The LHC will startup again in a week or so. Then several weeks of cautious shakedown, and then operations. The date of first operations depends on how well they can do all the tests, but with any luck, research operations will start in a month or so.

I think it's amazing that we can do this kind of thing. We're getting closer to discovering the truth about the origin of the universe. What an exciting time to be alive!

Ebon, I would have to disagree on the matter of Cathedrals having no tangible benefits.

They do serve as a source of revenue in many places, although, depending on the Cathedral in question, that money may go to the Church coffers, a black-hole if ever there was one.

Here in the Philippines, Cathedrals were often made of solid stone and mason, and formed the core of most of our early towns, which would eventually develop into our major cities.

They were more than just a symbol of Church authority - they were intentionally the sturdiest structure in the towns since they also doubled as defensive fortifications, much like a medieval keep. Whenever Muslims and bandits attempted to attack the town, the defenders and locals would barricade themselves in the church, and either drive off the attackers, or wait until reinforcements from neighboring towns arrived.

Then there is the matter of churches being used a makeshift field hospitals during times of war.

They do have their benefits to society, although not in the original purpose the church intended for them.

The HADRON Collider, on the other hand, is a perfect example of a modern-day architectural wonder that lives up to its intended purpose. I find it interesting you're alluding the collider to cathedrals - if I didn't know any better, that was a tongue-in-cheek reference to 40k's Adeptus Mechanicus :D

All hail the machine gods!

...filled with an ultra-high vacuum...

I know what you mean, but how do you fill something with a vacuum :)