Refugees, Immigration and Politics

It will be interesting to see how the current wave of Boat people are handled by the Rudd Government. While most Australians don't want refugees to suffer inhumane treatment, including years spent in detention camps in prison-like conditions, I would argue that most Australians also don't want to have thousands of people landing on our shores no matter how parlous their home conditions.

To those of us migrants who have found jobs and lives in Australia, we are very thankful for the ability to fit in without much trouble. I at least had the advantage of speaking English and a recognised qualification when moving to Australia. Many of my work colleagues are migrants from all over the world. Many also realise the problem of controlling immigration particularly as the flood of migrants fleeing war and poverty again swamps the "first" world's resources.

So it is ironic to see Indonesia as our bulwark against the tide of migrants. I wonder how long we will or can pay to turn the flood into a trickle. Will there be a deterrent effect? Or will the people just keep coming? And the climate change advocates will tell you this is just the start of the problem. If the temperature keeps rising then millions more displaced people will be seeking their little bit of earth to call home. Its just too hard to solve!

Climate Change survey

Yesterday the media was full of the news regarding a new survey by the Lowy Institute regarding the concerns of Australians, particularly the importance of Climate Change. Supposedly we are more concerned about Jobs, the Economy, Terrorism etc.
I'm not surprised that this has happened given the saturation coverage of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC)over the last 9 months. During that time many committed people have done more than ever to change their greenhouse habits and use the various rebates given out by the government.
Leadership is always something that people respond to as well as changes in legislation and carrot-like handouts. There is always a few early adopters, a large number of "wait til it becomes mature technology" types and a long tail of uninterested types. This last eventually wake up and find the earth is not flat and they cannot buy anymore BetaMax videos.Complaining mightily at times!
So long as the various levels of Government keep their eye on the ball and the various environmental lobby groups keep the pressure on here and overseas, then perhaps we might get some positive changes.
After all, we already pay extra costs for Power, Gas and vegies due to the Victorian water crisis. The sky hasn't fallen in although some people are certainly suffering from these costs. Not doing anything will just make it certain we will pay more for the current standard of living.

Prince Philip and the Remote Control

A lovely human interest story today regarding Prince Philip and his TV Remote Control. It seems he needs to get the help of his 10 year old Grandson to work out how things are done otherwise he ends upon the floor, with a torch and magnifying glass.
I know how he feels.
We spent several hours trying to connect the TV, Set-top box, DVD Recorder and Video together one day. Both of us have science degrees and the kids decided they had better stay away just in case of collateral  damage. But eventually all the devices worked. Picture, sound, and recording TV programs - great.
But now we have the remote control problems. One for the set-top box, one for the TV and one for the DVD-Recorder.  MM now has to put his glasses on and check to see which one is in his hand and which buttons to press to find which analog or which Digital station. Not to mention the blank screen with music which happens when he is not looking properly
So I made a diagram to try and explain the whole thing. Nobody uses it: they all call me. Mum, come and fix the TV pleeeeeease!
So much for 3 Degrees and 1 PhD. No diploma of TV Remote Controls for us! Haven't yet got to the grandson stage but I'm sure they will be needed.

Air Conditioning and the "Green" Lifestyle

Finally, after 20 years or more, we are gettng air conditioning installed in our house. Last year we had ceiling fans installed in the main living areas. They received quite a workout in the 40+ degree days in February. The blades whirred mightily and the house managed to stay just under 30 degrees. They worked like a trojan!
Except of course the upstairs bedroom and study areas. In spite of ceiling vents and wide open windows , when the cool change finally came through, the upstairs area was like a furnace for most of the day & nights. And the downstairs bedroom were also too hot for comfortable sleep. With both myself, elderly relations staying through summer and also the teens complaining, its time for some comfort!

So now we have bit the bullet, financially and idealistically. Comfort will now win over ideals of a green, low energy lifestyle. My body and mind need to function in the hot weather and evaporative air conditioning will be just the thing (we hope)
The installers will be labouring under the roof space tomorrow installing the fully featured, winter-sealed, self cleaning ductwork and "engine" of the beast and the roofline will have the square, squat external ducting seen around this area on most houses.
I will monitor our electricity bills carefully this summer to see how much more we use and report back..