Oshi-dashi'd message

[Basten <cbasten@statgen.ncsu.edu>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 07:36:18 -0500
Subject: Re: Sumo news aspect
From: "J. Douglas" <jdouglas@nyc.rr.com>
CC: <sumo@sun01pt2-1523.statgen.ncsu.edu>
Message-ID: <B88BD372.235E%jdouglas@nyc.rr.com>
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    While I find the statistical elements of sumo publications fascinating
and stimulating <<<<yawn>>>>>  there are other aspects of examining sumodo
that further intrigue me.  Perhaps it is an X-Y thing....oops does that get
hyphenated?....  or just call me a yenta,  but I want DIRT on the rikishi.

    I subscribe to NHK Sumo magazine and Ozumo magazine and I do so only for
the great pictures.  Sometimes they are just intense action shots on the
Doyho,  but other times there are pictures showing the rikishi in the
mundane moments of their lives:  having their hair shampooed by their
tsukebito, or having fun with eachother pulling the mage of the guy in front
of them in a classroom.  What are they studying?

    There are articles about individual rikishi, often with pictures of a
girl (or woman).  Who are these women?  Are they in love?  Did they win a
contest?  "Win a day with Asashoryu".    What is Asanowaka's favorite color?
Who is subject to mood swings?  Who is the crankiest Okamisan?  Which
Okamisan spoils the rikishi?

 Proposed articles:  "The New Chanko Weight Loss Diet", and so on. I can't
get enough  of that minutiae. I do love the stats, and I design databases,
but I want MORE.

     One of my favorite Sumo moments was the wonderful anecdote told to us
by Katrina regarding a conversation she had with Asashoryu.  Using her usual
intelligent and thoughtful nature she attempted to compliment him in his
native language,  but wound up unknowingly using an idiom that he found
insulting.  While very upsetting for her at the time and until she quickly
resolved it,  it was truly a precious piece of Sumo lore.

Happy New Year to all -

Jude Douglas
Huzayomama