ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi Honors the Toomer’s Oaks
Prior to the final rolling of the Toomer's Oaks, ESPN told TWER that they would cover the event. A few weeks later, following a certain bombshell that ended up being only a shell, ESPN told TWER they would not be covering the event themselves. They claimed that other stuff had come up. Sure. They just didn't want their trucks flipped and set ablaze.
However, even though the "Worldwide Leader" wasn't in town, their own Tom Rinaldi, the guy that makes you cry on Saturday mornings in the fall, did put together this nice little piece on the history and tradition of the Oaks.
The First Tree-Less Morning at Toomer’s Corner
The sun rose this morning. The trees were not there. Nothing but mulch covered the two stumps that were once the feet of the famed oaks that held so many good memories.
If we can learn one thing from this photo from the illustrious @wardamnphil is that the days will go on. The games will go on. We must move on.
Richard Simmons Wants to Save Auburn Aviation
You may not know that Auburn's Aviation Program is the oldest continuously operated program in the nation (1941). You may not know that the Aviation Management Program at Auburn is the State of Alabama’s only 4 year degree program in aviation. You also may not know that the program is in danger. For multiple reasons, it's possible that the program will lose accreditation by next Spring. This can be changed, and you can help at FlyAuburn.com.
The aviation world is full of many Auburn graduates that give the program a good name. So good that a certain famous, poofy-haired, smooth-legged, short-shorted aerobics instructor decided to throw his hat into the ring for support. I'm, of course, talking about Richard Simmons. Yes, THAT Richard Simmons.
The End of an Era, The Toomer’s Trees are Gone
Workers began removing limbs this morning around 7:30 am. After 2-3 hours, the smaller limbs were gone. An hour later, the tree on College Street was nothing but a trunk. Shortly after, it was laid on the ground. The Magnolia Avenue tree then became a bare trunk before meeting the ground the same as its counterpart.
The College Street tree was then carefully placed into a truck, with the Magnolia Avenue tree following shortly after. After almost six hours, the trees were gone. The trees are gone.
Drone Captures Aerial Video of Final Toomer’s Rolling
Did you see that drone flying above downtown Auburn this past Saturday as the Toomer's Oaks got one last rolling? I didn't, but many people did. It was manned by a guy named Jake Evans, who attached his GoPro Hero3 camera to his DJi Phantom Quadcopter. The drone got up to 1000 feet high and got some of the best footage I've seen yet. I'm sure you've seen a few aerial shots, but his offers a truly overhead view of the festivities.
He gathered all of the footage, edited it, and added a little music, to create this video. It is sure to have you chillbumping in seconds.
That Auburn Country Music Video Played at A-Day
This Auburn-themed song is called "Great to Be" by aspiring country singer, Donica Knight. It was played before and after the 2013 A-Day game this past Saturday. I've heard a mixture of reactions, but many have asked where they could find it. I will not offer my opinion because I'm a nice guy, but I actually already did.
Supposedly it was an independent venture, done outside the money and marketing of Auburn. If you want to buy this song, you can do so here. What are your thoughts?
Watch the Entire 2013 Auburn A-Day Game
I had no less than 100 people ask me if the A-Day game would be televised this year. It was tape delayed by CSS, and here it is, in it's entirety. I'm not sure how long it will be up, but watch it now. If you can stay awake through the 2nd half, or tell me which color gets points on each touchdown, you win something.
A Few Hurry Up, No Huddle Thoughts on A-Day 2013
A-Day 2013 (watch the entire game here) was one of the busiest, craziest, and most fun days of my life. It started early. @BabyBlogle wanted to partake in the "jump jump" at FanFest over at the football practice fields. I wanted to partake in walking on that grass and pretending like I was Cam Newton running a 32 belly option on two, on two. We both got what we wanted.
From there we walked all over campus, stopping by tailgates, and everything else you can do on a gameday. It was weird not having our own tailgate, but A-Day is about doing it all. And we did.
After getting some food, it was time to go in. Due to a new ticket scanning system, and way more people than Auburn had ever expected, the lines were ridiculous. Therefore, I missed the first few plays. I can't remember the last time that's happened. Probably never. But it was just A-Day.
I was walking up the ramp when the first touchdown was scored. "We already scored?" I said. Turns out it was a defensive score because of a bad snap, but who cares? We need points. Did you see last year?



