana for more than 25 years. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you will enjoy the hunting and fishing in and around Lake Charles.

For other parks and attractions near Lake Charles, visit http://www.discoverourtown.com/LA/Lake%20Charles/Attractions-36.html.

Dining in Lake Charles:

Pats of Henderson has been serving up authentic Cajun cuisine for more than 50 years. From gumbos and soups to crawfish, frog legs, and alligator, diners will enjoy the heritage that is Cajun cooking.

Pujo Street Café has an extensive menu of Cajun dishes as well as a wide selection of burgers and sandwiches. Be sure and try their Shrimp Bisque, a Pujo Street Café tradition.

La Truffle Sauvage is fine dining at its best. They pride themselves on only the freshest ingredients when preparing specialties like Herbes de Provençe crusted Colorado Rack of Lamb, Crispy Duck Confit, or Crabmeat Mary Louise (jumbo lump crabmeat tossed in a champagne cream sauce, served in a crisp puff pastry shell).

Casa Manana Mexican Restaurant has been a Lake Charles favorite since 1976. And when they say “fresh” they mean “fresh”! Daily they cook a batch of salsa, fry crisp tortilla chips and make dough from scratch for their steaming hot tortillas.

Tony’s Pizza has been a popular Lake Charles establishment since 1968. Enjoy a full menu of salads, pastas, pizzas, Po Boys and more.

For more information and to register for the course in Lake Charles, Louisiana, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=709&l=1.

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2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Halifax, Canada!

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

halifax-harbour The 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis will be held November 3-4, 2009, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held November 3-5, 2009.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=677&l=1.

For more information and to register for 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=678&l=1.

The City of Halifax (est. 1841) was the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and shire town of Halifax County, and was the largest city in Atlantic Canada until it was amalgamated into Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996. The Town of Halifax was founded by British government under the direction of the Board of Trade and Plantations under the command of Governor Edward Cornwallis in 1749. After a protracted struggle between residents and the Governor, the City of Halifax was incorporated in 1841. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Halifax)

With its sandy beaches, rugged shorelines, colorful fishing-village1 gardens, and charming fishing villages, Atlantic Canada’s largest city has much to offer. So whether you want to shop, dine, check out museums and historic sites or explore the beauty of the area, Halifax is an exciting city to visit. Here are some itinerary suggestions:

Dartmouth’s Heritage Walk will take you on a 1-2 hour tour where you will see beautiful homes, historic buildings, parks, lakes, wildlife and more.

Exploring the Eastern Shore along Marine Drive treats visitors to spectacular beaches, parks, and historic buildings and homes. This area is a land of island-filled bays, broad sandy beaches and seaside villages. Inland, there are lakes and rivers renowned for canoeing and fishing.

Exploring Halifax Harbour offers a great view of the harbour and a fun, relaxing way to reach Dartmouth. You can take the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry which operates throughout the day between the downtown terminal near Historic Properties and Dartmouth’s Ferry Terminal Park.

Exploring the South Shore (Lighthouse Route) takes you on a journey along the Atlantic coast south and west from downtown Halifax. Visitors will enjoy the charming little fishing villages and majestic lighthouses along this route.

Titanic 100 Year Experience Tour is something no visitor should miss. Halifax is home to the burial sites of 150 of the Titanic’s victims. It also served as a key location for identifying the victim’s belongings as they were recovered from the ocean liner.

The Citadel was completed in 1856 and is the fourth in a series of forts since 1749 to occupy the hill overlooking Halifax Harbour. As a national historic site, it’s a must-see for visitors.

Dining in Halifax:

MacAskill’s Restaurant is a local favorite and offers a spectacular view of Halifax Harbour. Diners will find a favorable selection of fresh seafood, steaks, pastas, and chicken.

La Perla boasts authentic Northern Italian cuisine. In addition to all your traditional Italian favorites, try some specialties like French snails sautéed with roasted garlic, wine, tomatoes, mushrooms, and butter, served over a goat cheese crostini or pan seared lobster cakes served with fennel and orange salad with spicy mango vinaigrette.

The Press Gang Restaurant is located in the oldest historic building (circ 1759) in downtown Halifax. Try their Moroccan Spiced Quail, Merlot Braised Rabbit, or allow the chef to create a four course taste menu for two.

Salty’s Restaurant offers a classic view of Halifax Harbour and has two sections: Upstairs at Salty’s offers fine dining and Downstairs at Salty’s provides a more laid-back atmosphere. While both have impressive menus, the choices do vary depending on which part of the restaurant you dine.

Bish World Cuisine, also on the waterfront, has a stellar reputation among locals. With a chic interior, spectacular harbour view and exquisite menu, the only mistake you can make here is to miss dessert!

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=677&l=1.

For more information and to register for 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=678&l=1.

Foot & Chain Fly Fishing Exchange

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2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Calgary, Canada!

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

calgary-canada The 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis will be held October 14-15, 2009, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held October 14-16, 2009.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=673&l=1.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=674&l=1.

Calgary is well-known as a destination for winter sports and ecotourism with a number of major mountain resorts near the city and metropolitan area. Economic activity in Calgary is mostly centered on the petroleum industry; however, agriculture, tourism, and high-tech industries also contribute to the city’s economic growth. Calgary holds many major annual festivals which include the Calgary Stampede, the Folk Music Festival, the Lilac Festival, Wordfest: Banff-Calgary International Writers Festival, and the fourth largest Caribbean festival in the country, Carifest. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary)

With all its grandeur, Calgary is a perfect place to attend a TapRooT® Course. This vibrant city offers the best of all worlds. While it is a cosmopolitan city of more than one million people, the beautiful landscapes, exciting adventures, and pristine wilderness are something to behold. Here are some attractions and destination to enjoy while you’re in Calgary:

The Calgary Tower opened in June of 1968. Since then, the Tower has become the city’s most famous and identifiable landmark. The Calgary Tower offers the best view in Calgary and is a must-see.

The Calgary Zoo has more than 1,000 animals from around the world. From the splendor of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Africa, The Calgary Zoo takes you around the globe.

Canada Olympic Park is the site of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, and the park continues to function as a year-round recreation and athletic training facility. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and authentic bobsleigh rides down the Olympic Track!

The Aero Space Museum will take you into Canada’s aviation history through an array of archives and exhibits. This year marks the 100th year since the Silver Dart took off from Baddeck, Nova Scotia, becoming the first powered, controlled flight of Canada, so it’s a perfect time to visit the museum.

Other Calgary Attractions:

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Inside Out Experience Inc. (Whitewater rafting in the Canadian Rocky Mountains)

Mountain View Helicopters

Calgary Climbing Centre

Dining in Calgary:

HoWon Restaurant is one of Calgary’s most popular Chinese restaurants. Serving Calgary for more than 25 years, patrons will find all the traditional favorites.

La Pachanga was voted best Latin restaurant by the readers of WHERE Calgary Magazine. The menu offers such specialties as Mescal Greens with Chipotle Honey Glazed Pork, Spicy Chicken Tortilla Ensalada and a large selection of their Handmade Spanish Flat Bread Pizzas.

Ganga Restaurant & Bar offers an exciting menu in a vibrant atmosphere with authentic Indian dishes of lamb, beef, seafood, goat and more.

Oceana Seafood, Steakhouse & Bar is located just off the beautiful river banks of Calgary’s Bow River in Eau Claire. Serving Calgary’s largest selection of fresh fish, seafood, and Sterling Silver Alberta Beef, Oceana offers diners delightful cuisine with a beautiful view of Prince’s Island Park.

San Remo Ristorante is fine Italian dining at its best. Try their Pollo Al Saltinboca– chicken supreme filled with fresh sage, prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, oven broiled and served with a white wine butter sauce. Top it off with traditional tiramisu or marsala cheesecake.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=673&l=1.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=674&l=1.

Posted in Courses, Local Attractions | 3 Comments »

5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in Hong Kong, China!

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

victoria-harbor Hong Kong will be the location for the 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training August 31-Septermber 4, 2009. You will learn all the TapRooT® tools, and also many advanced skills, that a Team Leader needs to collect information, analyze root causes, and develop effective fixes that will help your company improve performance.

To get more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=750&l=1.

Hong Kong is a largely self-governing territory of the People’s Republic of China, facing Guangdong to the north and the South China Sea to the east, west and south. Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, its identity as a cosmopolitan center where the East meets the West is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music, and traditions. The city’s population is 95% Chinese and 5% people of other ethnicities. With a population of 7 million people but land area of only 428 square miles, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong)

Hong Kong’s steep terrain makes it ideal for hiking, with expansive views over the territory. Along with this, Hong Kong’s mild climate and coastal scenery attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Here are just a few itinerary suggestions:

Ocean Park is a major attraction in Hong Kong. It is known as the luminous pearl of the Orient and world financial center in southeast China. Any visit to Hong Kong should include the world famous Ocean Park.

Repulse Bay is located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island. Its name comes from a 19th century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates. Now known as a luxurious residential area for dining, relaxation, and aquatic activities, the Bay offers something for everyone.

Hong Kong Disneyland is the newest Disneyland in the world. And while you will encounter your favorite characters like Mickey Mouse, the park offers a wealth of Chinese culture.

Victoria Peak is the perfect place to view Hong Kong’s breathtaking night skyline and Victoria Harbor? Rising about 1,817 feet above sea level, Victoria Peak is the highest point within Hong Kong and occupies the western part of the island.

Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple established in 1921, is one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong. The temple is known for its accurate fortune-telling, so be sure to have your fortune read!

Dining in Hong Kong:

Aqua Spirit is one of Hong Kong’s trendiest new cocktail bars. With an incredible view of Hong Kong’s islands, Aqua Spirit has two fabulous restaurants to choose from.

Dragon I is the place to go if you can’t choose between Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Everyone will be pleased with this versatile and enticing menu.

M at the Fringe is a unique experience in fine dining. The food is fundamentally European, with dishes from the Middle East and North Africa also appearing on the menu.

Fook Lam Moon is a local favorite and offers such specialties as abalone and steamed shark’s fin dumpling with superior soup.

SPOON by Alain Ducasse is located in the fabulous InterContinental Hong Kong hotel. Enjoy beautiful views of Victoria Harbor while dining on such dishes as steamed duck foie gras with chutney pears and ginger and herb salad, followed by pan-seared red tuna with satay sauce and vegetables.

For more information and to register for the course in Hong Kong, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=750&l=1.

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2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis Course in Beijing, China!

Monday, July 20th, 2009

beijing Beijing will be the location for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis Course, August 27-28, 2009. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=749&l=1.

Few cities in the world besides Beijing have served as the political and cultural center of an area as immense as China for so long. The Encyclopædia Britannica describes it as, “One of the world’s great cities,” and declares that the city has been an integral part of China’s history for centuries. There is scarcely a major building of any age in Beijing that doesn’t have at least some national historical significance. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and universities have long made the city a center of culture and art in China. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing)

Assuming everyone who visits Beijing will experience The Great Wall of China, don’t let the other attractions escape notice. At the heart of Beijing’s historical center lies the Forbidden City, the enormous palace compound that was the home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City also hosts the Palace Museum, which contains imperial collections of Chinese art. Surrounding the Forbidden City are several former imperial gardens, parks and scenic areas, notably the Beihai, Houhai, Shichahai, Zhongnanhai, Jingshan and Zhongshan. These places, like the Beihai Park, are described to be masterpieces of Chinese gardening art and are popular tourist destinations with tremendous historical importance. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing)

Check out other Beijing Parks and attractions in and around The Forbidden City.

Other Beijing Attractions:

Ming Tombs is a world-famous cemetery because of the thirteen emperors buried there. Sitting at the foot of Mt. Yan and occupying an area of more than 29,653 acres, it is quite spectacular.

The Temple of Heaven covers 667 acres and was constructed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. The complex has two parts: the inner temple and the outer temple and is surrounded by two high walls.

Summer Palace is the most celebrated imperial garden in China. The garden came into existence early in the 1750’s and had once been a summer resort for the emperors.

Tiananmen Square is the geographical center of Beijing City and is the largest city square in the world. Occupying an area of about 109 acres, the square is able to accommodate 10,000,000 people at one time. Visitors should not miss the raising of the national flag!

Prince Gong’s Mansion is located on the north bank of Shichahai Lake. The mansion consists of the residence area and the garden area. The residence covers an area of 7.9 acres and is peppered with magnificent buildings. The wonderful and elegant garden occupies 7.2 acres and is divided into the central, eastern and western parts.

Dining in Beijing:

chinese-food Beijing is a culinary mecca with thousands of restaurants to choose from. While you will want to enjoy the specialties of the region, the city also boasts cuisine from all over the world.

Din Tai Fung is a local favorite and offers a spectacular specialty of the house–xiaolong bao (juicy buns wrapped in a light unleavened-dough skin and cooked in a bamboo steamer), which are served with slivers of tender ginger in a light black vinegar.

Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant is a casual, family-run restaurant located far from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you love Peking duck, this restaurant is for you!

Other restaurants to check out while you’re in Beijing:

The Courtyard

The Source

Café de la Poste

Bai Family Mansion

W Dine & Wine

For more information and to register for the course in Beijing, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=749&l=1.

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2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Aberdeen, Scotland!

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

aberdeen-scotland1 The 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis will be held November 9-10, 2009, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held November 9-11, 2009.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Aberdeen, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=683&l=1.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis in Aberdeen, visit
http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=684&l=1 .

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third most populous city and one of Scotland’s 32 local government council areas. It has an official population estimate of 202,370. The city’s two universities, the University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, and the Robert Gordon University, which was awarded university status in 1992, make Aberdeen the educational center of the area. The traditional industries of fishing, paper-making, shipbuilding, and textiles have been overtaken by the oil industry and Aberdeen’s seaport. Aberdeen Heliport is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world, and the seaport is the largest in the northeast of Scotland.

On the coast, Aberdeen has a long sand beach between the two rivers, the Dee and the Don, which turns into high sand dunes north of the Don River. To the south of the Dee River are steep rocky cliff faces making for spectacular scenery. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen)

Aberdeen is rich in history and offers visitors an array of indoor and outdoor activities. Here are a few suggestions:

Satrosphere Science Centre is Scotland’s first science and discovery center with more than 50 hands-on interactive exhibits and live science shows.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum is a military museum located in the heart of Aberdeen and is home to the regimental treasures of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders.

Balmedie Country Park is within part of a dune system that stretches 14 miles from Aberdeen to just north of the mouth of the River Ythan at Newburgh. The beach at the park has won a number of awards including a “seaside award” in 2006 and 2007.

Seaton Park lets visitors stroll through beautiful flowerbeds, rose gardens, and wide open spaces for picnics and play. Beside the park’s south gates stand the fortified towers of St Machar’s Cathedral.

Dining in Aberdeen:

The Stage Door offers an exquisite menu in an elegant setting. Try their Prime Scottish Steak served with field mushrooms, confit of tomatoes and chef’s potatoes or the Seared West Coast Scallops with pork belly, apple and sage relish. Finish off your meal with their Classic Lemon Tart with lime bavarois and caramelized orange ice cream.

The Royal Thai Restaurant is Aberdeen’s longest running Thai restaurant. It offers all the traditional favorites in the most elegant of atmospheres.

Auriga Restaurant specializes in Spanish and Italian cuisine. On the Italian side, try their famous Steak and Pork Mince Meatballs served with spicy tomato sauce, and for a true taste of Spain go for the Tortilla Espanol, a deep filled potato and onion omelette.

Number 1 Restaurant & Brasserie is located in Aberdeen’s Trendy West End and offers such specialties as Slow Roasted Beef, Horseradish Mash, Baby Vegetables and a Meat Glaze or Cornfed Chicken Breast, with Yellow Cherry Tomato, Fresh Garden Peas, Sautéed New Potatoes, Lambs Leaf and a light Mint Dressing.

Manzil is the true taste of the subcontinent in Aberdeen. Here you can enjoy regional favorites either a la carte or on their full buffet, with a variety of meats, vegetables, and other great side dishes.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Aberdeen, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=683&l=1.

For more information and to register for the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis in Aberdeen, visit
http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=684&l=1.

5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in Copenhagen, Denmark!

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Copenhagen will be the location for the 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training November 2-6, 2009. You will learn all the TapRooT® tools, and also many advanced skills that a Team Leader needs to collect information, analyze root causes, and develop effective fixes that will help your company improve performance.

For more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=842&l=1.

Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark with a population of 1,167,569 and is situated on the Islands of Zealand and Amager. The city is a major regional center of culture, business, media, and science. In 2008 Copenhagen was ranked #4 by Financial Times-owned FDi Magazine on their list of Top 50 European Cities of the Future after London, Paris, and Berlin. Copenhagen has repeatedly been recognized as one of the cities with the best quality of life, and in 2008 it was singled out as the Most Livable City in the World by international lifestyle magazine Monocle.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen)

Also considered one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities, Copenhagen has an abundance of beautiful parks, lakes, and beaches. Additionally, visitors will enjoy world-class museums, restaurants, and shopping. Following are just a few suggestions for your visit to Copenhagen:

Parks: Copenhagen is a green city with many big and small parks. King’s Garden, the garden of Rosenborg Castle, is the oldest and most visited park in Copenhagen. Every year it hosts more than 2.5 million visitors and in the summer months it is packed with sunbathers, picnickers, and ballplayers.

Beaches: In and around Copenhagen, you are never far from a beach. Miles of sandy beaches are within 30 minutes of bicycling from the city centre. The beaches are supplemented by a system of Harbour Baths along the Copenhagen waterfront.

Museums: Copenhagen has a wide array of museums of international standard. The National Museum, Nationalmuseet, is Denmark’s largest museum of Aachaeology and cultural history, comprising the histories of Danish and foreign cultures alike. The National Gallery - “Statens Museum for Kunst” - is Denmark’s national art museum and contains collections dating from 12th century and all the way up to present day artists. Among artists represented in the collections are Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso, Braque, Léger, Matisse and Emil Nolde.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen)

Other Attractions in Copenhagen:

Nyhavn Canal is known as the “longest bar in Scandinavia” because the pretty pastel-painted old townhouses that line the canal are fronted with numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes, full of action and entertainment 24 hours a day.

Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home until he died in 1648. Today the Castle is an important cultural institution, acting as a public museum detailing the history of Denmark’s royal family.

The Little Mermaid, basking on a rock at the Langelinie harbour, is one of Denmark’s biggest tourist attractions. The sculpture was put up in 1913, and over a million people visit the mermaid every year.

Dining in Copenhagen:

Zeleste is a quality dining experience and offers an extensive menu of freshly prepared dishes like Lobster, Summer Deer, Argentine Striploin, and fresh fish from the North Sea.

Kong Hans Kaelder is located in the oldest building in Copenhagen. Gothic arches, constructed more than half a millennium ago, lend the restaurant its medieval atmosphere. Try their Oysters Label Rouge with parsley oil, rye croutons, and horseradish mayonnaise or the Tenderloin of Danish Beef served with Sauce Béarnaise and Moutarde Violette.

Era Ora is uniquely Italian with a menu that reflects what is fresh and in-season, both locally and from Italy. While you’ll want to experience the traditional Danish delights while in Copenhagen, restaurants like Era Ora are hard to pass up.

Københavner Cafeen works hard to convey a sense of old-time Denmark. Here you can enjoy authentically prepared Danish favorites. A specialty of the house is the Københavner platte, which features several preparations of herring, marinated salmon, shrimp, meatballs, fresh vegetables, and fresh-baked, roughly textured bread with butter.

Fregatten offers traditional Danish and International cuisine. The restaurant is a miniature replica of a ship that was built in the 1740’s and sits on a freshwater lake in the middle of Tivoli Gardens.

For more information and to register for the course in Copenhagen, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=842&l=1.

Historic Brackenridge Park Golf Course

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5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in San Antonio, Texas!

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

san-antonio-downtown

San Antonio, Texas, will be the location for a 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training October 19-23, 2009. When you complete the training, you will be confident that you have learned the tools and skills needed to effectively use the TapRooT® System to lead an investigation team to the real, fixable causes that are at the root of a problem. You will be able to help find causes that your investigations would have previously missed. You will learn how to find root causes without the negative finger-pointing and blame that hinders effective investigation.

For more information and to register for the 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in San Antonio, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=708&l=1.

San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and the seventh largest city in the United States. The city is characteristic of other Southwest urban centers in which there is a low density rate and sparsely populated areas outside of the city. It was the fourth fastest-growing large city in the nation from 2000-2006 and has a population of 2,031,445 (based on the 2008 U.S. Census estimate). The city is the seat of Bexar County with a population of 1,622,899. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio)

The city is also home to one of the largest military concentrations in the United States. Located here are Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Brooks City-Base, with Camp Bullis and Camp Stanley just outside the city.

san-antonio-river-walk Whether you want to “remember the Alamo,” stroll along the famous River Walk, shop, dine, or enjoy the great outdoors, San Antonio has it all! The city is a cultural and geographical gateway into the American Southwest and has much to offer. Here are a few itinerary suggestions:

The River Walk is located 20 feet below street level and is just steps from the Alamo. Along the banks of the meandering San Antonio River, you’ll see stone pathways that connect shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums. You’ll hear mariachis serenading diners and see river taxis carrying guests across the beautiful spring-fed river.

The Alamo, originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, is a former Roman Catholic mission and fortress compound, now a museum. The compound, which originally comprised a sanctuary and surrounding buildings, was built by the Spanish Empire in the 18th century for the education of local Native Americans after their conversion to Christianity. In 1793, the mission was secularized and soon abandoned. Ten years later, it became a fortress housing the Mexican Army group the Second Flying Company of San Carlos de Parras, who likely gave the mission the name “Alamo.” (Reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alamo_Mission_in_San_Antonio)

Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot-tall tower that offers visitors the most spectacular view of the “Alamo City.” Be sure to dine at the Tower’s revolving restaurant for great food with a great view!

SeaWorld San Antonio is a 250-acre marine life theme park located in the Westover Hills area of the city. The largest of the three parks in the SeaWorld chain, SeaWorld San Antonio is home to an array of marine life including sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins, sea lions and more!

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is located on 200 acres of land and treats thrill-seekers to the rides of their lives! In addition to their famous roller coasters and water park, several shows are presented throughout the day —and Six Flags Fiesta Texas won “Best Theme Park Shows in the Country” for ten consecutive years.

Golfing in San Antonio:

golf-cart-on-course1 San Antonio has some of the most spectacular golf courses in the country. With its mild climate and pleasing location, the city begs you to enjoy the outdoors. So whether you’re a novice or a pro, pick up your clubs and hit the links!

There are many courses to choose from but here are a few suggestions:

Alamo Golf Club

Alsatian Golf Course

Briggs Ranch Golf Club

Canyon Lake Golf Club

San Antonio Dining:

restaurant-in-san-antonio San Antonio cuisine is some of the finest in the world. While Tex-Mex food is a favorite and a specialty here, the city features an array of restaurants—from Italian, French, Greek, and Asian, to the traditional Texas roadhouses where you can get the best steaks around. More than fifty restaurants line the River Walk alone, and you can dine alfresco at many of them.

Biga on the Banks is located on the famous River Walk and treats diners to a relaxed atmosphere and tantalizing cuisine. Sit along the beautiful San Antonio River and enjoy such favorites as Seared Red Grouper with Chipotle Grits or Mustard-Crusted Australian Lamb Rack with Parmesan Scallion Polenta Cake.

Achiote River Café on the River Walk features regional specialties from Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and more. Try their Puerto Rican Garbanzo Bean and Spicy Sausage Stew or Spanish Ham and Cheese Croquettes while enjoying a spectacular view of the river and the sounds of live Latin Jazz.

Mi Tierra Café never closes! Open year round, 24-7, this Texas tradition has been around since 1941. With strolling musicians to liven up the crowd, patrons can enjoy some of the best Tex-Mex food in the country. “A little loco and a lot of fun,” Mi Tierra promises great food, great times, and the coldest beer around. steak-and-lobster1

Morton’s The Steakhouse has been serving up the best steaks around for more than 30 years. They pride themselves on serving only the finest quality foods, featuring USDA prime-aged beef, fresh fish and seafood, hand-picked produce, delicious appetizers and mouth-watering desserts.

Blue Star Brewing Company crafts fine beers such as Pale Ale, Amber Lager, Golden Ale, Stout, and King William Ale. Kick back with a cold brew and enjoy their enticing menu selection with great appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more!

Bistro Vatel is arguably San Antonio’s favorite French restaurant. Locals frequent the bistro, praising its unparalleled food, service, and atmosphere. While Texas may be known for its Tex-Mex and BBQ, don’t miss out on the culinary experience at Bistro Vatel.

For more information and to register for the 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in San Antonio, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=708&l=1.

2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Cleveland, Ohio!

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

cleveland1 Cleveland, Ohio, will be the location for a 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on October 13-14, 2009. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the course, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=672&l=1

Cleveland is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately 60 miles west of the Pennsylvania border. It was founded in 1796 near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River and became a manufacturing center owing to its location at the head of numerous canals and railroad lines.

In studies conducted by The Economist, Cleveland and Pittsburgh have been ranked as the most livable cities in the United States, and Cleveland was ranked as the best city for business meetings in the continental U.S.

(source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland,_Ohio)

Dubbed “The Rock n’ Roll Capital of the World,” Cleveland has more than music to offer. From shopping, dining, museums, and festivals to outdoor fun on Lake Erie and Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island, this all-American city will keep visitors on the move. Here are a few suggestions for your adventure in Cleveland:

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is located on the shores of Lake Erie in the heart of downtown Cleveland. No matter what kind of music you like, this museum is a must-see!

Cleveland Botanical Garden is located in the heart of University Circle, Cleveland’s cultural district. It includes 10 acres of award-winning gardens and a state-of-the-art conservatory.

The Steamship William G. Mather is a retired Great Lakes bulk freighter now restored as a maritime museum. She transported cargo such as ore, coal, stone, and grain to ports throughout the Great Lakes and was nicknamed “The Ship That Built Cleveland.”

The USS Cod is a World War II era Gato class fleet submarine. She is 312 feet long, weighs 1,525 tons and began her life on July 21, 1942. Tour the torpedo room, the galley, the officer’s quarters, the engine room and more!

The Nautica Queen Cruise Ship is Cleveland’s favorite cruise dining ship. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and Lake Erie while enjoying live music and a buffet meal.

Put-in-Bay is located on South Bass Island and is the crown jewel of Lake Erie’s islands. You’ll enjoy a ferry ride to this tiny island which is dotted with historic homes, quaint restaurants, and local pubs.

Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands has something for everyone—boating, fishing, water sports, restaurants, waterparks, amusement parks, shopping and more! This large expanse of waterfront (and nearby islands) is a city unto itself.

Dining on Fabulous Lake Erie:

Pier W is a landmark Cleveland restaurant that has been serving up the freshest seafood around since 1965. The restaurant’s unique architecture is designed to resemble the hull of a luxury liner cruising along Lake Erie, offering spectacular views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline.

Crabby Joe’s Waterfront Bar & Grill is Located inside Anchors Away Marina with spectacular views of Lake Erie’s West Harbor. Sit on the back deck and enjoy marina favorites like calamari, coconut shrimp, and oysters on the half-shell.

Mariner’s Club Dockside Restaurant is located at the beautiful Mariner Village Marina. Take in the incredible view of Lake Erie while enjoying specialties like Shrimp and Tomato Broth with Cheddar Grits, Pan Seared Five-Spice Talapia, or go with traditional favorites like a Shrimp Po Boy or a giant Mariner Burger.

Other Dining in Cleveland:

Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery features excellent handcrafted beers, an exciting menu, and a spirited place to enjoy food and brew. Their motto, “Serious About Our Food. Crazy About Our Beer,” rings true as soon as you walk through the door.

Blue Point Grill is Cleveland’s premiere seafood restaurant. Located in the historic Warehouse District, the Blue meal-13 Point Grill has been voted Cleveland’s Best Seafood Restaurant every year since it opened.

One Walnut Restaurant not only offers a spectacular menu, but the décor is something to be seen! Try their Eggplant Filet Mignon with Fried Green Tomatoes and White Bean Minestrone or Braised Lamb Shoulder with Fontina Potato Puree and Wild Mushroom Tomato Gateau. Finish it off with Cinnamon Beignets with Banana Custard and Coconut Brittle.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis course in Cleveland, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=672&l=1.

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5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in Portland, Oregon!

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

portland-skyline-and-bridge Portland will be the location for the 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training September 28-October 2, 2009. You will learn all the TapRooT® tools, and also many advanced skills, that a Team Leader needs to collect information, analyze root causes, and develop effective fixes that will help your company improve performance.

For more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=707&l=1

Portland is a city located in the Northwestern United States, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. As of July 2008, it has an estimated population of 575,930, making it the thirtieth most populous city in the United States, and has been referred to as the greenest city in the United States. Portland is Oregon’s most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington.
(Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland,_Oregon)

Often called “the big city with the small town feel,” Portland is known for its mild weather, breathtaking scenery, exciting location, and friendly people. The city has made many “Best Of” lists, including Top 10 Least Expensive Cities, Top 10 Places to Vacation, Top 10 Best Places to Live, and Top 25 Arts Destinations. With so much to offer, here are just a few attractions and restaurants to check out on your visit to Portland:

pittock-mansion The Pittock Mansion was home to Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919. Located high in the West Hills of Portland, the mansion sits 1,000 feet above the city’s skyline.

Portland Japanese Garden is nestled in the city’s scenic West Hills. The garden is authentically Japanese and consists of five separate and distinct garden styles.

The Pearl District offers visitors outstanding shopping, dining, arts & crafts and much more in this historical area of Portland.

Page’s Northwest Guide Service will show you the best fishing in Oregon, specializing in sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, shad, and walleye. Enjoy a day fishing many of Portland’s beautiful rivers–the Columbia, Willamette, Tillamook Bay, Yaquina, Siletz, and the Nehalem.

The Grotto is set among 62 acres of botanical gardens. As an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary, The Grotto offers a place of peace and quiet reflection. More than 100 beautifully sculpted statues and shrines are nestled among flower-lined pathways, and visitors can enjoy spectacular cliffside vistas.

Dining in Portland:

restaurant-in-portland Portland is a diverse city, and she shows that off in many ways. But the city’s passion for food and drink is something to be reckoned with. New restaurants pop up as often as daily menu specials, and emerging neighborhoods, markets, microbreweries and wineries make Portland a culinary playground.

Henry’s 12th Street Tavern features fresh seafood, USDA choice steaks, pastas, pizzas, and even authentic Asian dishes. They also offer more than 100 varieties of beer.

Huber’s is Portland’s oldest restaurant and creates delicious entrées like Prosciutto-Wrapped Turkey Florentine, Hazelnut Encrusted Gorgonzola Filet, and Beef Stroganoff.

Lucy’s Table is located in the trendy Nob Hill district and offers such dishes as Wild Boar Ravioli, Seared Scallops, and Tea Smoked Crispy Skinned Duck Breast. italian-meal2

Meriwether’s Restaurant is located in the historic Vaughn building on the site of the famous 1905 World’s Fair. They offer beautiful garden dining with a Pacific Northwest menu.

Mint 820 is located in the historic Frederick Torgler Building and they offer a wide range of menu options like Tequila Marinated Pan Fried Snapper with a Quinoa Salad, Red Chili Sauce, and Snow Peas topped with Spicy Slaw.

For more information and to register for the course in Portland, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=707&l=1

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2-Day and 3-Day TapRooT® Courses to be Offered in Chicago, Illinois!

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

chicago-skyline The 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis will be held September 15-16, 2009, and the 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis will be held September 15-17, 2009.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=669&l=1.

For more information and to register for 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=670&l=1.

“The Windy City” borders Lake Michigan and has a population of 2.8 million, making it the largest city in Illinois. The city’s attractions, businesses, and commerce bring 44.2 million visitors annually. Making use of its abundant resources, Chicago has a heritage for hosting major international, national, regional, and local events that include commerce, culture, entertainment, politics, and sports. On June 4, 2008, Chicago was chosen as one of the final four world city candidates to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and is the only American city on the list.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago)

Chicago has 29 miles of lakefront paths making it one of the world’s most walkable and beautiful cities. Not only dubbed “The Windy City” but Chicago is often called “The Friendly City.” Whether you’re shopping, dining, or sightseeing, Chicago has much to offer. Here are a few recommendations for your visit to “The Windy, Friendly City.”

Area Attractions:

The Sears Tower offers an incredible view of the city from the tower’s 99th floor Skydeck. Spanning up to 50 miles, visitors can see four states from the deck.

Lincoln Park Zoo is home to more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles, and birds. Located just minutes north of Chicago, the zoo is a plush oasis in the shadow of skyscrapers.

The Garfield Park Conservatory is Chicago’s botanical gem under glass. The conservatory has been home to rare tropical plants for more than 100 years.

Navy Pier is Chicago’s lakefront playground and the Midwest’s #1 attraction with more than 8.6 million visitors a year. On the shores of Lake Michigan, the boardwalk offers rides, restaurants, exhibitions, shopping, tour boats, dinner cruises and more!

Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. The park has concerts and events all year long and is located in the heart of downtown.

The Field Museum of Natural History boasts a comprehensive set of human cultural anthropology exhibits, including artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Pacific Northwest and Tibet.

The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s version of the Champs-Elysées: a grand wide boulevard with exclusive shops, museums, restaurants and ritzy hotels.

The Shedd Aquarium is a must-see for anyone visiting Chicago. Entertainment, education, conservation—the aquarium is a definite crowd pleaser!

Dining in Chicago:

dining-al-fresco2 From picnics in the park to rooftop eateries to great jazz clubs, Chicago has many ways to enjoy food, fun, and libations.

Andy’s Jazz Club is one of Chicago’s most popular jazz clubs. Great music is accompanied by a full menu including steaks, chicken, seafood, pasta, pizza and more!

The Weber Grill Restaurant will delight even the pickiest of grill masters. Featuring all your favorites, the Grill offers steaks, burgers, barbeque and more.

Avec Restaurant has an extraordinary menu! Try their wood-fired flatbread with shaved beets, roasted olives, marjoram, arugula and manchego cheese or their whole roasted fish with braised cranberry beans, fresh basil, and breadcrumbs.

Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant has been a Chicago favorite for more than 85 years. Known primarily for their breakfast menu, (which they serve all day) they also offer an array of sandwiches. So whether you’re craving breakfast or lunch, Lou Mitchell’s has something for everyone. spread-of-food3

Gene & Georgetti Steakhouse has been one of Chicago’s finest since 1941, but don’t let the name fool you. In addition to fantastic steaks, they also have a full Italian menu with all the traditional favorites.

Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen has been a Chicago institution since 1942. Manny’s offers daily specials, and their regular menu is something to behold–from a corned beef sandwich to meatloaf or even salmon, it’s hard to make up your mind when you walk into Manny’s.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=669&l=1.

For more information and to register for 3-Day TapRooT®/Equifactor® Equipment Troubleshooting & Root Cause Failure Analysis visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=670&l=1.

2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Phoenix, Arizona!

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

phoenix-skyline Phoenix, Arizona, will be the location for a 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on September 17-18, 2009. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=706&l=1

Phoenix was incorporated as a city in 1881 after being founded in 1868 near the Salt River, near its confluence with the Gila River. The city eventually became a major transportation hub in North America and a main transportation, financial, industrial, cultural and economic center of the Southwestern United States. The city has a notable and famous political culture and has been home to numerous influential American politicians and other dignitaries, including Barry Goldwater, William Rehnquist, John McCain, and Sandra Day O’Connor.

Located in the northeastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has the hottest climate of any major city in the United States. The average high temperatures are over 100 °F (38 °C) for almost five months out of the year, and have spiked over 120 °F (49 °C) on occasion. (source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix,_Arizona)

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or love to shop and dine, Phoenix has much to offer. Here are some itinerary recommendations:

Hiking is very popular in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Parks and trails abound for those looking for a casual stroll or a strenuous challenge.

Arizona’s Salt River Tubing & Recreation offers an exciting day tubing down the river. Located in Tonto National Forest, the Salt River is a recreational paradise.

The Dolly Steamboat will take you on a breathtaking day or dinner cruise on beautiful Canyon Lake. Rated one of the “Best Things to Do in Arizona,” the lake and steamboat have been a premier Arizona attraction for locals and tourists alike.

The Hook Up Outfitters specialize in half day to multi-day guided fishing and fly fishing excursions to Arizona’s most beautiful and unique waterways.

Copper Square is in the heart of downtown Phoenix and offers visitors the best of shopping, dining, art and culture. You can find anything you need in beautiful Copper Square.

Dining in Phoenix:

Durant’s has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving steak, chicken, or seafood you will find all menu items are prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Matador Restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican food for more than 25 years. All items are homemade, and it is a local favorite.

Cibo serves traditional Italian cuisine and is also a local favorite. Winner of the “Best of Phoenix,” they are a true crowd pleaser.

Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub will impress you with all your Irish favorites like Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, and Irish Beef Stew. And, don’t forget to wash it down with a stout Irish brew!

For more information and to register for the course in Phoenix, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=706&l=1

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2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Boston, Massachusetts!

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

boston Boston, Massachusetts, will be the location for a 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis on August 11-12, 2009. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information or to register, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=667&l=1

Boston is the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is considered the economic and cultural center of the region and is sometimes regarded as the unofficial “Capital of New England.” Boston is also the anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area called Greater Boston, home to 4.5 million people. (Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston,_Massachusetts)

Rich in history, Boston has much to offer visitors. From the Boston Tea Party to the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, patriotism abounds and the city reflects this in its many sightseeing attractions. Here are just a few options to get you started on your Boston tour:

Adams National Historical Park includes the birthplaces of U.S. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

The Boston Beer Company offers tours of their Sam Adams Brewery. Boston Beer founder Jim Koch is the sixth generation of Koch brewmasters.

Acorn Tours offers private sightseeing tours of Boston and the surrounding areas. See everything from Harvard to the Salem Witch Museum to the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock.

Boston Sportfishing is located right on Boston Harbor. Enjoy a day of fishing for bluefish and flounder as well as offshore fishing for cod, haddock, pollock, wolffish, shark, and bluefin tuna.

Boston Common is the starting point of the Freedom Trail. The nearly 50-acre Boston Common is one of the oldest parks in the nation.

The Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum offers a multitude of exhibits and memorabilia. It is a full-sized replica of one of three original Boston Tea Party ships.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile route that passes by some of Boston’s most noteworthy historical sites, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.

Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States. Among its graduates are six U.S. Presidents–John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Rutherford B. Hayes, and John F. Kennedy.

The USS Constitution was launched in 1797, making it the world’s oldest floating commissioned ship.

Dining in Boston:

Cheers/Bull and Finch Pub is a Boston tradition and was the inspiration for Cheers, the long-running TV sitcom. The menu features wings, nachos and burgers along with Cheers memorabilia.

The Bell in Hand Tavern has five bars and lots of live music plus karaoke. They also have your favorite appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches.

33 Restaurant and Lounge offers a wide array of menu options like Potato Ravioli, Spring Salmon, and Sake Miso Black Cod.

Maggiano’s Little Italy features traditional favorites like Baked Ziti & Sausage, Lobster Ravioli, and Fettuccine Alfredo.

Anthony’s Pier 4 overlooks historic Boston Harbor and offers fresh seafood, prime steaks, succulent Maine lobster and more.

For more information or to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis in Boston, Massachusetts, visit: http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=667&l=1

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5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training in Edmonton, Canada!

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

edmonton-1 Edmonton, Canada, will be the location for the 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Training September 14-18, 2009. You will learn all the TapRooT® tools, and also many advanced skills, that a Team Leader needs to collect information, analyze root causes, and develop effective fixes that will help your company improve performance.

To get more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=705&l=1.

Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is located on the North Saskatchewan River in the central region of the province, an area with some of the most fertile farmland on the prairies. It is the second largest city in Alberta, with a population of 752,412. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton)

Canada’s second most populous provincial capital (after Toronto), Edmonton is a cultural, governmental, and educational center. It plays host to a year-round slate of world-class festivals, earning it the title of “The Festival City,” and it is also home to North America’s largest mall. Edmonton’s thriving arts & culture scene boasts everything a major metropolis should offer: galleries, museums, live theatre, concerts, opera, and ballet. The shopping and dining options are endless, as is the array of outdoor activities.

Area Attractions:
The West Edmonton Mall boasts more than 800 stores and employs more than 23,000 people. Visitors will be overwhelmed with all the mall has to offer: the world’s largest indoor amusement park, a five-acre waterpark, an 18-hole miniature golf course, an indoor lake, a National Hockey League sized ice rink, and much, much more!

The Great Divide Waterfall spans 91 meters along the expanse of Edmonton’s High Level Bridge and is higher than Niagara Falls. The waterfall effect is created when approximately 50,000 liters of water per minute rush out through specially-designed nozzles. For a two hour waterfall showing, the water measures approximately 4,600 cubic meters.

The Muttart Conservatory is set in Edmonton’s lush river valley. Four huge, glass pyramids make up the conservatory, and it is home to thousands of species of plants, both domestic and exotic. There is The Tropical Pyramid, The Temperate Pyramid, The Arid Pyramid, and The Show Pyramid, which is completely changed six times a year.

The Valley Zoo is one of Edmonton’s premier attractions, offering fun and education for children and adults alike. With more than 350 animals, the zoo has a strong conservation focus, which is evident in their exhibits and educational programs.

Park and River Valley activities abound in Edmonton, with more than 460 parks in the city. The River Valley alone has 22 major parks and forms a “Ribbon of Green” that winds its way along the North Saskatchewan River and through the heart of the city, featuring wildlife areas, trails (natural and paved) and other amenities.

Fort Edmonton Park is North America’s largest interactive historic park. Go back in time as you walk through four historical periods – costumed interpreters bring the past to life, answer your questions, and invite you to experience the best of the period. Take a ride on a steam train, play pioneer games, bake bread the old-fashioned way, shop, or hit the midway for rides and games.

The Edmonton Queen Riverboat is a popular attraction in the heart of downtown Edmonton. It offers a unique experience, a relaxing atmosphere, and one of the most picturesque views of the city and the beautiful River Valley.

Dining in Edmonton:

The Creperie is a delightful French restaurant and was voted Edmonton’s “Most Romantic Restaurant.” As the name implies, the menu offers delicious crepes filled with chicken, seafood, beef and vegetables. Not limited to crepes, patrons can also enjoy steaks, lamb, fresh mussels, salmon, and more.

Chianti Café is located in the historic “Old Post Office” building in Edmonton’s entertainment and theater district. They offer casual Italian dining, and all menu items are made fresh from scratch. They will even accommodate customers on a gluten-free diet.

Yiannis Taverna is located in Old Strathcona in the heart of Edmonton. Enjoy unique Greek dishes like KEFTEDES (traditionally prepared meat balls, topped with onions and served with tzaziki and lemon) or SPETSOFAI (spicy Greek sausage served with a sauté of tomato, onion and bell peppers). You can also enjoy your favorite pizzas with loads of Greek ingredients to choose from…and on weekends you’ll be entertained by belly dancers!

La Ronde is located on the 24th floor of Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe Hotel and offers a spectacular view of the city. Revolving once every 90 minutes, La Ronde treats its guests to an unmatched view and dining experience.

The Blue Pear Restaurant is a local favorite in Edmonton where guest enjoy unique entrées in a boutique/bistro-like setting. Specials like Brazil nut coated pike fillet and scallop ceviche with triple cooked yam fries, green beans and butter enriched Acai sauce will tantalize your taste buds.

To get more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=705&l=1.

The Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa

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2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis Course in Lake Tahoe, Nevada!

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

lake-tahoe-21 Lake Tahoe will be the location for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis Course, August 6-7, 2009. In just two days you will learn the basics of the TapRooT® System for finding the root causes of incidents, accidents, quality problems, near-misses, operational errors, hospital sentinel events, and other types of problems. Once you find the real root causes using this systematic process, learn to develop effective fixes that will keep problems from happening again.

For more information and to register for the course, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=666&l=1.

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and, with a depth of 1,645 feet, it is the second deepest in the United States. Lake Tahoe is not only one of the bluest, purest and clearest bodies of water in the world, it’s one of the most inviting. From swimming to water skiing to cruises of all types, Lake Tahoe begs for everyone to come on in.

And, when you’re not enjoying the lake itself, there’s hiking, fishing, camping, golf, tennis, mountain biking and, of course, over a dozen world-class ski resorts. Here are some itinerary ideas:

Lake Tahoe Casinos:

Crystal Bay Club Casino

Lakeside Inn and Casino

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Dining at Lake Tahoe:

Gar Woods Grill and Pier remains the North Shore’s brightest restaurant. It offers great views with lakefront dining year round. Try their Dungeness Crab Sandwich, Blackened Pacific King Salmon, or the Wasabi-Macadamia Nut Scallops.

Edgewood Terrace also offers lakeside dining with a varied menu offering such entrées as stuffed chicken breast, pork loin and sea bass.

Evan’s American Gourmet Café is nestled in a vintage Tahoe cabin, surrounded by towering pine trees. One of Lake Tahoe’s finest restaurants, Evan’s features a blend of cuisine styles from around the world.

Cafe Fiore is perfect for an intimate, candlelit dinner. They feature Italian cuisine with unusual dishes like Eggplant Crepes served with sun-dried tomatoes and sherry wine sauce.

Outdoor Activities:

Woodwind II Sailing Cruises offer spectacular views of the surrounding Sierra Mountains and beautiful Lake Tahoe. Whether you fancy a traditional sailboat or the luxury of a motor yacht, the experienced crews and U.S. Coast Guard certified boats will have you enjoying the lake in style.

Coyote Moon Golf Course is a tranquil environment that seems worlds away from civilization. The course was designed around the natural settings of the area with towering pines, granite outcroppings, and the beautiful Trout Creek.

HeliTahoe offers the best way to enjoy Lake Tahoe…by helicopter! You’ll enjoy the fun and adventure of a helicopter ride while taking in the breathtaking views of the Lake.

Tributary Rafting Tours will take you down the Truckee River offering exciting whitewater rafting. Close to Reno and North Lake Tahoe, this rafting trip is a fun, 7-mile guided white water adventure, with many Class 2-3 rapids for the first 6 miles and exciting Class 3+ rapids in the last mile.

For more information and to register for the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis Course in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, visit http://www.taproot.com/courses.php?d=666&l=1.

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Pre-Summit Offer: 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Did you know you can take the 2-Day TapRooT® Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis Course in Nashville, Tennessee October 5-6 just before the TapRooT® Summit (scheduled October 7-9 at the same location)?

2-Daycourse
2-Day Course at the 2008 Summit

Make the most of your week!

The 2-day investigation and root cause analysis course is not only a great opportunity for someone new to TapRooT®, but also a great way for TapRooT® users to refresh their skills. Sign up for this Pre-Summit Course and receive course materials updated in 2008, including the new TapRooT® Book. plus you’ll get a discount of $200 when you register for this course and the Summit!

Don’t forget to register for the Summit in May and receive four chances to win an iPod in the Opening Day drawing!

Go to: https://taproot.com/summit.php?t=register