Claims about carrots. No, the notion that eating carrots can boost your eyesight isn't an old wives' tale: it's government propaganda from World War II. The British military concocted the story to explain why its pilots were suddenly shooting down more German bombers,... [seattlepi.com Buzzworthy]

I love this sorts of stories. Funny how easily propaganda can enter into 'reality.'  5:54:36 PM    

Prepaid Mobile Phone Providers Have To Pay The Patent Toll Master. A few mobile operators, including Cingular, have apparently lost a patent lawsuit involving a patent over offering "prepaid" accounts. The firms now have to pay $130 million for what appears to be a questionable patent. Prepaid accounts, which are much more popular outside the US than within, are a pretty straightforward concept. Instead of buying a regular monthly "subscription," users prepay, and get a certain number of minutes. By prepaying, the operators avoid having any credit risk, as they already have the money. Who knew that such an idea was patentable? Once again, isn't it about time the patent office came up with a better test for obviousness? [Techdirt]

As so many things are, the Patent Office is broken.  5:52:26 PM