[varsigma (OP)]

If you type "fair and balanced" into google's search bar, most of the hits are about the journalistic meaning.

Given the situation in Israel, these two words might be seen in a different context.
All that aside, the more important context is the one I haven't mentioned: statistics.

Statistics is the backbone of scientific discovery (e.g. the Higgs boson, or its signal, in the data).

The simplest heuristic I have is a fair coin, with a balanced 'result' if I randomise it somehow, so I get a distribution of heads and tails. Ok, say I balance the coin on its edge, what does a fair coin have to say about that?

[alancalverd]

"Fair" means giving equal opportunity to both sides.

"Balanced" means giving equal capability to both sides.

The job of a rugby referee is to adjudicate fairness. The job of a rugby coach is to tip the balance in favor of his team. Which is why the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby League have declined to allow ex-men to compete as women: 100 kg plus XY chromosomes will do about 30% more damage than 100  kg plus XX in a fair collision. 

A simplified example in medical statistics: A fair trial is one where we have as far as possible eliminated any presumption of the outcome and assured ourselves that each participant was randomly selected from the pool and received the same information and treatment apart from the drug/placebo that was administered, and that the primary evaluator (did the patient get better or  worse?)  is unaware of any possible bias. A balanced trial is one in which we have enough participants in both arms of the trial that both results and the difference between them are statistically significant to the same level of confidence.   

[Petrochemicals]

Unfortunatley these days with the degredation ( <------!) of the English language, they probably mean the same thing. People seem to say more words than is necesarry to give themselves protection from scrutiny, a sheen of imperviouness. Journalists have to have metaphor diarrhea with the literary grasp of a parrot. Sound bites rule!

[alancalverd]

Statistics is the backbone of scientific discovery

"If you need statistics, you should have done a better experiment" (Eddington).

[Zer0]

To be Fair, is to order two separate pizzas for Tom&Jerry!

Balance is to make Tom's order for a 12 inches one, n Jerry's a 3 inches one.

ps - ofcourse!
Separate toppings.
One with all the fish, other with xtra cheeze,

[varsigma (OP)]

On review of this thread, I've decided I still need to say something about a coin balanced on its edge.

I note carefully (I'm the referee here), that this is the physical meaning of balance, not the statistical result meaning.

If the coin is fair, it will have equal opportunity to fall on a side, say to the left or to the right, should I bang the table it's sitting on, with my fist. I should be able to break the symmetry it has, edge-on to the surface, and measure something guaranteed by the laws of physics (Jim).

[alancalverd]

Not so long ago, a soccer referee forgot his coin so resorted to "rock paper scissors" with the consent of the captains and delight of the crowd, but was severely reprimanded by the Football Association. Much more fun since there is a much bigger chance of the "coin" actually landing on its edge.

[paul cotter]

Hi Alan, with respect to your post #1 on this thread I agree totally with your remarks concerning "ex men". If one is born with xy, one is a man and always will be, regardless of medical interventions. Similarly if one's chromosomes are xx one is female and always will be. If I was to expound such ideas on social media I would be subject to virtual assassination by the hoards of keyboard warriors.

[alancalverd]

Never mind the keyboard warriors. The real problem is politicians who debase the language of science and the process of law by confusing sex (what you are) with gender (how you behave) and allow anyone to change their birth records to fit an outdated assumption of correlation.

If anyone can alter an official record made in good faith by a trained registrar on the recommendation of a doctor or midwife,  what on earth is a "fact"? Why can't I modify my criminal record or delete my driving convictions if they don't consist with my preferred lifestyle?

Yes, mistakes are made, and there are some viable variants on XX/XY, but if in doubt it's no big deal nowadays to investigate and correct a genuine error.

[paul cotter]

I am aware of Klinefelters and other cases involving multiple copies of the sex chromosomes but as you say they are rare occurrences. I am horrified this retrodiction of past events in changing birth certs as demanded by pressure groups.

[Zer0]

On review of this thread, I've decided I still need to say something about a coin balanced on its edge.

Welcome Back!

I note carefully (I'm the referee here), that this is the physical meaning of balance, not the statistical result meaning.
Sure thing

If the coin is fair, it will have equal opportunity to fall on a side, say to the left or to the right, should I bang the table it's sitting on, with my fist. I should be able to break the symmetry it has, edge-on to the surface, and measure something guaranteed by the laws of physics (Jim).

A coin generally has Carvings.

You obviously know w.r.t weight symmetry it might Not be Truly balanced.

What about the Legs of the Table?elevation, inclination, material vibrations etc.

& your Right fist or Left fist?

Too many Variables!

There are Clear & Precise Laws on Driving Safety & Traffic Regulations.
But that don't mean even if i follow them all while goin to work in the mornin, that i'd be coming back home in the evenin.

ps - have you ever come across a coin which has Heads on both ends?

[alancalverd]

I've never encountered a coin with ends!

[Zer0]

& i've Never met one which has an Edge.