The Y Files

Once upon a time, there was a New Year's Eve tradition that involved opening and closing two doors. Just before midnight, you opened the back door to your cottage to let the old year leave. Then, just about the time we Americans now watch the New Year's Eve Ball finish its descent in Times Square, you would open your front door to let the new year enter. Coordinating the opening and closing of these doors worked best if you had some help - and if you didn't have too much champagne.

Unfortunately, the images you are about to see look as if someone had way too much bubbly (or maybe vodka, tequila, wine, and/or beer) while on the job. As for doors, I'd suggest shutting yours tightly if the perpetrators of these misdeeds apply for a job with your company in 2009. You probably don't want them anywhere near your home either.

So, without further ado, The Y Files brings you the worst engineering of 2008. Cast your own vote (and toss in your two cents) by leaving a comment (or two) below. I've numbered each entry and added a title of my own. Now it's your turn.

1) I feel so much safer at the airport these days.

2) The Senator was for the staircase before he was against it.

3) This must be the Bridge to Nowhere before the funding was cut.

4) Please tell the window installer to stop blaming the bricks.

5) Sears really needs that new floor for the Men's Department, huh?

6) The views are great, but the neighbors downstairs are never outside.

7) Just be sure to finish your afternoon tea before the 3:15 comes by.

8) Looks like the light pole was there first. Or did it grow that way?

9) No, they're not open for business yet.

10) Did they design this ATM for a basketball team or something?

11) No, it's not "just like Stair Master".

12) Fortunately, there's another rest area just down the road.