tag archive: neal stephenson

That’s Bulshytt

This may be hard to parse for you layman extramuros types out there, with all of the made up language and history, but I encourage you to peruse the short definition and the second half of the usage note in order to learn about bulshytt and its “uncanny stability and resiliency.”

From Neal Stephenson’s Anathem (p134):

Bulshytt

Short Definition

Bulshytt: Speech (typically but not necessarily commercial or political) that employs euphemism, convenient vagueness, numbing repetition, and other such rhetorical subterfuges to create the impression that something has been said.

Long Entry

Bulshytt: (1) In Fluccish of the late Praxic Age and early Reconstitution, a derogatory term for false speech in general, esp. knowing and deliberate falsehood or obfuscation. (2) In Orth, a more technical and clinical term denoting speech (typically but not necessarily commercial or political) that employs euphemism, convenient vagueness, numbing repetition, and other such rhetorical subterfuges to create the impression that something has been said. (3) According to the Knights of Saunt …

Awaiting Anathem

Coming soon to a bookstore near you: Neal Stephenson’s next book! I’ve been waiting with pleasant anticipation since hearing about it earlier in the year and preordered it from Amazon this month.

It’s not necessary to know anything about it. I’ll be at the front of the line for anything new from Neal, no questions asked. However, I was happy to see that Steven Levy wrote a piece about Stephenson and the book for Wired 16.09:

“Novelist Neal Stephenson Once Again Proves He’s the King of the Worlds”

Excellent article, although I was disappointed to learn he works for patent troll Nathan Myhrvold at Intellectual Ventures. I’m sure he’s working with interesting people on fascinating projects, but still. These guys are trying to own ideas, which is thoroughly distasteful.

(There are also a couple of videos on the book’s Amazon page of Stephenson talking about the book and reading from it.)…

Free Tanks for Everyone! Good Gas Mileage.

Originally published in Free Software Magazine, 6 November 2006.

I’m guessing many FSM readers will recognize the title reference, if like me you’re a fan of Neal Stephenson’s work. If you’re not a fan, then… er… how could you not be?! I’m kidding. I realize tastes differ, but to me, Stephenson is essential geek reading.

His essay, In the Beginning was the Command Line, has been around for several years now. It’s showing some age in areas, but it reads as well today as it did back in 1999. It’s filled with interesting ideas and thoughts about technology and culture, including free software. For example, you don’t have to read very far in to the essay to find a great analogy between operating systems and car dealerships.

Stephenson describes a crossroads with four dealerships. Microsoft is the biggest and sells station wagons. …