Week 12: Planking/Owling

definition of planking: "Planking" (or the "Lying Down Game") is an activity consisting of lying face down in an unusual or incongruous location. Both hands must touch the sides of the body and having a photograph of the participant taken and posted on the Internet is an integral part of the game. Players compete to find the most unusual and original location in which to play.The term planking refers to mimicking a wooden plank. Rigidity of the body must be maintained to constitute good planking.

definition of owling: Evolved from planking, owling is the sitting on a random object/surface in a perched position, taking a picture of oneself and posting in on the internet.

(A girl planking)

Laying on top of things and taking pictures... classic. This seems like a pretty harmless fad, one that I could actually get behind. I don't really understand it though, why is the big fixation about planking? People actually die doing this fad. I'm going to plank on top of the highest place possible!  Wow, really? Talk about funky!

(Various people planking in different locations)

As the planking position photo's covered the internet, and the competition staggered to an new level, people wanted more. Owling. Instead of laying down on top of things, people "perched" like owls. I view this one as funny too. What's not to laugh about when you see pictures of people in an owl position? They are just great.

(Two guys "owling")

Overall planking and owling are halarious fads. The important thing is to keep these things in perspective. Plank or owl on top of various low height objects, with funny backgrounds or objects? Yes. Plank or owl on top of something ten stories high? No. Common sense people! Just like most fads, when kept in perspective, they can be hilarious! 

(This lady isn't the best planker)