I completely agree that trying to 'fight' AI is largely a waste of time. Similar reactions happened at every major technological shift in the way we work and learn. In my view, the only sensible approach is to embrace it and use it as a tool to train the next generation so that the kids could become critical and skilled AI users, rather than passive consumers.

Additionally, I once heard or read that the Hadron Collider was shutting down. How true is this? The first person that came to my mind when I heard/read the information was you.

That is partly true. The LHC will indeed shut down next summer, but temporarily. This corresponds to what is known as 'Long Shutdown 3', a planned four-year technical stop during which the accelerator and the detectors will undergo major upgrades. The goal is to prepare the machine for its High-Luminosity phase, which will ultimately increase the amount of recorded data by roughly a factor of ten.

Happy new year to you and our family!