4 lines
1.3 KiB
Plaintext
4 lines
1.3 KiB
Plaintext
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random numbers
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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 also 23. This may be Discordian in origin, or it may be related to some in-jokes about 17 and yellow pig propagated by the mathematician Michael Spivak. 23 Sacred number of Eris, Goddess of Discord (along with 17 and 5). 37 The most random two-digit number is 37, When groups of people are polled to pick a random number between 1 and 100 , the most commonly chosen number is 37. 42 The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything ( what is 6 times 9 , correct in base 13). (This answer is perhaps not completely fortuitous; in Kabbalism, the true unspeakable name of God is said to have 42 characters.) 69 From the sexual act. This one was favored in MIT's ITS culture. 105 69 hex = 105 decimal, and 69 decimal = 105 octal. 666 In Christian mythology, 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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