42 year old woman is the latest to be hurt, just why are people doing it.
Others are Tea Potting, good grief I would run a mile rather than be seen doing either.
The need to be seen, we all have it at some stage, my pegged jeans and pointy toed shoes or the Ducks bottom hair do may have been my silliness.
But I blame Elvis for every bit of it.
Face book and such, planking in a desperate attempt to be seen seems a Long way past that to me.
In my youth we would not have wanted to be seen with such folk.
What do others think.

I think before someone comes along and says something insensitive; No matter how stupid it is to die from something like this, it was still someone's child, friend, brother, nephew, grandson, whatever. He was a young guy that, in the end, died WAY before his time. Others have died doing something that common sense and hindsight would otherwise dictate a different outcome. Please be aware this was a human that died.

Yep, it's dumb, and everyone should know better than to risk their lives for something like this.

As for people getting fired for doing, the employer has every right even though it may be a fraction harsh. Safety at work is something workers have been fighting for for years. It shouldn't be messed with.

Me too, Belly.

>>Others are Tea Potting, good grief I would run a mile rather than be seen doing either.<<

(I was going to post the URL that explains this, but thought better of it. The more adventurous might try googling tea potting and urban dictionary)

Yes, planking is a rather stupid thing to do, & can be dangerous.

However, if my kids were going to indulge in any of the stupid behaviour that seems to be the norm for our younger generation, I would much prefer they "plank" than join the drug, or binge drinking fools.

Unfortunately too many appear to combine 2 or more of these distractions.

"""
just why are people doing it?
"""

Because everything else is banned!

"""
Others are Tea Potting, good grief I would run a mile rather than be seen doing either.
"""

I dunno, sounds like fun, especially the royal version :~)

"""
But I blame Elvis for every bit of it.
"""

I guess you had your funny bone extracted at birth, no sense of humour or adventure, sad really. It's no wonder all the fun has been banned from life in this country with people who see others doing what they enjoy and being jealous of the fact. So you think it's stupid, fine, ignore it and move on; do your own thing and let others do theirs!

Why should we care what others do? Let them ride on the outside of trains, or better still lie down on the tracks, why not? if that's what they want to do. Let them not swim between the flags, and so on. After all it's fun - isn't it,? And you're young only once. But wait a minute - what about putting other lives at risk - those that have to come and try to save these people from themselves? What about the time, effort, and costs involved then? Telling us to "move on"? Nah, won't work.
Someone has to act responsibly and save these people from themselves.
They're not complete idiots, but some parts are definitely missing. And, they're not only a danger to themselves - they put the safety of others ar risk. Therein lies the problem.

I think they should merge the planking craze with the Darwin awards.

I'm looking forward to the commentaries from various analysts who will explain the causes of the current trends of risk-taking behaviour. They'll explain how kids aren't loved enough, how they don't have positive male role models, how they are desperate for attention and how they don't value their lives because nobody else seems to. We'll all nod and smile because they have PhDs in these areas, and few of us will believe a word of it.

I don't think the desire to take risks and do stupid things has increased considerably. I do, however, think that the ability to communicate our stupidity quickly and broadly has something to answer for. When I was a kid, we used to have regular lectures at school warning us about the dangers of catching hold of a car's towball and hitching a ride on our rollerblades or skateboards. Apparently some people did this; I never saw it and certainly never did it. Then there were the people who played chicken with cars or trains and, as they got older, played chicken IN cars (if Rebel without a Cause is to be believed; if Footloose is to be believed, then tractors were the vehicles of choice). None of this made it onto YouTube or Facebook for the simple reason that neither site existed.

Just as the majority of kids back then probably respected their own mortality, the majority of kids today do the same. The vast majority of my own students seem to think that planking on rooftops and in other locations is stupid; they also seem to think that planking in 'safe' locations is a little lame. In short, they check out the pictures but they don't do the deed. Still, by checking out the pictures, they provide an audience and rack up internet 'hits' for the plankers. As StG points out, the kids who injure themselves or die while performing these stunts are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends ... in short, humans. What they seem to forget is that the people who have to scrape them off the footpath are humans as well.

Apart from raw mustard I agree with every post.
Never had any intention of putting any one down, in fact funny bone was well on display when I told of my youthful silliness.
Planking is just one of a very long line of dangerous silly acts.
A death here, involving very real risk, for fun, followed a spinal injury, at stopped the practice.
I will not go into what it was,that could go viral and kill many.
Train surfing is another.
Why.
We all as youths wanted to be seen, to fit in, and some of us while pushing others to do silly things actually laughed at them behind their backs.
Hope we all think, before describing ANY dangerous act that could be the next planking.
And too that we do not ever take the view such happens because there is nothing else to do.
I am unsure just why,but know a feeling that the young are never going to be hurt can do and does great harm to those who love them and them.
Worth remembering the latest know injury came after a woman tried to show why we should not do it.

Planking, sky diving, rock climbing, base jumping, and on it goes. It appears the activities that require lots of flash gear seem more acceptable.

Extreme sports or extreme acts of stupidity, I don’t get the difference.

What are the Darwin awards?

Just goes to show that chemical highs are no more dangerous than natural ones Jewely.

Legalise drugs and people wouldn't be so bored that they want to be plonkers.

I've always said the governmnet should encourage drugs if they are to expect us to continue to mindlessly consume conform obey. It would be a nice gesture on their part. An act of goodwill, akin to shouting employees free coffee.

The drugs they encourage are retail therapy and TV and coffee, which I can understand, but there is not really that much in all that for lots of people. Some sort of Soma really is called for. I mean encouraging alcohol by proxy so as to tax us and using it to simultaneously allow for light releif and tut-tut bogans only really goes so far. Something more substantial is needed.

I suppose it's not really an issue, because the chose ones can afford the cocaine and the dregs of society can abuse the meth and the courts can enjoy inconsistantly handing out penance.

I loved your first paragraph Otokonoko:-)

Jewerly the Darwin awards exist goggle them worth a look.
It is for people who contribute to improving the human race.
Not about to spoil your fun have a look.
Surely we are not to debate every ones right to do as they wish.
But one poster has highlighted my thoughts,why do we do such things.
In refraining from explaining the act of lunacy I knew of but always knew would kill, I know it would go viral if it was known.
Silly, dangerous,sure to bring attention and fear from those watching.
Yet some thrive on all that, and the attention it brings.
Why.
Ever stood in fear watching a Friend stand on the very edge of a cliff and sway?
I have and never again.
Thrill seekers who rely on fools to show off to are to be avoided.

Houel:”Legalise drugs and people wouldn't be so bored that they want to be plonkers.”

I have no idea why we can’t buy recreational drugs legally. Be nice to have a safe buzz you can go purchase.

I’ve done all those things Otoko, ‘everyone else was’ would have probably been my only answer.

Bellybabe:”Ever stood in fear watching a Friend stand on the very edge of a cliff and sway?”

I have and I forgot what we used to call it. Wear a big jacket and spread it and you can lean right over and the wind keeps you up? I didn’t try it but my flatmates seemed to think it lots of fun. Or hooning through the one lane bus tunnel when the light is red. Scary stuff. I still have no idea why other people do those things or why I took part in any of it. It’s as strange as putting drugs in your body when you don’t know who made them.

Isn’t it something to do with the front part of your brain not being formed yet – the decision making bit?

Aw, come on - some planking pics ARE very funny.

Darwin's theory, as others have noted, will take care of those who really shouldn't plank.

There are far more dangerous behaviours - like abseiling highrise buildings and other extreme sports.

http://love4culture.com/wp-content/uploads/planking-e1305791555508.jpg

Jewerly seems you too have know candidates for the Darwin's.
An award for those improving the human Gene pool by removing them selves from us in stupid ways.
I do not think any of us, males for sure, can say we never did silly things,and not be telling fibs.
But if you ever see me tea potting or planking please shoot me.
I have always thought badly of exhibitionists.
And needless aggression.
But been involved in both, while under the rules of Doc Bundy Rum or other specialists.
I truly, honestly,would not stop for a second to watch a planker, and run to avoid a male tea potter.
Love the Darwin's however.

Ahh you bunch of old farts!

My niece sent me a great photo of her up to some shenanigans Saturday night. She was planking on the tread of a tank at some army base. Had a good belly laugh.

Yes I do love my adrenaline sports. Parachuting, paragliding, speed-sailing , abseiling, diving, white water kayaking, rock climbing and a host of other things that are a tad more stupid and dangerous.

This is pretty tame however, plus it involves humour, imagination, and an appreciation of the absurd. Danger is more confined to a subset of the planking culture, as with society in general.

Love it.

Here is the Young Turks’ take.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ7Hl--OVQ0

Charles may get me one day but so might cancer which isn't the least bit funny.

This old fart, intent on not changing,has to step back.
I now see the coming breakfast for kids with Cancer is running tea potting adds.
While I do not drink tea, coffee strong black often, I will gladly support them and rush past any tea potter.
Now we all have the right to have fun, and pay for it when we become old farts.
I hope I never bought in to hula hoops or yo yo,s just to be seen.
Now rushing round a track, smashing in to the car in front tearing its bumper off and ending up smashed up in a last even smash up derby, thats fun.

I dunno csteele I’m told it just is not what the cool kids are doing. Or this is how I translated much eye rolling and the statement “OMG planking is the death” when I asked some kids about it. Then I was forced to stare at little photos on Iphones of local kids I know doing it – over train stations and other weird places. I’d now like to smack them.

I can see planking is pretty boring so they’d have to up the ante, make it more dangerous to be any kind of rush.

Umm... I must have this tea potting thing wrong Belly cause I can’t imagine any child charity mentioning it.

My kid wants a day learning how to drift for his next birthday. This makes me roll my eyes but I’ll probably do it.

The add asks us to have a cup of tea cash raising for Cancer, all good.
Shows adults trying to look like a tea pot , ok but not me ok?

Dear Jewely,

My kids, nieces and nephews are all country kids so being cool is not a high priority, having a laugh rates pretty well though and this is what it is all about.

The term country kids use for the city 'cool' girls is 'girlie girls' a serious putdown if you thought you might be a little above something like planking.

Plus drifting sounds great. My two are pretty good at getting a paddock bomb going sideways at a fair rate of knots but doing it on bitumen would be something else. Good on you for agreeing.

Here is a little bit of Saudi drifting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUT_Lomb4c8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hey Csteele, that was an amazing clip. The peoples standing on the side of the road watching freaked me out. Inshallah and all that. I recall the roads there mostly being made of concrete which I’m guessing would make drifting smoother/easier. I will get it for the kid as a gift but I'm not going to watch. :)

I don’t reckon young ones whether townie or country win many ‘awesome forward thinking’ awards. Who was it here that keeps wanting the mandatory non-military service because I kinda like the idea.

Yeah me and you Belly were thinking of two different things called tea potting. :P

"I'm a little tea pot..." C'mon you must have done that one.

I thought the drifting was insanity.
From driver and crowd.
Worth taking a look at both the Darwin awards and the fact the woman involved in first post here was planking to show how dangerous it was and why we should not do it.
Few Honorable mentions in the Darwin's on display here.

Jewely,

That's my mate Individual.

But didn't we all do something absolutely stupid when we were younger ? Back in the fifties, when I was a kid in Bankstown (well, there you go), we used to wait at a road junction and wait for the lorries (trucks) to slow down and run up behind them and grab onto that bar they tie the ropes to and swing up and put our feet on the spare tyre while they accelerated away. We got a lot of skinned knees and hands that way.

One time, me and my younger brother went up to the flooded quarry in Chullora and got on a railway sleeper and pushed ourselves out into the 50-metre deep water. My mum says some guy jumped in and pulled us back to the side but I don't remember. Of course we couldn't swim then.

Although we risked not contributing to our gene pool, it was great fun ! Well, for seven-year-olds. I don't think I've learnt much since.

Joe

Even in my late thirties I was still ‘roof surfing’ and ‘plating’. On road trips we would hit a pub, get tanked, then throw half a dozen of us on the roof of a wagon, get up to highway speeds while standing in a surfers stance, then with a couple of mates holding your ankles, slam a big swig of tequila, slide on your back down and over the hood until your head was on the number plate.

The view of the bitumen and white lines in the headlights flying over an alcohol filled head, and a V8 screaming behind your ears was one hell of an adrenaline rush.

Lots of other crazy stuff went on but it was only when I read Tim Winton’s book ‘Breath’ that I was able to get a bit of a handle on what drove us.

I call it the pathology of risk and young Australian males thrive on it. It is a drug. When you no longer get the buzz you use to, getting the uninitiated to indulge was the next best thing. To see their fear and excitement was to re-live how it felt for you.

This is a central theme in Tim’s book. The older hardened surfer taking the two younger lads out to surf the biggest waves then the anticlimax their lives become after such a rush.

I understood the concerted effort to avoid self-destructive behaviour by the narrator and why he chose the ambulance service to keep a little taste of the drug. The temptation of course is to continue taking greater risks.

‘Breath’ rocked my socks off. I thought about it constantly for a very long time. Tim is a master and 'Breath’ his masterpiece.

That is why if my kids want to indulge in a bit of planking then it is okay by me. I have not shielded them from taking risks but I have been at pains to teach them how to assess the risk properly and that it is more than okay to say no. Won’t stop me worrying like hell about them.

Hi csteele, my kids learned to drive down the paddock too, first in a front drive Renault, then, when they were ready, in a proper car, a Holden Ute with rear wheel drive.

Loved the clip of Saudi drifting. I still hold a Bathurst lap record I set in the 60s. Back then there were still some parts of the circuit where there was only 10 yards of grass, & a barb wire fence between us & the spectators.

We were going somewhat faster than those drifters too, Jewely would have been horrified. Still I always reckoned that the spectators should be able to get the full experience, & be involved in the crashes too.

Now we have no mammoths to hunt, or lions to fight, in our safe sanitised lives in suburbia, we've had to develop a few slightly dangerous sports for those of us who need a bit of adrenalin in our veins occasionally.

Probably the most dangerous thing I have done was as a preteenager, paddling down a swollen Macquarie River, with a couple of mates, each in canoes made from a flattened out sheet of corrogated iron. Nothing too unusual in that of course, most of the kids in school had one of those canoes.

Well we have it seems come to under stand plankers/Plonkers and tea pots lack imagination,we all had far more interesting ways to kill our selves.
Me too!
I can not agree with the Saudi drifting.
How much control has the driver got in reverse?
How many could die if he/she lost it.
One of one hundred story's
Near Christmas,two days away, kids are driving as usual this time of year.
Happy full of fun and excitement two cars one male one female.
Racing down hill side by side.
One[ the girls] lost it hit concrete drain, 4 dead Christmas? joy turned to grief,a motor car is not a toy.
Fun? yep, but what if?
My story I will not tell involves a car, its fun exhilarating, dangerous, and awesome.
But what if we spoke of it and some died trying it?
I even now,am still a petrol head but only on my own not with some ones life in my hands

csteele

Loved 'Breath' also. And have had an adrenalin fueled life well into my 30's also, (probably because I returned to uni then) however, I am female. Not all boys are testosterone fueled maniacs, nor all girls passive.

We can't protect our children from everything, the best we can do is ensuring they are well informed AND not uncomfortable about approaching their parents when they are in trouble.

Csteele:”I call it the pathology of risk and young Australian males thrive on it. It is a drug. When you no longer get the buzz you use to, getting the uninitiated to indulge was the next best thing. To see their fear and excitement was to re-live how it felt for you.”

I thought it was the Kiwi’s that were nutbars, bungy jumping and wire flying and zorbing etc. I thought maybe it was being an isolated country that made the people go invent stupid things to do in their spare time. Mountains, white water and probably less struggle with the land might have helped create enough spare time for the pursuit of crazy there.

Everything horrifies me now Hasbeen.... I’m horrified I survived my own youth. Driving over the Rimutaka using the car in front for brakes or playing chicken in a park with a car. The rules were that the driver would make every effort to run you over and you had to stop the driver, usually done by diving through a window as the car went by and fighting the driver for the wheel then booting them out the door at speed. They had to keep the windows open at all times. The game usually resulted in a trip to hospital.

I’d win prizes for Stupid, Joe. : ) The problem I have is knowing so clearly what kids get up to that my imagination takes over.

Bellybabe:”I can not agree with the Saudi drifting.
How much control has the driver got in reverse?
How many could die if he/she lost it.”

That’s the beauty of the iron clad faith there, if something bad happens it was gods will and accepted as such. I’m often jealous of it as it must reduce stress. I wonder if that ties into Grahams thread about brain development in people with gods?

Jewely

Another treasure of a post, including gems like:

>> I’m horrified I survived my own youth <<

Me too.

Topped off with:

>> That’s the beauty of the iron clad faith there, if something bad happens it was gods will and accepted as such. I’m often jealous of it as it must reduce stress. I wonder if that ties into Grahams thread about brain development in people with gods? <<

Explains a lot.

Pure gold.

Too late am I?
Can not change thread to one about how to get in to the Darwin awards?
OH I would make it,not a single doubt.
Even some things I do now in a 4x4.
So yes if planking while full as the proverbial 7 story's up is your wish ok.
But if you can see that far, look to see if I am walking past first ok?
I have learned in this thread about glass castles and stones, again.
Lets all hope the kids are not reading this.

It is not surprising that trainee fighter pilots indulge in dangerous games, but you might be surprised at how careful they were at many things.

The navy sent us trainee pilots off to train with the RAAF. We started at Uranquinty No.1 basic flying training school, near Wagga. A bunch of us went to the Wagga show together, & not one would ride the Ferris wheel, or the Octopus thing, as we reckoned they were too dangerous, because we had no idea who put them together, or maintained them.

We did have one dangerous game, fighters & bombers. Played in the trainee pilots club, a large nissan hut with no ceiling, the fighters hung by their legs from the beams, & the bombers had to crawl from end to end of the hut & back, avoiding the fighters who would drop on them. This was of course played mostly drunk. Ambulance trips were common.

Management hated this game, although they had probably played it themselves. Having spent 15 pounds a day, [a tradesman's weekly pay at the time] on training us for up to 2 years, they wanted us to survive, & do something useful at the end of it.

Hasbeen:“they wanted us to survive, & do something useful at the end of it.”

This is how I now feel about parenting.

Bellybabe:”Lets all hope the kids are not reading this.”

One of mine did, she thinks Hasbeen and Csteele are cool. You’re both bad influences! I checked out the Darwin awards Belly, funny... I’m going back for another gander. Houel keeps talking the way he is and I might suggest him for one.

Ammo: “>> I’m horrified I survived my own youth <<
Me too.”

I’m nearly finished raising children; maybe I’ll give it all another go? Oh dear... do women go through mid-life crises...

Hi Jewely,

You're 'nearly finished raising children' ? You poor deluded girl :(

And the older they get, the dumber the things they do. Always have a First Aid kit and a box of tissues handy ;)

Joe

Do women go through mid life crises, of course they do Jewely. What you need is a 150 miles per hour sports car, you can pick one up for Toyota Corolla money these days. You don't have to use it, but with it there you know you can always run away, if it all gets too much.

I kept my yacht for 8 years after I moved back into civilisation, rarely using it. But you see I knew sanity lay just 24 hours sailing time east of Sydney heads, & she was my ticket if I needed to run away.

It's when there is no way out that that we start getting foolish.

Jewerly it is not over yet.
I had a roll in raring 5 of my siblings then rared 5 of one of theirs.
Watched every silly act in fear, then remembered I did much the same.
I love most, watching them trying to stop their kids being like? them
Fun but like that car too hasbeen.
Ever got half way up a hill in the bush all four wheels spinning, remembering why they call it Devils track?
Wondering if this time you may not make it.
Try it again this week end no road left but those rocks, they will not roll on me, will they?

Yes they will roll on you Belly and I forbid you from trying it again.

Aw Joe don’t say it, I’d convinced myself my job was over. It never occurred to me there would be more to do. Anyone produces anything that will one day call me nana and I will leave the country.

Hasbeen I think its men that run away suddenly and at high speed. Women bide, manipulate and prepare patiently. Although now I’m thinking about traffic at around 3pm with all those mothers on the road… something else to add to my list of things that horrify me.

>> traffic at around 3pm with all those mothers on the road… something else to add to my list of things that horrify me. <<

In those 4W-bloody-Drives, double parked.

These days just a drive along the Black Spur outside of Healesville, after watching emus steal kiddies' sangers at Healsville sanctuary.

Did all the fast wheel stuff in my 20's - living to tell the tale and don't have to prove anything to anyone but myself.

OK having a head on with the anti four wheel drive mob am I.
Mine is my 5th one, the only one so far, not to be rigged as a bush rescue one.
It still has all the radios, double battery's, and still around if needed to take up a mountain position far away from any one, to rebroadcast details of horse endoro or car rally, look for lost hikers or fight fires.
It may get the rest of the gear on it, no knowing how bad next summer may be.
But it is no suburban status symbol.
It was like new on getting it, looks like its been driven into ten barbed wire fences too many.
But here in rural NSW its of helping floods and much more.
Been stuck? ever? on a very remote bush hill, I have.
And after three days been impressed with the help coming.
Had the pleasure to bring that help too.
So very many get in to so much trouble in four wheelers they fail to understand.
But not all of us.

Dear Jewely,

Loved the crazy Kiwi antics especially the Chicken in the car park. Ours was 'Make a wish' straddled between two cars travelling down the highway with a foot on each car's windowsill with your mates holding on to your ankles.

I was of the opinion that this behaviour is primarily alcohol driven but for me the genes certainly seem to play their part and if I look back on my escapades it is those of my pre-teen years that frighten me the most.

There was a particular game of chicken we neighbourhood kids use to play in Darwin that gives me the heebees even now. During the wet season the downpours were managed by large stormwater drains. One that was favoured emptied on to Nightcliffe beach and what made it special was a room about twice the size of toilet 60 meters up the drain. Once we knew the rain was coming about a dozen of us would make our way up the pipe to gather in the room with only the light of the distant entrance affording any vision.

As the water quickly rose we had to start bracing ourselves to stop from being swept away. Some of the younger kids would start to bail when the water was half way up and shoot down the pipe to get spat out onto the sand.

As the gap got smaller and therefore the light got dimmer more kids would break until there was only three or four die-hards remaining. While there was light you knew you could get a breath, even if it meant scraping your nose on the drain's roof as you were pushed through at speed. Once the gap closed entirely however there was total darkness and the only way you could tell if there were any others left was by shouting above the roar, but the cunning ones kept quiet hoping any remaining would think they were the last and go.

Cont..

Cont..

Because of the pipe's incline the longer you waited the greater the length you would have to negotiate without air and the greater the force with which you were spat out at the end. Tumbling in an enclosed space, in dirty storm water, in total darkness and tightly holding your breath and eyes was to us terrifying but great fun. I recall nearly passing out after leaving it too fine. It was only when you hit the beach did you know if you were the last and had won.

Most of us suffered grazes, some pretty bad, and why none of us got badly infected I don't know, perhaps it was the swim in the ocean afterwards.

My reason for relating the story is to ask if it wasn't alcohol or testosterone (at least not a huge factor at that age), what drove us? Having lived in Asia a good part of my youth I know even the most adventurous of my Asian friends would not even contemplate anything so stupid. Perhaps it was fear of their parents or other aspects of their culture that made them reluctant. My stock and probably yours however were willing to make a difficult and dangerous sailing voyage to forge a new life here.

The Australian and Kiwi gene pool might just tilt a little more toward those with a propensity for risk taking.

Csteele I think I have it. Western kids used to do this crazy stuff when younger (get it out of the system as it were) and they would do it for the pure fun of it. But now we have “concerned citizens” who would report young children roaming unaccompanied and we have adults patrolling places and security fences everywhere now plus parents who know they would get in trouble if they couldn’t tell authority where their kids are at any given time.

So now maybe they have to wait until older and sneakier to elude all the grownups?

And the storm drain thing, what the hell were you thinking!? Make a wish is a more than appropriate name for the potential result. Bloody hell. In Mapua (NZ) there is a place you jump into the ocean and the undertow will whip you quickly to the other side. And nup I never did it.

Why there remains an Aussie or NZ gene pool is beyond me.

Dear Jewley,

"And nup I never did it."

Not "I would never have done it"

Revealing in itself. Would you have liked to? Or did you ever contemplate it?

I think the fact that grandparents play such a big role in bringing up children these days combined with 'liable' daycare centres they are surrounded by risk adverse people.

It is hard to break out from under words from ones mother like "If you didn't make them wear a helmet on the skateboard and they were badly injured or killed you would never forgive yourself."

Even neighbours get in on the act. When our two were jumping off our roof on to the trampoline they were straight on the phone to tell us what they were up to. Our blaise attitude horrified them.

Who is to say we are right though? It will be interesting to see how my two bring up their own children.

I have told how I ignored my own advice all my life here in this thread.
Started it not because planking can be dangerous, well not the only reason.
Thought it rather silly, still do, a need to be included to be part of any group any thing.
It could well be me being old and grumpy but I can not change that.
Those horrible days ,and nights,on the Pacific Highway, *the highway of death*
That is what the media called it,still does if looking for a headline.
I never remember seeing the result of an accident.
Every fatal miserable event need not have happened.
The dead body's, police ambos and road workers traumatized ,a tip to a very big ice berg of pain.
Those left behind suffer forever.
Once dead its over but not for those we leave.
I refrain, no you have not guessed , from telling off one dead one crippled for life in my known act of lunacy.
I know of it,did not see or take part.
See it would kill again,we drive our selves to champagne each other.
But if it kills one we love?

Csteele:”Even neighbours get in on the act. When our two were jumping off our roof on to the trampoline they were straight on the phone to tell us what they were up to. Our blaise attitude horrified them.”

I don’t like kids taking risks, I get this nasty tingling feeling all over. I’ve learnt to not watch as I get they have to do it. Or I think kids have to learn what they are physically capable of and the whole imagining and inventing... manipulating surroundings. Mostly having a damn good laugh and a lot of showing off with mates.

But yeah other adults interfere a lot and it is so patronising. Whole world full of mandatory reporters and spoil sports when it’s not extreme behaviour just fun. Older women being the worst just because something sends their heart all aflutter. I advise them “don’t watch” as well. This really upsets my mother so I use it as often as possible. Older men are bloody troublemakers, you have to keep them away from kids pushing physical boundaries cause they will suggest how to make an activity “even more fun”.

You’d get a phone call from an older male neighbour saying to put the trampoline between the house and pool.

The undertow thing I thought about but I know I am a crap swimmer and I was straight at the time. :P

Planking in dangerous places I’m still against, some poor smokers tax pays for their hospital bills.


I think if someone we love dies Belly we are sad no matter how it happened. It's game over, no blame?

And when it is all said & done I would much rather go out planking on a high rise balcony, racing a car, skydiving, or doing any of a host of other unnecessary dangerous but fun things, than lying in a nursing home bed, staring at the ceiling.

Lets deal hasbeen, I share your view.
Throw me over that balcony if my body or brain dies first I will do the same for you.
Do not worry about that flag in my hand it is just the southern cross.

At the risk of generalising (and I always do) I think the title of "PLANKERS" rhymes really well with what they really are (mostly anyway).

Radar,
This new mindless fad is about the clearest display of the idiocy of the masses. I still can't fathom how this utter stupidity gets so readily embraced. Is our society actually already beyond repair ? Mindless sports, mindless music, mindless movies, mindless advertising etc.
Spoke with a child carer this morning & she told me some of the things that are now literally an offence such as calling an animal black, or using a red highlighter because it could traumatise (??) a child, or drawing the easter bunny, the list goes on. I think our society has lost the plot. Planking is so stupid that not even a lunatic asylum would take them on.

Too right Belly, the way it's going around here these days, we are going to have to look after each other directly, & stop asking government to do everything for us.

Planking is a bit weird,in my view, but is my view right.
Well no, see if they want to do it let them, but now Individual is really getting hot under the collar here,and almost in every post.
Is there some thing about old age that brings us to condemn every thing those younger than us do.
Every change we do not like, hope not,I like just about every thing about todays people.
Kids are no longer to be seen but not heard cuddles and love come their way not get out the back shouts.
If planking has become a sign we are all mad then a quick re read of this thread will prove we always have been.
Ever swing way out and jump from a rope in to the creek wondering if you would hit bottom Indy?
Get on a horse you did not trust,race your billy cart down a hill just a bit too steep?
Put them all in the army is that going to make you happy, just see the Sgt M planking on parade

Belly,
I don't know about you but I see a huge difference between doing something risky then just simply following some new fad.
The difference being, a risk is something one assesses or has no time to ponder about. A fad is mindless copycatting-where the individual does no thinking, merely following like a sheep.
My thoughts wander back to Jimmy Jones every time I hear about mass following.
Maybe we should show these morons even more dangerous ways, it would certainly free up a lot of Hospital beds & boost Undertakers' business.

Quite frankly, planking is by far the most moronic hill-billy activity ever invented- designed for people who are so dumb that they somehow believe that lying down requires 'skill'.

So if by some bizarre reason people somehow actually kill themselves by doing it- good news for everyone else- it will most likely mean one less future drag-racer in the world that will run somebody innocent over.

What's interesting is that because these days I'm not watching the news and haven't clicked on planking stories online, I didn't actually know what it was until I asked a friend the other day.

I must say, I was a tad underwhelmed by his explanation...I expected something far more intriguing.

But, there you go, sometimes humanity acts smart and sometimes it acts dumb.....strange how the dumb stuff spreads like wildfire, especially when the media gets involved.

Aw come on Poirot, don't you see a little Monty Python being channelled here? It is hardly in the class of the Fish Dance or the Ministry of Silly Walks but it is hard to deny an appreciation of the absurd is a factor.

Perhaps it is just a product of Australian culture mixed with modern social networking. Throw in a bit of twisted British humour, a dose of Aussie larrikanism and Facebook, and you get something like planking. I think we should be proud of it.

When you are sitting in a doorless, misfiring Censna aircraft with you legs dangling over 3,000 ft of empty space, a tired old ex-army T10 parachute strapped to your back, an instructor staring at you with eyes blood red and maniacal from the previous night's dope session, a plane load of your mates who had talked each other into thinking this was a great idea now looking like sheep in a slaughter pen, one is forgiven for thinking just how dumb one has to be to find ones self in such a situation.

But that is not the most worrying part. It is having a beer with the same guy that night and being told that they have never been busier since they lost two into the golf course with chutes unopened earlier in the year. The publicity had been great for turnover because all the idiots who got turned on by danger were knocking their door down.

You have a quick laugh before you realize he is talking about you and your friends. Yet you go back for more.

Stupidity without the absurd is a little sad.

Before I was even a twinkle in my parents' eyes, my dad was in the Air Force - much irony given he suffered from vertigo and fear of heights (yes, there is a difference). Therefore, he took the opportunity to do a parachute jump. Not anything he repeated - but he never, ever regretted it.

Csteele

I am imagining a similar red-eyed scenario for my father that you described.

So he survived that Darwin test and went on to produce children who also like a bit of adrenalin. We're all still alive and passing on our genes, which hopefully includes a sense of humour.

Finding the bah, humbug response to Planking more than a little dismal.

Yes people have done dumb things, they always will and hopefully before they pass on their genes.

Ammonite and csteele,

I take your point...and I think my age is showing....coz I just remembered that when I was twelve I climbed almost to the top of a Norfolk Island Pine and was mesmerized by the view over the beach at Cottesloe....it's an abiding memory and I'm glad I did it, and all the other crazy things I dared myself to do. I've often thought, however, that if either of my kids had done that I would have freaked!

Dear Poirot

Your children already have done things that would turn your hair white.

BTW the young man who plummeted to his death in Australia recently:

He was drunk AND the rail upon which he tried to balance stretched on his back was curved instead of flat. I am sorry for his parents, however, kids will continue to be kids and I am grateful for my survival - I had more than good reflexives, luck had to play a part.

The worse damage I have done to myself was not falling off a motorbike but in the 'safety' of my own home racing to answer the phone and slamming my head on the corner of a coffee table. The result was concussion, stitches, nose re-setting and a faint scar which looks like a frown line but isn't. Parts of my scalp are still numb after 2 years since my altercation with coffee table and wooden floors.

All that ever happened to me on the few occasions I dropped my motorbike were grazes and bruising.

There are some huge fundamental differences between utter stupidity, accident, clumsiness & a mentality akin of a pile of dog crap. By all means let them do what they think they have to do but don't access & use my tax dollar to provide them with much needed medical help by taking away from the genuine deserving. has anyone ever bothered to check how much resource is wasted on idiots taking stupid risks ? A worker who gets hurt has to wait in favour of those morons. Wake up Australia !

Planking just bugs me because I find it dopey but I remember when we had that convo about Jessica Watson and should she be allowed to go. I wanted her to and a couple of others like Fractelle were cheering her on but from memory many more here just weren’t keen on the idea at all.

Thank goodness it went well or wouldn't our faces have been red. :)

Dear Individual,

I guarantee you there will be far more injuries and possible deaths from those playing local footy this weekend than from the many who may plank. Are you happy having your tax dollars spent there?

What seems to grate on some people is that no one is making a quid from planking so it can't derive legitimacy from that direction. Nor does it have community acceptance like for example motocross. Nor is a past time of the more well heeled like downhill skiing which claims its fair share of lives each year.

Tell me you are happy to see us ban the above and I might have a little more sympathy for your tax dollar.

Tell me you are happy to see us ban the above and I might have a little more sympathy for your tax dollar.
csteele,
If you knew about my attitude towards idiot activity, sorry I meant football, you wouldn't even ask. Anyhow, you'll find that most activities like football, skiing, scuba diving, mountaineering, handling snakes etc are such that they make a contribution by way of memberships, insurance cover & so on. I very much doubt that some moron lying flat on a rail has taken out insurance for that.
I still chuckle when I remember a ball in aid of the RFDS in a remote community. $1600,- was raised all up. Then, later that evening a bloke in a rage of jealousy deliberately shot himself in the foot. The RFDS later made it known that this incident cost $1600,-.
I don't want to ban all activities, I want people to become more responsible about what they do. Same goes for Public Servants & the Judiciary. Why do our Governments fork out millions to save some wealthy adventurer but won't give a cent to an unlucky accident victim worker. I'd say it's all to do with the progressive stupidity we're experiencing lately

I sat in one of those waiting rooms a long time ago individual.
Still in my footy jumper ribs broken.
2 more footy jumpers,different code but company on my wait.
3 surfers two stung one hit by his board.
And a few kids , we waited even then long before hospitals became famous for it.
Did not see one not accidentally hurt in that room.
The adults all appeared to be tax payers.
You seem to rage at shadows, events that may not ever happen.
I know of one death one injury and three idiot acts with police cars.
Planking while not for me,would be hard pressed to beat any Saturday night in any city.

Belly,
you're missing the point which is stupidity vs sense. Forking out taxpayers' money for people who can afford to pay just happens to be part of stupidity.

Did not see one not accidentally hurt in that room.
Belly,
accidental in a football game ?

You seem to rage at shadows, events that may not ever happen.
How many incidents caused by stupidity do you need before accepting the fact that much needed funding is wasted by such morons ?

Show me how Friend you know it was tax payers who paid.
Tell me on what basis do you judge those playing a sport or indulging in one, are fools.
A hospital can be instructive, the next patient in the door could be any one.
Woman slipped while knitting and cut her hand, is she an idiot.
I think we have derailed the thread, maybe bought it to its end.
The subject was of interest, I have been very much reminded that I live in a glass house,have done much worse.
Still not fully understanding why it is done, but willing to bet it is about being included, part of something, not thrill seeking.
What ever it is it is totally in line with human nature maybe not wise but not rare.

Belly,
cheers for that but unfortunately, you just don't get it.