Mathew Sills and Wikipedia tell us that "Indium was discovered in 1863 by Ferdinand Reich and Hieronymous Theodor Richter by spectroscopic methods. They named it for the indigo blue line in its spectrum. Indium was isolated the next year. " Also, ever heard of a semiconductor? Take note of its tech value: "Indium is a minor component in zinc sulfide ores and is produced as a byproduct of zinc refinement. It is most notably used in the semiconductor industry, in low-melting-point metal alloys such as solders, in soft-metal high-vacuum seals, and in the production of transparent conductive coatings of indium tin oxide (ITO) on glass. Indium is considered a technology-critical element."

The Wikipedia article on this appears under the title "Battle of Mount Song," and indeed searching Wikipedia for Songshan gets you nowhere at present.

The article states that only 1,300 Japanese soldiers defended the mountain, not 3,000 as is stated here. And of the 1,300, 300 were wounded soldiers.

The article also makes much of the Japanese force digging into the mountain: "Constructing a series of tunnels and bunkers over a static two-year period they turned the mountain and its immediate environs into a fortress." And: "The Chinese forces were unaware of the depth of the Japanese defences, and their underestimation led to heavy casualties through a slow and cautious campaign. Chinese artillery strikes and US bombing runs had little effect against Japanese forces underground. Japan also set up a series of hidden pillboxes to ambush the Chinese forces."

The Japanese listed only 1 survivor, plus two runners sent to inform the high command, but the Chinese claimed 7 prisoners taken.

Wiki states that the Chinese had 7,763 casualties, including 4,000 killed, out of a force of 20,000.

The Wiki article, strangely, does not (yet) mention the bridge.

Mushrooms aren't plants, a fact new to most of us. They are now part of a third kingdom, Fungi, which also includes microorganisms such as yeasts and some molds. This kingdom is genetically closer to animals than to plants. Fungi do not employ photosynthesis; for food they basically dissolve things in order to transport them inside. Terrifically important to ecosystems, which would otherwise be piles of litter. Could all of this have something to do with why they taste so good?

Go Fanfan!

Very useful, if one is interested in conserving genetic resources. Thanks for noting this.