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}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {for values of}{N}]