owlIf you've seen people around town perched on railings, or walls, or street lights, don't worry, they're not going to hurt you. While they may be bat shit crazy (or should I say "owl pellet crazy"), they're just having a little good clean fun with the new Facebook photo trend called "owling." It's like "planking" but ... not.

Did a lot of those words just confuse you? I know. The things kids do these days are really baffling. If you wanna look hip to your kids or just kinda want to understand some of your friends' late night texts (me), then let's journey down the "planking" and "owling" lane together and figure this alllll out together.

Planking is what kicked this whole thing off. Apparently, to plank, or be a planker, you simply lie down face first in any place you'd like, have someone take your photo, then upload it to the planking Facebook page. Sound stupid? It is! But it's also kind of funny? And made me laugh? Not sure why ... but I got a chuckle. Pretty simple rules, pretty funny photos, pretty good times.

planking
Example of planking.Now owling is a derivative of planking. But instead of lying face down on the ground, you perch like an owl in random spots and then you know the rest ... take photo and upload to the owling Facebook page. Owling requires some skill, and some serious hip flexibility. I tried and I failed and I ripped my shorts. True.

owling
Example of owling.

Some of the photos are great -- I like that people are really getting into it with their wide eyes and straight necks. I'm not impressed when people owl on the floor (cheating!), but I really appreciate when they're on the banisters and the ilk. I know, I know, it's dangerous. But I'm assuming they have spotters.

So if you're bored and looking for a little amusement, try out the latest Facebook craze and owl. Just don't eat and then throw up mice. That's gross.

What do you think of owling?


Photos from top to bottom via US Fish and Wildlife Service/Flickr, sunshinecity/Flickr, business of the liver failure/Flickr