Holy Cow! Is That a LHC I See?

As some of you may know, today saw the first successful attempt to circulate a particle beam through the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Built by Europe's CERN particle-physics lab, the LHC is underground and straddles the border between France and Switzerland. It is an undertaking of immense proportions and import. Or, so physicists everywhere tell us. Not everyone agrees, however. There are doomsday theories and suggestions that it is a wild and very expensive goose chase that is not worth the effort. The airwaves are full of stories about it, but here are a few looks from different perspectives that you might enjoy.

First, a series of articles running on MSNBC. Here you will get a layman’s explanation of the project and positions of its supporters and detractors. Make sure you take the time to watch the slide show and HD vid. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24525554/

Next, a rather humorous and educational bit of rap. I’m a jazz and blues guy, myself, but this rap has the triple advantage of being A, scientifically correct (they hope); B, written and performed by workers at the site; and C, funny. It’s been a huge hit on YouTube. Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j50ZssEojtM

And lastly, for those who want “just the facts, Ma’am,” I suggest you wiki on over to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_Hadron_Collider

Personally, I’m just glad I don’t have responsibility for their safety program or utility budget!