Tuesday 12 August 2014

'Elementary,' said he.


Do you know what's going on up there?



It is my business to know what other people don't know.

 Let's take a closer look.
That allotment never used to be there did it?

You see but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.

You know my method. It is founded on the observation of trifles.

Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?

That shed has only three walls and there's a ruddy big white plastic sheet on the grass.


And a lot of tripoddy things standing about.
I think this is a film set.

It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.
Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories,
instead of theories to suit facts.


And look! A funny bit of wall with dead potted plants round it.

Data! Data! Data!. . . I can't make bricks without clay!


Well someone's made a stone wall without stones,


This one's made of polystyrene.

There is nothing like first hand evidence.
but also
There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.

I bet this is where they are filming 'Mr Holmes' with Sir Ian McKellen.

Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person.

I confess that I have been as blind as a mole,
but it is better to learn wisdom late than never to learn it all.*


* All quotes from Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.






9 comments:

  1. A great marriage of fact and fiction.

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  2. "Elementary, my dear Watson."

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  3. Lucille, this is a brilliant post!

    May I tell you that I once observed Sir Ian amongst the other faces in a crowd of young and old folks being enchanted by the balloons passing by during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I do not think that anyone else around me recognized him. Their eyes were focused on airborne inflated cartoon characters.

    xo

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  4. Very enjoyable in every way.

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  5. Definitely want to see this when it comes out ! I'll keep a eye out for the stones ...

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  6. The weather looks to be just beautiful and I will look forward to hearing more when you spot the stars
    Helen

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  7. I shall be watching intently for that wall when I see it, in case it wobbles!

    Fabulous post :)

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