I'm not sure if this has ever made the 'thread headliners', but I just have to express my new love for the bubble tea straws. I'm not a big wooden dowel fan... I needed something easier! I had seen the straw technique on Ace of Cakes, so I decided to order some. BEST MONEY SPENT! Just a simple clip of the scissors and presto! YOU GOTTA LOVE SIMPLICITY (and it's easier on the wallet too)!!! 
Not sure how much weight they support but the staws are just a 'fat' straw used to drink bubble tea (aka, pearl tea, etc...). The staw is wider because tapioca balls, etc... are in the drink. You can see the staws here:
http://www.bubbletea.ca/bbt_products/accessories.html
Might be hard to find at the grocery, but a coffee shop may have some you can try (this tea is starting to become more popular in the US).
RMBIAS1, I just finished stacking my cakes last night and so far so good. I have a 3 tiered cake and, thanks to these beauties, my cake doesn't lean! I ordered mine from amazon.com. I'll post a pic of my cake as soon as I finish all of the details. I would suggest buying a pack and at least trying it. I'm happy with the results so far. 
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