Quirky App Of The Day: Official Planking
by Kathryn Zane
June 17, 2011
I like to stay on top of my internet memes. I don't know why, but it's usually pretty entertaining. It's my extremely distilled version of current events. One such fad that's gaining a lot of attention lately is planking. It's the art of lying down. Yes, that is correct. There's a fad for lying down. Don't knock it before you read about it, though. It can be harder than it sounds.
The Official Planking app shows off some of the greater planking exploits of both young and old players. At first, I didn't take him seriously when developer Morris Ordenes wishes me happy planking and reminded me to plank responsibly. Simple play on words for "drink responsibly," right? Well, not when some teens have taken the game too far. There has been one death reported (he fell off a seven story balcony he was planking on the rail of), and there has been a report of a teen planking on a train rail with an oncoming train. Not the brightest in the bunch, but these are the exceptions.
The game does have rules. Players must lay face-down, legs straight out with toes pointed, and arms at their sides with their fingers pointed down. Players also have to keep a straight face the whole time. Most importantly though, as with everything else on the internet nowadays, pics, or it didn't happen. Official Planking has the option to share your planking experiences with others through its "Plank Yourself" tab.
Really, there are some impressive planks out there. Tree limbs, farm equipment, concert equipment (like speakers), or ATVs. A word to the wise, apparently the police frown up planking on their cars. So, you may want to avoid that. As Morris Ordenes advised, "Have fun, and remember to 'plank' responsibly!"
Official Planking is available at the iTunes store for $0.99[gallery]
