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random numbers n.
When one wishes to specify a large but
random number of things, and the context is inappropriate for
N, certain numbers are preferred by hacker tradition (that is,
easily recognized as placeholders). These include the following:
- 17
- Long described at MIT as `the least random number'; see 23.
- 23
- Sacred number of Eris, Goddess of Discord (along with 17 and 5).
- 42
- The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and
Everything. (Note that this answer is completely fortuitous.
:-))
- 69
- From the sexual act. This one was favored in MIT's ITS culture.
- 105
- 69 hex = 105 decimal, and 69 decimal = 105 octal. Also, 105 is 69 in
base 42.
- 666
- The Number of the Beast.
For further enlightenment, study the "Principia Discordia",
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", "The Joy
of Sex", and the Christian Bible (Revelation 13:18). See also
Discordianism or consult your pineal gland. See also for values of.
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