Cardinal Chronicle
BY MICHAEL PEÑA
ELIF BATUMAN, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Comparative Literature, could give grad students who are tied to the Farm just the kick in the pants they need to venture off campus. Batuman braved regular jaunts past San Francisco's "Bail Bond Row" along Bryant Street to study the not-so-sweet science of Thai boxing. She studied strenuously under three-time Muay Thai world champion BUNKERD FAPHIMAL at his gym, Fight and Fitness—as detailed in a long and graceful feature that Batuman wrote for the New Yorker (Jan. 16). Muay Thai also is known as the Science of Eight Limbs, which refers to a fighter's use of his or her feet, fists, elbows and knees. (You might consider addressing the high-kicking freelancer by "Miss" when you first meet her.)
Environmental Health and Safety is once again collecting unused cell phones to benefit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. EH&S initiated the program last spring—with assistance from SUSAN CANN, the Dance Department's office manager—and collected more than 250 phones that were either sold, refurbished or recycled. Campus community members can drop unwanted phones and other small electronic devices in any of the green bins marked "Electronic Device Recycling." Calculators, compact discs, PDAs, pagers and other wireless devices are welcome as well. The program also helps Stanford abide by state laws regarding proper disposal of electronics. Some cell phones will be distributed to women's shelters and passed on to those at risk of domestic violence who may need a lifeline for personal safety. For more information, go to http://electronicwaste.stanford.edu.
Plenty of ethnic eats were served up at the Joint Community Center Open House last Wednesday afternoon. The Native American Cultural Center, the Asian American Activities Center (A3C) and El Centro Chicano showcased their temporary digs at the corner of Santa Teresa Street and Lomita Drive, their home while Old Union undergoes renovation. Frybread, traditional in many Indian tribes, floated in a deep fryer outside, El Centro offered up pupusas, and plenty of pastries were on hand at A3C. But if you couldn't make that party, today is the annual MLK celebration and "Food for the Soul" Big Lunch of Color in Tresidder Union's Oak Lounge. The event begins at noon and is co-hosted by the African American Staff Group and the Black Community Services Center. No RSVP is necessary.