Author Archives: billmanzi

Sidewalk Labs and the Smart City That Never Was

The recent backlash against automated municipal cameras offers a useful reminder about technology and government. The cameras may have legitimate public-safety uses, but many residents did not learn the extent of their capabilities, the information being retained, or the reach … Continue reading

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A Look at “He Has the People: Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1860” by Jonathan Earle.

He Has the People: Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1860 by Jonathan Earle My rating: 4 of 5 stars There are few American presidents about whom more has been written than Abraham Lincoln, which raises an obvious question whenever … Continue reading

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A Look at Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan

Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman My rating: 4 of 5 stars Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, was not a book I could resist. … Continue reading

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A Look at “Blood and Ruins: The Great Imperial War” by Richard Overy

Blood and Ruins: The Great Imperial War, 1931-1945 by Richard Overy My rating: 4 of 5 stars As I was preparing a blog post on Hitler’s decision to invade the Soviet Union (still unfinished) someone said to me why don’t … Continue reading

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A Look at Patton: A Genius for War by Carlo D’Este

Patton: A Genius for War by Carlo D’Este My rating: 5 of 5 stars I came across this book after seeing a recommendation in the Wall Street Journal that called it, by memory, the best book on Patton. Seemed obvious … Continue reading

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A D-Day Remembrance

D-Day: The Longest Day That Changed the World On June 6, 1944, Allied forces crossed the English Channel and launched the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation, forever known as D-Day, opened the long-awaited Western Front against Nazi … Continue reading

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Tony Blair on the Problems of Labour: Lessons for Democrats?

Tony Blair has written a sharp warning to Britain’s Labour Party, but much of it could be mailed directly to the American Democratic Party. His central point is simple: a party cannot win the future by retreating into the comfort … Continue reading

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The Battle of Iwo Jima

Memorial Day Remembrance As Americans pause on Memorial Day to remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation, few battles better symbolize sacrifice, determination, and battlefield courage than the Battle of Iwo Jima. I have read the … Continue reading

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Seabrook Memorial Day Celebration 2026

Seabrook held its Memorial Day Celebration on Sunday May 24, 2026 in some light drizzle but the ceremony and Parade went flawlessly. A big thank you to Recreation Director Cassandra Carter, who was in charge of the event. Special thanks … Continue reading

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The Town of Seabrook 2025 Water Sewer Reports

Town Releases 2025 Water and Sewer System Reports The Town of Seabrook has released its 2025 annual Water and Sewer System Reports, providing residents and ratepayers with an overview of operational performance and financial results for both utility systems. These … Continue reading

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