Laurels / Inside CSULB

Jacob Darwin Hamblin, History, has published a book titled Oceanographers and the Cold War: Disciples of Marine Science (Seattle and London: University of Washington Press, 2005).

Mary-Kay Lombino, University Art Museum, is one of the 2005 recipients of a Getty Curatorial Research Fellowship. The grant award of $15,500 will be used by Lombino to take a three-month leave of absence this summer to research an upcoming exhibition of work by California Symbolist/Surrealist painter Dorr Bothwell. According to Deborah Marrow, director of the Getty Foundation, Lombino's selection for this honor "reflects the confidence of the Getty Foundation and its advisory committee in the quality of this project."

Ramses Toma, Family and Consumer Sciences, presented a research paper at the Annual Association of Egyptian American Scholars Conference held in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 28-30, on the Global Water Shortage. Also, he co-chaired a session at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Conference Jan. 2-6, held in Cairo was consulted and visited the Toshka project in upper Egypt (Aswan). In addition, he is the co-author of a research publication titled “Meals Identified as Healthy Choices on Restaurant Menus” published in the Journal of Food Science and Agriculture.

Skyne Uku-Wertimer, Black Studies, presented a paper at the International Studies Association titled "The World Trade Organization Challenges: Democratic Deficit, Limited Accountability and Transparency," at the 46th Annual Convention in Honolulu, March 1-5. The theme of the conference was "Dynamics of World Politics: Capacity, Preferences and Leadership."

Book Review

Measurement Theory in Action: Case Studies and Exercises

Daniel Webster and
the Oratory of Civil Religion

Craig Smith
Film and Electronic Arts
Center for First Amendment Studies

The University of Missouri Press published this examination of New England statesman Daniel Webster. His career is studied from the perspective of his speeches and how they created a civil religion that moved citizens beyond loyalty and civic virtue to romantic patriotism. Smith demonstrates that Webster understood how rhetorical genres function to meet the expectations of the moment and how they could be braided to produce long-lasting and literate discourse. Smith reviews Webster's excellence in ceremonial, forensic and deliberative oratory. “Men died in the Civil War speaking Webster's words,” Smith explained. “The eulogy for Jefferson and Adams in 1826 reinforced the importance of carrying on their legacy.” In his forensic speeches before the U.S. Supreme Court, he influenced decisions such as McCulloch vs. Maryland, that are still fundamental precedents to constitutional law. His deliberative or legislative oratory cemented the Union in its resolve to be inseparable. Smith also examines Webster's opposition to the war with Mexico, a set of speeches long ignored by scholars. “In all three areas of public address, Webster was outstanding,” Smith claimed. This is Smith's 17th book and the fourth in the last four years.