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Where is the line between art and design? If “function” is the word that comes to mind then there are many works which fall somewhere in the gray area between extremes. Perhaps the most engaging works to exist on both sides are architectural and interior art installations – those works that are interactive and spatially complex but are still more about aesthetics and experience than a strict singular function.

The Dollhouse was once a modest two-story farmhouse, abandoned decades ago to the elements but left remarkably intact with furniture, furnishings and fixtures on the inside. One artist, however, envisioned a new function for this abandoned building – a hyperbolic showcase of interior space frozen in time.

What does one do to transform a bland space into something engaging for employees who toil in their offices day in and day out? One way to enliven a space is through art. This staged architectural explosion literally lights up the central courtyard of this office building but also provides something of visual interest from every possible angle.

There is no reason to let a soon-to-be-demolished building go to waste – at least that was the viewpoint of the artistic talent behind this exploding house art installation. More than merely something for spectators to gawk at, this design invites participation by allowing visitors to move through the vortex to the other side.

While some architectural installations address buildings as a whole or simply from the outside in, others rework with existing spaces to create interior experiences. One group of artists took buildings abandoned after Hurricane Katrina and breathed new life inside of the deserted structures.

Regular readers may recognize the work of one Robbie Rowlands, an installation artist with a different way of looking at the world of architecture and urban design. His works literally (and otherwise) break down conventional aspects of buildings, pealing, bending, and twisting them in unique ways.

Walls are what hold a building together, define its spaces and are reliably located in conventional places throughout – particularly in traditional old buildings, right? This artist comes into existing architectural interiors and adds offbeat elements that turn conventional spaces into paradoxical interior designs.

As the previous example demonstrates, the starkness of contract between new elements an old spaces can have a profound aesthetic impact on the person experiencing a hybrid interior. These glowing arrows draw visitors into an old mansion and through it in ways that defy the traditional layout of the building interior.

This rain art installation project goes against two basic associations we have with rain: that it falls only on the outside of buildings and that it is always in motion and difficult to see while moving. By contrast, people can walk through this controlled space and see, feel and push each individual drop of rain.

The building envelope is what defines the difference between interior and exterior, public and private. This moving building wall project contorts and distorts that strict boundary, literally spinning a section of wall visible to pedestrians passing by on the street below.

Over 1600 chairs went into making this incredible urban art installation project. The chairs are aged, each with its own history that contributes a piece of the story of the overall installation. The sheer volume and time associated with placing these chair-by-chair in place is impressive enough, regardless of intention.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 27, 2009 — Software Labs Inc., a developer of advanced data integration and migration solutions, today announced the availability of xFusion Automator. xFusion Automator allows companies to execute ongoing integration of CRM and ERP data and automate otherwise lengthy manual processes, thereby, saving labor costs, decreasing risks from manual errors, increasing operational efficiency and reducing operational costs by as much or more than 40%. With the availability of this product, Software Labs will continue to provide focused sales training, incentives, co-marketing resource tools and support from the experienced team to ensure reselling partners maximize the sales opportunities with xFusion Automator.

“We were looking for a solution that would allow data from different sources to be pulled into a common framework for importing into SAP Business One,” said Todd Eavenson, Director of Professional Services, Crossroads Partner. “This will allow us to build a model for importing data and only change the originating source. The repeatability and data integrity that we can build into our xFusion package is a great way to manage our risk.”

xFusion Automator is a proven automation tool benefiting ERP, CRM and finance and operations departments of SME’s. Some of the tasks that can be automated are: order and invoice automation, ability to quickly upload and update new customer, inventory, price lists, etc. information, and synchronization between office locations. Automation is available for any department and is easy to purchase, deploy and use.

xFusion Automator supports all major mid-market ERP & CRM solutions including SAP Business One and All-In-One, Sage MAS 90/200/500 & Accpac ERP, Microsoft Dynamics, and Salesforce.com. xFusion Automator list pricing starts at $7500 for a two-user license with unlimited automation of processes.

To participate in the xFusion experience go to the Customer Interaction Center https://customers.xfusiondn.com, the Developers Network http://main.xfusiondn.com, and…

Verizon Wireless recently said it’s happy with its smartphone lineup, but the rumor mills insist that Apple and Microsoft are planning devices for the wireless carrier. Verizon has confirmed talks with Apple and Microsoft has not disputed talks with Verizon, but any devices remain speculation.

Earlier this week, news reports speculated that Apple might be developing two devices for Verizon. BusinessWeek cited sources “familiar with the negotiations” suggesting an iPhone lite with a lower price tag than the iPhone 3G AT&T sells, as well as a tablet-like media pad that might look like an iPod touch.

Next, a story emerged that Microsoft was preparing to launch a so-called iPhone-killer, the ZunePhone, through Verizon. The Windows Mobile device could be built by Sidekick, maker of the popular Danger phone. Microsoft acquired that company last year. Microsoft is not disputing talks with Verizon, with which it has a major mobile advertising deal, but said it’s not readying a ZunePhone.

The Rumor that Won’t Die

“People like to make up rumors,” said Michael Gartenberg, a vice president at Interpret. “Conversations between companies happen all the time, but that doesn’t mean there is a deal in the works eminently or ever. In these sorts of situations, those who don’t speak usually know and those who speak usually don’t know. No matter how many times Microsoft says it’s not building a ZunePhone, this rumor just won’t die.”

Won’t die, indeed. According to The Wall Street Journal, Verizon and Microsoft are talking about launching a smartphone code-named Pink. A deal with Verizon could put the Windows Mobile operating system in the hands of even more customers, a welcome prospect amid fierce competition from Research in Motion for business customers.

Currently, RIM’s BlackBerry dominates smartphones — at 37 percent — among all sizes of U.S. businesses. Microsoft’s Windows Mobile platform is a distant…

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., April 29, 2009 — To boost its outreach in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the CompTIA Educational Foundation formed its first regional support group and is funding free computer training and certification for military veterans.

The Foundation’s Creating Futures program provides computer training, mentoring, courseware, practice exams, and certification vouchers at no cost to veterans. Program participants train toward CompTIA certifications – which are known throughout the IT industry as reliable predictors of employee success and are therefore some of the best ways to break into the IT field and build a solid career.

“Nearly every business or family in the D.C. area knows someone with military ties – someone who’s fought valiantly for our country and now may need help transitioning to the private sector,” said John Venator, president and CEO, CompTIA Educational Foundation. “Creating Futures can make a substantial impact on our veterans, but we can only do so with more visibility and financial support.”

The Foundation’s D.C. Support Group raises awareness and funds for the Foundation in the D.C. area. With representation from industry leaders such as AGM Inc., Bay Business Advisors LLC, CDW Government, Ingram Micro, and Panasonic Avionics Corp., this group focuses on:

• Informing military veterans of the Foundation’s free training programs,
• Raising needed monetary funds and in-kind donations, and
• Developing relationships with corporations so that certified trainees can transition into full-time employment.

“In just a few months time, we’ve grown to more than 30 individuals participating in our group, but we still need even more corporations to get involved so that we can help every veteran get started on a new career path,” Richard Stopa, principal, Bay Business Advisors LLC, and chairman of the Foundation’s DC Support Group. “The information technology industry in the Baltimore-Washington area remains one of the strongest in the…

Microsoft on Tuesday released a private beta of its new Vine service. Vine aims to allow small groups of people to exchange important information quickly.

Vine connects users to other people and places, lets them stay in touch with family and friends, and keeps them informed when someone needs help. Vine users can get involved to create neighborhoods, communities or causes. Users select the people and places they care about most, then rely on alerts, reports and a personal dashboard to stay in touch, informed and involved.

With Vine, Microsoft aims to create an inclusive network so anyone can ultimately participate through a social-networking application such as Twitter or Facebook or using e-mail, any computer connected to the Internet, or a mobile phone. Microsoft said it wants people to participate in the way that feels most natural to them and it will extend the tools on the site to accommodate user needs after the beta period. Currently, only a limited number of people can sign up for the beta testing.

Anatomy of the Vine

The Vine dashboard alerts users about what’s happening. Information associated with the places users have chosen will appear on their map, including articles from 20,000 news and public-safety sources. Information from people in a user’s network, such as alerts and reports, will also appear on the dashboard. When a user’s friends on Facebook update their status, the user will get an alert, too.

Users can also send and receive alerts. For example, users can organize people into groups — the sports team they coach, people who live nearby, family far away, special friends, and emergency contacts. Each Vine user specifies how to receive alerts — through e-mail, a text message, or on a computer. Users can choose to send messages from a computer or mobile phone to people on their list.

Finally,…

Gone are the days of the simple wooden roller coaster and the secluded theme park. Amusement parks are constantly in competition, aiming to provide the best in entertainment, quality, and adventure. Their rides are climbing higher, dropping further, and flying faster than ever before. It’s tough to choose from amongst the hundreds of theme parks in existence, but we narrowed the staggering list down to our favorite nine.

Parc Asterix

Parc Asterix in Plailly, France is home to two of the most stomach-flipping roller coasters on the continent. The two main roller coasters are Tonnerre de Zeus and Goudurix. The first raises riders 30 meters before flipping riders through two loops, while the other flips riders over a stomach-churning seven times. The park is also full of artisans and craftsmen, providing plenty of entertainment for everyone.

Cedar Point

Located in Sandusky Ohio, Cedar Point was built in the late 1800’s and is the second oldest amusement park in the world. As the oldest park, Cedar Point has had plenty of time to collect rides, making its 17 roller coasters the largest collection in the world. Get started with rides on the Maverick, Blue Streak, and Wildcat. Young riders will particularly enjoy the Woodstock Express. Visit the amusement park, the Soak City water park, or check out the rip roaring bungee adventures or golf outings in Challenge Park – there’s something for everyone!

Tivoliland

Tivoliland is one of only four amusement parks in Denmark. While it’s not the largest or most crowded, it is known as the home of Scandinavia’s largest roller coaster, the Boomerang. After the Boomerang throws you around, be sure to head on over to Gravity Tower for a quick 55 meter drop!

Universal Studios

In Orlando, Florida you’ll find the ever popular Universal Studios. The resort is home to some of the hottest themed roller coasters you’re going to find. Join the Simpson’s on a ride through Krustyland or help defend the country in a Men In Black style alien attack. A ride on the Dueling Dragons roller coaster will leave you feeling as if you’ve been suspended in a real battle 125 feet above the ground. In the actual Universal Studios park you’ll have the chance to experience special effects, like tornados, first hand!

Coney Island / Astroland Amusement Park

Combination board walk and amusement park, New York’s Coney Island opened in the early 1900’s. The Cyclone roller coaster tends to appeal to those seeking thrill rides, while the Freakshow Hall of Fame, Mermaid Parade, Coney Island Museum, Burlesque at the Beach, and dozens of side shows promise to entertain and educate the rest of us. The boardwalk was first known as an affordable place that anyone can visit, and it still is!

Busch Gardens

Williamsburg, Virginia is home to more than historical sights and Water Country USA. Busch Gardens. The grizzly Griffon carries riders to an astounding 205 feet before beginning the ride with a 70mph drop. The Big Bad Wolf drops 99 feet, but leaves riders wondering if they’re going to end up in the river! The park boasts dozens of shows and animal attractions as well. Not up for the rides? Take a leisurely stroll through Aquitaine, the quaint replica of a French village.

Kennywood

In the rolling hills just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania lies Kennywood Amusement Park. There aren’t many parks where you’re going to find three old-fashioned wooden roller coasters. Those looking for an added thrill will enjoy The Exterminator which throws riders around twists and turns in a dark environment designed to make you feel as though you’re the rat attempting to get away from the exterminator – a clever and fun concept for a thrill ride!

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool, England claims to be the roller coaster capital of the world and Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the city’s main attraction. The park boasts roller coasters for everyone, from the youngest child to the mature thrill-seeker. Valhalla is one of the newest and scariest coasters in the park, boasting three full minutes of terrifying twists and turns in complete and utter darkness. Not for the weak of heart or mind!

Six Flags Magic Mountain

While Six Flags has amusement park locations throughout the country, the Six Flags Magic Mountain Park in California is home to some of the finest thrill rides in the United States if not the world. The Riddler’s Revenge is the tallest stand-up roller coaster in the world, while Tatsu is one of the longest and fastest. Arrive prepared for some of the wildest rides of your life!

Each of these parks is packed with thrill rides and adventures for children and adults of all ages. Find the park closest to your home and hit the road – these are coasters you won’t want to miss!