Except US students spend significantly more HOURS in school (parents want to use school as a daycare). http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iaZ6R77zq5_ZYc77h178ePWRNJwQD9AVLOCG0

Difference: the "small side odds" were saying that the neutrons would continue a chain reaction with the elements around it, i.e. that the silicon or carbon around it would break apart when struck with a single neutron and two neutrons would be released. They knew which elements did that, and could make the assertion that it would not happen.
With the LHC, they are saying in a way, "Yes, two neutrons will be released when non-intended material is struck, but we're hoping that the chain reaction will peter out in time before enough of them get all caught up in it."
Doesn't seem quite the same.

If I recall correctly, the kid used those 800 votes by using other people's names, and by doing so, removed their ability to vote in the election. So, perhaps not the best way to go about it.