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VAT = I not so smart or MacBride and Booth

I have struggled not too mightily to understand VAT. It is a tax and that is where my understanding falls apart. I am under the vague impression that when I'm traveling in Europe I can go through a process of reclaiming any VAT I paid when I leave. I've see the longish lines at the airport. I can't be bothered. I consider it my support of the European lifestyle.

This is all besides the point. I have been working up to buying a handful of things via Amazon UK. KM and I are huge fans of the British TV show Peep Show. KM is at times nearly incapacitated w/ laughter while watching the show. So into the cart you go Season 2.

I had also wanted The Ipcress File. The US edition is long out of print. The UK edition was released late last year or early this year. Somehow in my languorous ordering process the UK edition now seems to have a 4 to 6 weeks delay. Which is code for I'm an idiot for not ordering this sooner.

The two books I ordered were Stephen Booth's sixth book, The Dead Place, and Stuart MacBride's second book, Dying Light. Cost of the two books was $15.17 British Pound Sterling. In US dollars that is $28.48. Shipping is the killer $20. All together the cost was $60.21

I really do love the Booth books. Everyone of them has been exceptional. I like that Fry and Cooper have a bit of antagonism that has ebbed and flowed through all of the books. Certainly there is some sexual tension between the two. But what keeps them apart is not a need to maintain a professional working relationship, or significant others, it is the simple fact that they don't really like each other.

The MacBride book I am taking a flying on. I own the US edition of his first book, Cold Granite. I have yet to read it and as I am going w/ the funny I am not likely to read it any time soon. His third is coming out in the UK soonish. Early next year so I am in danger of falling behind. Of course I can always just order the US edition, but what fun is that.

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