It's that interplay between observer and observed that makes all the difference.
He recognized a text of Isaiah and observed that it differed slightly from the Masoretic text.
"I picked up the globe and observed that it was damaged but fully intact.
The nation had accepted the largest burden of refugees -- and observed that international concern for their welfare had withered.
He put his pinkie in the hole and observed that a flap of canvas had been pushed back.
But then he noticed that the first-floor balcony was sagging, and observed that at least he had held up better than his former home.
Kmiec thought the response heavy-handed, and observed that if this was an example of Republican religious outreach, then John McCain's campaign was in trouble.
They looked about them and observed that politicians are, like most men, weak and corrupt, much given to hypocrisy and peculation.
He watched the replay and observed that Barber had at least been fortunate enough to see Considine coming, and had clasped the ball with two hands before impact.
Studebaker described Kyle as "all man," and observed that "there was a large part of him that he didn't reveal of himself".
But on our last morning he sat back after breakfast and observed that – the sofa notwithstanding – it was hard to fault our break.
