INSPIRED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA, the Smithsonian Institute launched a blog called “Department of Innovation”. As they describe it:

Seems a long time ago, but it was only back in January when Barack Obama told us that America had reached a “Sputnik moment.” He was referring to the competition with China to be the Big Dog of the 21st century global economy, but the subtext was that the country needs an attitude adjustment, that we need to start channeling Silicon Valley, a place where people may pledge to “Do no evil” but the true religion is innovation.

It made for one fine sound bite. But it hasn’t exactly inspired a bunch of innovation rallies and bake sales. So in the spirit of banging the drum for new ideas and fresh thinking, this blog will track all things innovative, not just in science and technology, but also in how we live, how we learn, how we entertain ourselves.

Here's the "Department of Innovation" logo:


Now take a careful look: the three interlocking gears cannot move -- they're locked in place.

Congratulations, Smithsonian. You've managed to perfectly describe the Obama administration.

Linked from Michelle Malkin.