Fill'er Up (65)

Fill'er Up
An Architectural History of Americas Gas Stations
by Daniel I Vieyra

This was a look at the architecture of gas stations. I was hoping this might be more about the gas stations from the standpoint of the gas companies, styles, time periods etc. But this did give some insight into the development of the gas station. Originally they did not have to do anything.. people would find them.. as cars grew in popularity, the gas stations had to find a way to disquingish themselves from every other gas station. One way to do this was with a consistent image. So, even though you were far from home.. you could stop that the friendly Standard station and it would be just like at home..
There were 3 phases.. Respectable.. stations that fit into the community... that did not stand out, but that mimicked and complimented the other buildings in the community.
Domestic.. Minimizing community opposition.. this was often done by disguising the stations and equipment.
Functions was championed by people like Frank Lloyd Wright.. being just what it is and nothing more or less. He foresaw the gas station becoming a neighborhood distribution center, a meeting place, a restaurant, a restroom..
In the 60's First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson headed up a beautiful America campaign, and called together the oil companies to see what they could do to beautiful gas stations.. Interesting that the look of a gas station would be elevated to a presidential issues :)
It is intersting to reflect that there are no service stations anymore.. I live in a fair sized town.. and there are none that I can find. If you want your car serviced take it to a dealership. I remember only 15 years ago taking my car to the Shell station down the street for service... the station is still there.. but gone are the service bays... there is a McDonalds there now in its place.

Tutankhamun (64)

Tutankhamun, The Golden age of the Pharohs
Zahi Hawass

This is the companion book that goes with the Tutankhamun exhibit that is touring the US right now. Written by Zahi Hawass, who is the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and published by National Geographic. This books gives detail on the life of Tutankhamun, from the days of his father and the Aten, to his life, and what normal life was like in Egypt at this time. It also looks in detail at the pieces that are in the exhibit, giving background, history, and meaning of each piece.
Where the last exhibit in the late 70s was only of Tut items and only from his tobm. This tour includes things that were from his ancestors, as well as items from Karnak. I saw the exhibits at the Field Museum this weekend and it was amazing.. having read the book beforehand made it that much more interesting.

Starship Troopers (63)

Starship Troopers (63)
Robert A Heinlein

A co-worker loaned me this book.. it is one of his favorites. Set in the future where there is a confederation of planets.. War is much the same.. it is still the job of the foot solider.. even if he is in a 'super suit'. This is the story of one solider, how he ended up in the service almost against his own wishes and how he grew to enjoy it. Against the background is a lot of social commentary, and you learn almost in passing how the society has changed.
Overall an enjoyable book.. I like the Social commentary more than the combat stuff.. another alternate view of the future. I was surprised to learn the book was written in 1959.. it was amazingly readable.. and gives an interesting view of future society and future technology.. both which seem believable.

The Moonshine War (62)

The Moonshine War
Elmore Leonard

This was set in the 1930s in southern KY. Where bootlegging is a way of life, even during prohibition. The story revolves around one man who lost his mother and wife to influenza while he was away fighting in WWI. I returns home and his father dies shortly after. His daddy an old bootlegger is reported to have put up 150 barrels of whiskey to age for 8 years.. and the time is almost up.. Greed sets in as everybody wants the whiskey.
The story becomes a familiar Leonard plot line.. it reminded me a lot of The Hunted. Out numbered and overwhelmed the siege sets in.
A very typical Leonard ending.. very fast and leaving the reader to assume how certain things work out.. I love endings like this.. because it is always as you want it :)

The World Trade Center: A Tribute (61)

The World Trade Center: A Tribute
By: Bill Harris

This was an interesting book. I looks at New York dating back to 1600's up to present to place the WTC in historical perspective. Talks about the skyscraper races of the 20's and then the lack of building after the war. The problems with getting WTC project going, and the reaction after it was done.. Then talked about World Financial Center that was build next to it (and survived). It was more than just about the building or just about the attacks.. but a nice look at it in context. I was surprised how well done the book was considering it was Copyright 2001, so it must have been shortly after the attacks. I picked it up at the dollar store 2 years ago and just now got around to reading it. Full of wonderful pictures both of New York, the building under construction and interior and exterior on the finished.