One down, 3,999 to go

It seems old buildings aren't the only things getting knocked down in Shanghai these days -- new(ish) ones are getting the axe, as well:

A 25-story building that was built in 1990 is being demolished because it is considered "disharmonious" with surrounding constructions on the Bund.

It will take six months to demolish Wenhui Mansion. The building is 91 meters and was the office of Wenhui Daily, a major Chinese language newspaper established in 1938.

Due to the many residential and historic buildings in the area -- some as close as 10 meters -- the government decided to use machines instead of explosives to eliminate the building.

"The building is not in harmony with its surroundings," said Wang Anshi, an official of old home renovations at the Shanghai Housing and Land Administrative Bureau.

How very fengshui of you, Mr. Wang. Now get cracking -- there's plenty more disharmony where that came from (like 75 percent of the high-rises built in the past 20 years). Really, though, this is a very interesting development. We can't wait to see what takes Wenhui Mansion's place. Our vote? A dog park.