The Para-Rigger

http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/08/28/338622840/how-the-kung-fu-fighting-melody-came-to-represent-asia

There's a tune that you've probably heard throughout your life. It's nine notes long, and it's almost always used to signal that something vaguely Asian is happening or is about to happen.

Also:
http://chinoiserie.atspace.com/

I don't know, it doesn't seem a mystery to me.  Here's an old traditional Japanese folk song:  "Shin Kiso Bushi".
(Bonus: You can play the tune with just the black keys on the piano!)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetarchivebookimages/with/14784850762/

Now searchable!

http://all-that-is-interesting.com/ridiculous-beliefs-acclaimed-thinkers

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/27/watch-death-valleys-rocks-walk-before-your-eyes/

The stones were caught in the act, at last.

How do you get tall-masted boats clearance under a low bridge quickly?  Here is a proposed new solution in the Netherlands, the tilting sluice (kantelsluis).  It has a neutral energy balance, and can be applied at existing bascule bridges.  This solution has been proposed for the Haringvliet Bridge (A29) south of Rotterdam.   (from Science Dump)