From Flickr, by Aaron Landry » Link

Today’s word of the day is: agnotology.

Derived from the Greek root agnosis, it is “the study of culturally constructed ignorance.”

Sounds like an emerging field. » Link

Aside from the shiny cover, nothing was different.

Just when you think you’ve got a killer idea for your site design, inevitably someone has already done it.

| snärj | noun

The gooey remains of a bird after striking an aircraft. » Link

The Daily Mail takes a look at President-elect Obama’s new ride: a custom-made Cadillac limo that’s more James Bond than West Wing.

This note in the graphic caught my eye:

Defence Accessories: Equipped with night vision cameras and pump-action shotguns. Also armed with tear gas cannons. Bottles of the president’s blood kept on board in case he needs an emergency transfusion.

That might be a little dubious as whole blood donors can give once every eight weeks, while the red blood cells from a donor will only last for six. Plasma lasts longer, but it has to be frozen. » Source

I really enjoyed Nadav Kander’s photographs of “Obama’s People,” especially this portrait of Ken Salazar, secretary-designate of the Department of the Interior.

» Link

Apple CEO Steve Jobs is taking a leave until the end of June, the AP is reporting.

COO Tim Cook will take over in Jobs’ stead.

An email from Jobs reportedly said his health issues “are more complex” than Jobs previously thought.

As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.

I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.

I expect Apple’s share price to drop in after hours trading.

Update: Yup, AAPL down in the 10 percent neighborhood. Trading had been halted at one point.

This could get ugly. Jobs took a one-month leave back in 2004 when he had surgery for pancreatic cancer.

If you haven’t seen the pilot for The Remnants, written and directed by John August, do so now.

Then, ask yourself, why isn’t this being put into production stat?

Then, help me tell the people in charge that this is in the best interests of our time and their wallets. Great content deserves a fair chance and a fair price.

Draft The Remnants!

C. Brian Smith pens an great article about being invited to the White House for dinner with a college drinking buddy, Barbara Bush. Funny and revealing, then very stark.

Before long, a handsome chef serves us each a helping of White House chicken potpie. As my plate arrives, a horrible odor arises from the table. If that’s coming from the potpie, I think, there’s no way I’ll be able to eat. How does one turn down food from a head of state? The question is rendered moot when the president peers down under the table to scold Barney, the family’s Scottish terrier, for farting.

» Link via Coudal