Internet fad ‘planking’ claims first victim

Idiocy takes many forms. Unfortunately, some of them are fatal.

"Stupid is as stupid does." - Forrest Gump

Take “planking,” for instance. The alleged Facebook-fueled fad, which involves having a picture taken of a daredevil lying rigidly prostrate and in an unusual location, has been blamed for the death of a young Australian man.

ABC News is reporting the death of Acton Beale, 20, who died after plummeting from a high-rise balcony.

Police say he was trying to “plank” on the balcony railing and lost his balance.

“[It] really just shows that these fads that people are coming up with really can have tragic consequences if they are not careful,” a police spokesman in Brisbane said.

Whatever happened to surfing? If you’re going to risk your life, at least do it on a beautiful beach with bikini-clad women nearby.

Police are not thrilled with the silliness, and I can understand why. Last week, Queensland Police charged a 20-year-old after he was spotted planking on a police car roof.

I wouldn’t try that in our neck of the woods.

Depending on your appetite for such things, prepare to be board/bored stiff.

One Facebook planking group has 127,000 fans, and the Australia group has announced May 25 as the inaugural annual Planking Day.

Choose your hobbies wisely people. Especially the dangerous ones.