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It seems that we are continuing on from last year. Nico going great guns in the practice. Hamilton and Button are also up there. Michael may not think he is back in the grove yet, but he did look good with a 3rd fastest pace. Not too shabby for an old man :), he's 41.
I had thought Kobayashi had been dropped, but I was misinformed, he's back, and not really surprising after his blistering performance towards the end of 2009. If he doesn't get injured, he is definitely my one to watch. You have to believe that BMW Sauber have at least a mid grid car, so expect Kobayashi to be at worst 13th.
The new teams are finding it more difficult getting started. Lotus are hoping to be competitive in 3 years time. HRT (not a menopause treatment) are still putting the car together, having missed the pre season testing in Spain. Virgin did manage a number of laps, so look to be off the also ran list very quickly.
It's funny that the Williams driving team is rated 3rd in experience when one of them has never raced in F1 before. I am so thrilled that my good friend Rubins is racing still. ( I don't actually know him, but he's such a nice fellow you can't help but want to :) )
Expect to see objections being raised concerning McLaren's bladder controlled aerodynamic element. As a repeat of Brawn's diffuser last year, it comes down to the intent of the regulations. It was intended that the aerodynamics should not change from one part of the circuit to any other. This is clearly not the case with bladder control, which disrupts airflow to the rear wing, or not, depending on the drivers knee position. It is also interesting that after the regulation changes for 1994, after the death of Ayrton Senna, to reduce downforce, the 2010 cars have more than the 1993 versions. That's progress for you.

Hi,
I am a Systems Architect and have been pondering for a year about how to build an auxiliary manufacturing base within the US. Now that the President is addressing this issue I felt it pertinent to submit my 2 cents worth, in the form of a link to my personal web site, where I am developing the idea.
http://davidryman.com/DragonTau.php/2010/03/11/manufacturing-opportunities-in-the-us#more272

It is not possible for one person to develop this idea on there own and would not be done by any company big enough to do it, so the only organization that can do it is the Federal Government. The benefits are enormous.

I, of course, would be willing to contribute with the architecture, math and/or philosophy should I find anyone wanting to develop the project.

Link: http://davidryman.com/writer.php?title=manufacturing-opportunities-in-the-us&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#more272

Workforce
The workforce at a manufacturing plant are generally paid minimum wage. I would envision two distinct groups of workers, the experienced and the trainees. The Trainees would likely be those that have recently left the education system. They will be able to get some productive experience before moving on to better paid 'traditional' businesses. The Experienced workers would likely be retired, part-time people seeking additional income to bolster their retirement funds. They would also include workers between jobs, who have some valuable experience under their belts. There would probably be a third group, those that cannot find better paying jobs and remain within the system for life. Still it would be better than claiming Social Security.
It is not the intent of this manufacturing base to make anything complex, so the workers do not have to be highly skilled, although there are no boundaries.

There are many reasons for the decline in manufacturing in the US.
Restrictive trading practices in other countries.
Cheaper products made overseas.
Tax breaks for outsourcing.

To start a new business requires more than an idea. You need premises, a work force, administrative staff, material supplies, sales outlets, and all this requires money. The process is overwhelming to all but a few dedicated individuals, and there is no guarantee of success, the majority of small businesses fail within the first 2 years.

It does not have to be that way, if we all get together and "Do what we do best".

We all have the 'great idea' that would make a fortune if only....If only we had someone we could trust to take it and run with it. Well why not.

Set up an 'Ideas development shop', where anyone can go to develop their ideas. Given encouragement most people would pursue there ideas given that they might make some money from it.

OK we have the IDS (Ideas Development Shop) and it has 100s of product ideas filed away. Now what.

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Traditional English dish, a ground beef version of Shepard's pie, which is made with Lamb.

Ingredient:
Serves 2.

• 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion - diced
• 1 medium carrot - diced
• 1 leek - sliced
• Extra Virgin Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Tarragon
• 1 lb potatoes
• 3 cloves Garlic

Preparation:
Dice Carrots and Onion.
Cut and Leak into slices 1/8 inches thick.
Slice or crush Garlic

Instructions:
Cook Potatoes as per usual to make mashed potatoes.
In large skillet over medium heat, sauté leaks, onion and carrot, turning frequently.
Add Garlic and pepper.
Stir fry, continually turning ingredients over heat until cooked.
Add Ground Beef, breaking up into small pieces and mix well.
When beef is no longer pink, add mixed gravy mix, and heat for a minute or two.
Pour contents into casserole dish.

Mash the cooked potatoes and layer on to of beef mixture.
Top with low cholesterol cheese (optional), paprika and pepper.
Preheat oven to 350 and cook for 30-40 minutes.