This is a daily collection of links, some with commentary, to news stories and interesting blog posts. It will be updated throughout the day with a new timestamp for the updates.

Scroll down for today's other posts.

• Strategypage alleges China is preparing an "out-of-the-blue" attack on Taiwan, under the cover of a military exercise. But curiously for such an important piece of news there is no attribution or source. Even more curious is the alleged timing: China/Taiwan relations have been thawing somewhat in the last few weeks with the KMT's visit and overtures on talks. Glenn Reynolds links to the piece and says:

  Macchiavellian plan: Give nukes to Taiwan. Have Taiwan explode one in the Pacific as a "test." Have Taiwan announce that it got them from North Korea and Iran and will acquire more. Watch China deal with both countries...

  I know he's joking. What worries me are those who read and think it a good idea. I note Richard is saying the same thing. Update: Nitin has pointed out a story where China's Prime Minister has hlped secure the release of Taiwanese fisherman in Pakistan. It's good China's leadership can take time out from invasion plans to do things like this.
• It had to happen. A legal challenge to the new Chief Executive's term was launched yesterday by the "Grassroots Democratic Society". It's a quiotic quest: the NPC will overrule any decision it doesn't like. Today's conspiracy theory: what if someone is bankrolling this quest to force the NPC's hand?
• The Guardian discusses the strategic and economic value of Okinotori. Last December Japan was annoyed with a Chinese ship doing "geography research" near the "Island". You be the judge: the Japanese Government's page on the preservation work on the islands (total cost circa US$250 million).
• China has censored and blocked sites commenting on the Pope's death, although Xinhua is reporting global tributes.
• China is the future of classical music.
• Marmot's new site design is amazing.
• The world's biggest financial institution, Japan Post, is moving closer to privitisation. How big is it? Japanese postal savings accounts total US$1.9 trillion, or between 1/3 and 1/2 of all Japanese savings.
• Now you can karaoke anywhere, anytime, without disturbing anyone. How long before someone attaches a phone to it?
• In these busy times there are few places where one can have a few minutes of peace and privacy, away from the hussle and bussle and the technological madness of progress. The toilet, that oasis, that serene cistern. But I fear the clever comodes. With the current drive to link everything to the internet, can the iToilet (in your choice of fashionable colours) be far off?
• It's OK to speak good Slinglish, lah. And Mr Brown explains that ancient mystery: the meaning of lah.
• Instead of wasting Hong Kong taxpayer money on Hong Kong Disneyland, they could have saved a fortune and gone for the Lego version instead.