Cool article. But I am getting a little jealous of European science. They are going after more pure research like that to be accomplished with the LHC. I wish I was better at explaining why this sort of this is so critical to do. To many people have the attitude that if private enterprise won't do it, then it isn't worth doing. The technical spin offs from just building the thing are impressive enough. But what free market would think looking for the Higgs boson would be a direct money maker?
I get the same (let private industry do it) arguments over space exploration.
Also, the cancellation of the SSC was one of the larger US science blunders of the 20th cetury IMHO.
BTW, (Check my signup date) :-) 5 years!! Guess I no longer rate as a newbie! LOL!