March 26, 2006 – 3:22 pm

Well, to be honest… it was negligible. All I really noticed was that the trams were a lot more packed and many many more people got off at the sporting arenas, for whatever reason. Oh, and the cost of a hostel went up $5 a night. If I sound somehow unimpressed by the greatest global sporting event next to the Olympics, it’s cause I am.

C’mon. I mean, America left that whole “commonwealth” idea behind a looong time ago. It’s worked out pretty good for us. Before I came here I’d never even heard of the thing. Can you blame me? I saw the weightlifting on television. Tonga got third place. No offense, Tonga, but who’s rooting for you, besides you? What vested interest does anyone have… in a random Tongan weightlifter?

One of the reasons I came to Melbourne is that I was told they were having this great international sporting event. There were supposedly lots of jobs to be had. Got here… no such luck. And I got the sales job instead. Which is for the best, really, because now they’re over as well as they’re jobs. I’ve noticed because I can ride public transit normally again.

Although I have to say… the glowing fishes in the river was a really nice touch, Melbourne. People really liked it. Giving each of them a plaque detailing their nation of origin was… silly. Well, you gotta legitamize 100-odd giant floating fishes somehow, right?