In the US, long gone are the days when you pulled up to the gas pump and a bell rang signaling the attendant. He came rushing out and asked if he could 'fullerup' with 20 cent per gallon gasoline. Also asked if he could check the oil and tires and he automatically washed the windshield. In addition they were probably giving away drinking glasses, free car washes, or similar useful items in addition to green stamps.

Today you pull up and swipe your credit card or go inside to pay cash. THEN you pump your own gas, wash your own windshield, check your own oil and if you need air for the tires, pull over to the air dispenser and insert a quarter.

"The Stone Age did not end for lack of stone, and the Oil Age will end long before the world runs out of oil"

-- Sheikh Zaki Yamani