And this is why we can't have nice stories...

[myz_lilith]

I was looking for a Bill Bryson quote for something I'm writing (about driving in strange countries where they do roads the wrong way round.) So far the internet has failed to provide. I did however find this one:

"Tune your television to any channel it doesn't receive and about 1 percent of the dancing static you see is accounted for by this ancient remnant of the Big Bang. The next time you complain that there is nothing on, remember that you can always watch the birth of the universe."
— Bill Bryson (A Short History of Nearly Everything)

(I just realised my TV doesn't show static anymore, just a blank screen with a quiet blue 'this chanel is not available' message. The birth of the universe is now off the air.)

Comments

[strawpig.livejournal.com]

It wasn't getting the viewing figures as most americans didn't believe.
Lots of love
Patrick
XXXX

[http://users.livejournal.com/_pyromancer_/]

ROTFLOL!

[just-linzi.livejournal.com]

Find an old radio and listen to the noise.. :)

[myz-lilith.livejournal.com]

At the minute I'm using the washing machine for white noise, so it's kind of like the birth of the universe, but with an extra spin cycle...

[redjel.livejournal.com]

Excellent!! I love Bill Bryson!!! This isn't about roads, but it is about bears (which is just as good?):

"I scampered into my tent, stabbing myself lightly but hysterically in the thigh as I went, and began a quietly frantic search for spare batteries. If I were a bear, this would be the moment I would choose to lunge."

It is a very funny book (a walk in the woods)... try and look at The Lost Continent or Notes from a big country. Both are about travels in the US, although I think that neither here no there is his funniest.

[myz-lilith.livejournal.com]

Indeed, I do love all of those, and am pretty sure the quote I need is from the Lost Continent, which is definitely around here somewhere but is obviously hiding.

While I was searching, I did find several books I hadn't read on his website (http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/billbryson/books.html) so may have to go on an Amazon spree come payday.

(And I think I still have at least one of your books!)