Think of the small group of people you have ended up running into and spending time with over the course of your life. Some may be friends, others not. A big part of Vonnegut's Karass concept revolves around coincidence evolving beyond apophenia, into the realm of the mystical.
The author suggests a divine plan behind the interactions of those within a karass, but adds it is unlikely that it's purpose will ever be revealed. I suspect it is, like the universe itself, recursive in function.
In summary, to begin to understand one's karass and those who are entwined within it, simply look for a common denominator between all those you have spent substantial time with, by choice or otherwise. The collective experiences garnered through these contacts both become and determine one's karass.
The author suggests a divine plan behind the interactions of those within a karass, but adds it is unlikely that it's purpose will ever be revealed. I suspect it is, like the universe itself, recursive in function.
In summary, to begin to understand one's karass and those who are entwined within it, simply look for a common denominator between all those you have spent substantial time with, by choice or otherwise. The collective experiences garnered through these contacts both become and determine one's karass.
I have a friend who I went through 6 years of elementary school with and then Jr. High. We were friends, but from different neighborhoods so not especially close. I quit high school, and after we only maintained sporadic contact. Several years later we both ended up as belated Freshman at the same university in Florida.
Through mutual friends we kept in touch for 5 or so years after college, then were disconnected again when I moved to California. A few months ago we found each other once again in the metaverse, and I just sent him an email today explaining karass, and how I always saw us as part of one. Disappointed after looking into what was available via Google, I ended up here posting this definition. Karass?
Through mutual friends we kept in touch for 5 or so years after college, then were disconnected again when I moved to California. A few months ago we found each other once again in the metaverse, and I just sent him an email today explaining karass, and how I always saw us as part of one. Disappointed after looking into what was available via Google, I ended up here posting this definition. Karass?
by Recursive Prophet October 30, 2007
Get the karass mug.When there are so many patients waiting in the emergency department for their lab tests and xrays that the internal processes of the ER get backed up and the waiting room gets impacted with patients.
Doctor 1: Why is the waiting room of the ER so crowded?
Doctor 2: All the bays and rooms have patients waiting for their CT scan results. The radiology department is overwhelmed.
Doctor 1: Wow....sounds like another case of KAHNstipation.
Doctor 2: All the bays and rooms have patients waiting for their CT scan results. The radiology department is overwhelmed.
Doctor 1: Wow....sounds like another case of KAHNstipation.
by BostonDoctor January 8, 2012
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A meaningless, absurd, unfathomable ER consult.
When a very busy physician is asked to see a patient in the ER and it's not clear to that physician why in hell they're being asked to do this. Either the diagnosis is obvious, or the presumed diagnosis is so remote and so out there, that it's likely that all tests and CT scans will obviously be negative.
When a very busy physician is asked to see a patient in the ER and it's not clear to that physician why in hell they're being asked to do this. Either the diagnosis is obvious, or the presumed diagnosis is so remote and so out there, that it's likely that all tests and CT scans will obviously be negative.
Doctor 1: Hey...where've you been for the past 2 hours?
Doctor 2: I've been in the ER!
Doctor 1: Why so long? I thought you only had 1 patient to see.
Doctor 2: I did initially, but then when I got down there I got 4 more KAHNsults.
Doctor 2: I've been in the ER!
Doctor 1: Why so long? I thought you only had 1 patient to see.
Doctor 2: I did initially, but then when I got down there I got 4 more KAHNsults.
by Boston Doctor January 8, 2012
Get the KAHNsult mug.Standing outside your friend's bedroom door and diverting his family members away whilst he is banging his girlfriend.
Hey, man. I'm gonna fuck my bitch tonight, but my folks are around. Could you give me a Kansas city coast guard?
by niccorator December 30, 2013
Get the Kansas City Coast Guard mug.Guy: She jerked me off while she drove during our road trip and I busted a huge nut all over her hand!
Guy 2: Dude Kansas handjobs are the best!
Guy 2: Dude Kansas handjobs are the best!
by Dookieshoes August 23, 2016
Get the Kansas Handjob mug.1. a term derived from a true story based on the first two owners of automobiles in the state of Kansas (one in Kansas City, the other on the far western prairie ) who drove across state only to crash head long into each other despite a relative plethora of roads and open spaces.
2. a person who will sit or stand right next to you or crowd you when there is practically no one else in the movie theater, on an empty four way street corner, or any other situation where there is plenty of room to maneuver but said person behaves as if in a crowded elevator or phone booth.
2. a person who will sit or stand right next to you or crowd you when there is practically no one else in the movie theater, on an empty four way street corner, or any other situation where there is plenty of room to maneuver but said person behaves as if in a crowded elevator or phone booth.
Man, I hate going to the movies at the theater uptown - nothing but kansas drivers. And they're everywhere on the street corners in that area, too !
by Virgin Suicides June 3, 2017
Get the kansas driver mug.Weather that changes quickly and dramatically from a time span of 2 days to 5 minutes. Typically happens in winter, but can happen in multiple seasons.
Jenni: I had to get sunscreen AND a winter coat in the same day!
Mick: Yeah, what's up with this Kansas weather?!?
Mick: Yeah, what's up with this Kansas weather?!?
by Heather L July 22, 2008
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