Bad news for the tissue industry

Auburn University fans probably will have to find a new tree to roll soon, because the oak at Toomer's Corner seems to be heading inexorably toward its demise. Among the speculated causes of death, according to The Auburn Plainsman, are encroaching development, a hit from a car, and -- yes -- too much rolling from overeager Auburn backers who take advantage of any opportunity to hurl toilet paper into the branches.

So how did momentous events on the Plains come to be associated with toilet paper in the first place? Wikipedia comes strong with the knowledge: "[T]his tradition is said to have begun when Toomer's Drugs had the only telegraph in the city. During away football games, when employees of the local drug store received news of a win, they would roll the oak trees to signal a win to the public. Traditionally used only as a way to celebrate football victories, in recent years it has become a way to celebrate anything good that happens concerning Auburn."

Well, all right then.