I couldn't make it out, but one of the Lost junkies that works with me said he saw an interview with the producers or director (I don't recall which) and

[spoiler:7f2348db7e]it was stated that the stick is a big clue, and plays a major part in discovering answers.[/spoiler:7f2348db7e]

__________________
::huggles::
tarlah

"Sometimes in life, you've just gotta say, "What the ****?'"
Risky Business, 1984