Pedants' Paradise

[french frank]

But getting back to pedantry. The BBC reports that: 'Republicans are expected to have a 53-seat majority in the Senate'. Is that statistically possible? 76-24 would be a 52-seat majority, 77-23 a 54-seat majority.

[LMcD]

But getting back to pedantry. The BBC reports that: 'Republicans are expected to have a 53-seat majority in the Senate'. Is that statistically possible? 76-24 would be a 52-seat majority, 77-23 a 54-seat majority.

The Republicans will have 53 seats - a majority of 6.

[french frank]

The Republicans will have 53 seats - a majority of 6.

Exactly. Not a 53-seat majority.

[oddoneout]

Should this conversation be removed to its own slot? It has rather taken over the pedants' corner and I feel we've moved from pedantry to opinion.

When I first became aware of the keep/give back debate, a long time ago, a major part or the 'keep them here' argument was that Greece did not have suitable accommodation for them, and so their condition was at risk of deterioration if sent back. That is no longer the case, but a continuing difficulty is the circumstances of their acquisition and subsequent removal. I can't help thinking that what went on at that time was possibly quite normal, although might not have had universal approval; there would have been those I imagine that would have made the argument for such items to remain in their intended place, but didn't necessarily have sufficient influence.
Quite apart from the Elgin marbles there is the question of the items acquired on the Grand Tour, and similar excursions, and subsequently displayed in private homes and gardens. How many of those were legally transacted; they may have been bought in good faith but were those selling them doing so legally, or just meeting a demand by whatever means they could? Should those items be returned if it cannot be established beyond reasonable doubt that they were legitimate acquisitions?
I don't have answers, or even a strong opinion. Having worked in a museum for 15 years I would point out though that returning items wouldn't mean being left with empty spaces. There are hundreds of thousands of items that never get seen, let alone displayed, being stuck in vast(and expensive to maintain) stores. Yes, galleries would have to be re-arranged, the themes and nature of what would be on display might well be different - but it wouldn't be empty space. Might there also be significant items that could be considered as belonging to this country that come back as other countries review their collections and their entitlement to them?
In terms of the value of seeing 'the real thing' I think that becomes less and less relevant for the mass public, as virtual experience takes over from reality. Historical sites and artefacts are things to be viewed through a lens(and a forest of arms and phones) and ticked off as a social media FOMO* agenda item. From that perspective does it really matter which country the art is in? The expansion of collections digitisation makes much more material available to public view without having to travel . Those with a genuine interest , or a professional need to see 'in the flesh', will still do so, but those who just want to tick a box might be better served by donning a VR headset and having 'an experience'...

* fear of missing out

[french frank]

Should this conversation [Elgin Marbles] be removed to its own slot? It has rather taken over the pedants' corner and I feel we've moved from pedantry to opinion.

I was trying to move it back to pedantry with 'what is a majority?'. I suspect opinion on the sculptures may have been exhausted, in which case it won't need a new thread. Anyone who wants to continue chewing that particular bone, send me a PM.

[smittims]

Thanks for your views , oddoneout. I've completed my contribution to this debate now. I admit it went off-topic but other posters seemed content.

[oddoneout]

Thanks for your views , oddoneout. I've completed my contribution to this debate now. I admit it went off-topic but other posters seemed content.

I made the mistake of breaking off partway through my reply or I would have realised that FF was trying to move the thread back on track. Like you, I've had my say now and am happy to leave it at that. As I've remarked before though, there are times when the digressions and diversions I find to be as worthwhile as the original topic.

[kernelbogey]

Now playing: Albert Moeschinger - Quntet on Swiss folksongs for wind, Op 53
- Freeview captions

[Old Grumpy]

The captions can be quite amusing - especially on drama programmes where the style of music accompanying the drama is summarised for hard of hearing viewers with a phrase such as Upcheering Music or similar