Shutdowns are important for better restarting (and also fixing stuff in the detectors :)
I wrote as well a couple of posts on the gravitational wave stuff at that time (maybe in a slightly different way from what could be found elsewhere), In any case, don't hesitate to come to me if you need names for LHC stuff. I would be more than happy to redirect you to the proper places ;)
The SSC is indeed a sad story. All of this for a few airplanes... :(
That sounds great. I will definitely come to you for LHC info and names! :)
Astrophysics and cosmology works too, by the way ;)