i'd like to second the endorsement of _asphalt nation_ as a worthwhile read for ppl who are into thinking long and hard about these issues. the book was recomended on a thread at this very forum back when i first began lookin' round here(it's been a l'il while now!) and i went out and bought the book on the advice of several BF members. it's proven to be, overall, an entertaining and informative read, despite some of the drawbacks in terms of style.
-rob