Aramex "To Clear Things Up"

"Hello Shop&Shippers!

We understand it's been a rough week for all of you, but finally, Kuwait Customs' policy has cleared up, and we're happy to say that online shopping is about to become more fun than ever!

So here's the bottom line: regardless of the goods value, all shipments are subject to customs clearance. We'll clear all shipments in one bundle, and pay the charged customs duties accordingly. You read correctly; it's on us!

In this case, you will only endure the following charges:

- 1 KD handling charges
- 5% of order value for Kuwait Customs duties (applicable only to orders valued above $100 USD)

However, self-clearance option is no longer available for our customers. You can contact us at [+ 965 1 820011] for further details.

Happy online shopping!

Your friends at Shop&Ship,"

Now let's get things straight...

Today $100 UDS = 29 KD (approx.)

Let's say you bought something that costs $1000 USD and weighs 8 LB.

That's 290 KD + 20.5 KD = 310 KD
310 + 5% = 310 + 14.5 + 1 KD = 325.5 KD

35.5 KD is not a small cost. This is outrageous, not to mention we got screwed with shipping fees and still after months of relatively low gas cost Aramex persists on keeping their shipping prices high.

Again, if you want to order something it better be worth it.

News?

Here I am still safe and sound. Been lazy, I know... I got caught up with a lot of hassle lately but it's all good. So what's new on here?

• My wedding is next Friday.


• My job is making me sick. Nothing whatsoever can make me enjoy it.


• I almost crashed into a Mercedes SLR yesterday.


• Apple has released new iMac, Magic Mouse, upgrades MacBook and Mac Mini. I'm liking the new mini. Could be nice to go along my entertainment center.


• New customs regulations puts a big exclamation mark over everyone's head. If you're about to order online it better be worth it.


• I'm looking for a decent external hard drive (1TB), wireless bridge with ethernet, 256GB indilinx-based SSD for my MacBoo Pro, and a home theater system with wireless surround. Recommendations and very welcome.

And that's about all. Back in *put proper period here*

Demonoid !

All of you "leechers" know Demonoid.com, it is like eden gardens for torrents. The site's been down since Sep. 26 but that's not the point.

The point is... By mistake I tried accessing Demonoid without activating my proxy and guess what? It was not blocked. I tried other sites that had been blocked by MOC / ISPs such as thepiratebay.org and hi5.com and they all opened without any problem.

Could there be a "not-so-bad" problem with my ISP (Gulf Net) ? Or did they just give up on blocking sites?

*sigh*

"It's easier said than done"... Who ever said that is a genius. Keep those words in your mind and you shall find your path to eternal serenity.

How many times have you thought of doing something thinking it's easy then it turns out to be the most irritating thing you have ever done and you fall apart half way without completing that task?

Take me for example... I thought furnishing my apartment would be quite easy since me and Blue Jay got along regarding furniture and had no trouble choosing what's good for us. But when the labor got involved it took the whole thing two months to finish, not up to our standards of course.

For example, a construction guy comes to build a concrete wall drops a rock over clay roof tiles folding one of the tiles into a window and breaking the glass. Glass guy comes to repair the broken window and damages the ventilating fan. Electrician comes to fix the fan and breaks the door knob. Carpenter comes to fix the knob and scratches the door. Painter comes to repaint the door and spoil the parquet floor.... etc. Things just can't seem to get right from the first time.

Now that all is barely done I just want to say if you want to start construction better think a million times before you do. As my friend's father once said...

"الله لا يبليك بالبنيان"