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A SECONDARY SCHOOL in the New Zealand city of Rotorua has denied suggestions that it is acting irresponsibly by organising a ‘planking’ competition.
The principal of Rotorua Intermediate School says the contest – featuring the controversial internet-led phenomenon – was intended to show children that they could engage in the bizarre offline meme without risking their safety.
‘Planking’ is a phenomenon where people lie vertically flat, face down, on top of outdoor furniture such as signposts or fences. It came to worldwide prominence when one Australian 20-year-old, trying to ‘plank’ on a seventh-floor balcony, fell and died from his injuries.
An “official” Planking page on Facebook had been ‘liked’ by around 140,000 people at the time of the Australian tragedy – but that number has now risen to over 334,000 as the habit gains further international attention.
The dangers of the phenomenon have inspired the school to try and adopt it into a formal and safe setting – but has inspired ire among many parents who cannot understand why the school would actively promote the behaviour.
But Garry de Thierry, the school’s principal, has defended the initiative.
“It’s about showing [students] you can take part in a craze, but you can do it safely,” he told the New Zealand Herald. “We’re trying to teach kids they can still have fun without the risk.”
He added: “The kids are really enjoying it.”
Do you think the school-run planking contest is a good idea?
Huw much do you know about David Lynch?
Nothing.
@hans vos: he signed the Polanski petition
@hans vos: 6/10, knew the film questions. What a legend tho, even the stills from his movies (shown in the article) are so richly graded. Class act, guess those Marlboro Reds caught up with him!
“Wild at Heart” , 1990, is definitely in my top 5 favourite movies of all time. I think Nicholas Cage playing ‘sailor’ was just brilliant casting
@Chutes Idiot: Jack Nicholson thought Dafoe was amazing in that
@Gerard Kennelly: Willem Dafoe is amazing …he didn’t seem to agree a day for about 25 years quality character actor
Up for another oscar a few years back
“The world is wild at heart and weird on top.” 9/10, peace out, Mr. Lynch and thanks for all your work!
Not everyone’s cup of tea..and whatever people may think of his films.. nobody did a soundtrack like David Lynch. RIP
Latecomer to Twin peaks but not remotely to Lynch in terms of film. The Twin peaks follow up from 2017 is honestly even better, it’s slicker and so on a different day I might say I prefer the melodrama of the first outing. Its a complete head wreck, in the best possible way. The performance in the 1990 twin peaks by Ray wise is extraordinary – hysterical, camp, thrilling
RIP David lynch !
I loved Dune, it was bat shite crazy but highly entertaining
Mulholland Drive. The most bizarre and frustrating film I have ever watched. RIP David.
@Whispers Sssshhh: I wish more people saw Inland Empire
RIP
8/10. Some great films directed by him and some just went over my head, like Eraserhead
Interesting story in Patrick Steward’s AB about his first meeting with Lynch and a funny encounter with Sting. Both encounters involved with Dune.
@If you’re: Patrick Stewart in a restaurant, elderly man next table, it’s you .. spock from Star wars. Elderly man’s wife aww darling you’ve got it all wrong.. this is sir ben kingsley.
RIP David.
9/10 but only because I read The Telegraph and The Times obits.
What an astonishing career and not just in film.
Lived his life his way. Like Nicholson
Did he drink in the dragon ?
9/10 some were lucky guesses
Lost Highway is one of my favourites
Never heard of him
9/10. Which seems Ruaidhri seeing as he was named after me.
@Dahveed: right not Ruaidhri
They named a tunnel after him in Cork.
I think I saw some of his stuff but I can’t remember much
@offside again: to see his pure talent normal people should watch the straight story (1999)
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