Articles written by Tom Ontis - Page 3

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About me - Tom Ontis

I am a retired social studies teacher. I attended San Francisco State University, graduating with a Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science in 1976. Subsequently I obtained my teaching credential from Califoria State University, Sacramento in 1989.

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Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology Making your vote count in the 2008 US election: Untangling the two party - third party question: 2 of 4
My vote counts because I vote. I've only missed one presidential election since I was entitled and that was because of an unexpected injury. I've always voted my party line, with the exception of one or two votes where I didn't feel my party had the best candidate. I then voted a 'third party.' True, the two major parties do ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Elections (Other) Do Senators or war heroes make good presidents?: 1 of 2
I know politics and I know history, having taught quite a bit of both in high school. But I have still never made the connection between being in the military and your ability to lead the country as the President of the United States. Perhaps the guy we have in their now could have used some military leadership experience.One... More..
Arts & Humanities > 20th & 21st Century US History American history: The Manhattan Project: 1 of 1
The two atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan in August of 1946 were designed, and tested by a group of world renowned scientists on a mountaintop outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico.The project, which was completed mostly in secret was dubbed the 'Manhattan Project," because initial thoughts of the project came out of the Manh... More..
Entertainment > Movie Genres Best movies about World War II: 1 of 1
I am a movie fan and I am a fan of 'Saving Private Ryan.' I own it and watch it from time to time. It was written by historian Stephen Ambrose that this movie was the most realistic film about World War Two that he had ever scene. He had acted as technical and historical adviser to the film. In his research he had found that ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Trash & Recycling Why recycling works: 8 of 15
Though I am too young to remember, am told that recycling in the US during both wars hit an extraordinary pace because it was considered patriotic. I have read a number of articles on the subject and everything was going toards the war effort, even the bacon grease from your morning breakfast.Fast forward some 60 years to now... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Religion: 37 of 69
While I am not a church-goer, such at it is, I do believe that God created the heavens and the Earth, but at some point at the end of those six very long days, God said, "Mother Nature, I'm tired, it is time for you to take over." She replied that she would do her best to protect what He had created. I do believe that God tal... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ancient History The importance of river valleys to ancient civilizations: 7 of 13
I've taught a little world history and geography during my teaching career. In both classes, I emphasize the importance of water in the history, both physically and culturally in the development of mankind. I often tell them that water really is the lifeblood of mankind.By the time they get to high school, many of the student... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Government & Policies Is the Constitution always right?: 6 of 11
The Constitution is the law of the land, like it or not. I'm certain that at some point, everyone who has looked at it has said "this is wrong." The ultimate arbiter of our Constitution is the Supreme Court, like it or not. The Court sometimes gets it wrong, in my opinion. When the Court ruled in the late 1800's that it was o... More..
Jobs & Careers > Career Path & Goals Advice for soon-to-be college grads looking for work: 5 of 9
Take this bit of advice from someone who knows: If you are waiting until after Memorial Day to seek your first job out of college, you are probably late! I did that over 30 years ago and bounced from job-to-job before I settled into some sort of semi-permanent position. The 'early bird really does catch the worm.' *If you hav... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Cats: 18 of 32
Take two little furballs, one all black, the other a strawberry blond orange and you have our two cats, Lucy, the black one and Daisy. They really belong to my fiancee, but they were part of the deal, I welcomed them with open arms into my abode early last summer. They have become part of my household.Daisy was rescued from a... More..