#virtual shopping cart

[virtualkart]

We will always make you happy. Our customers are our priority, and we appreciate all of your feedback. We're listening and hope to have a chance to serve you again soon!❤️

We're not just about great products. We're about creating long-lasting relationships with our customers.

Visit https://thevirtualkart.com/product-category/clothing/women/ and buy your favourites now!

USE CODE: Navratri15 for an additional 15% discount.

Happy Shopping 🛍️

[ghostoffuturespast]

The ingenuity of Night City's residents knows no bounds.

Not sure how I feel about grilled beer though.

[thedarklyblue]

i feel like i should go back to the office but i don't actually have anything to do? things are slow to start i'm literally fine but Augh

[ecomtipstrends]

online shopping : a comprehensive guide

        INTRODUCTION

Electronic commerce, sometimes known as e-commerce, is the term used to describe the purchasing and selling of goods and services via the Internet, websites, mobile applications, or other digital media. It encompasses a variety of activities, including digital marketing, electronic payments, and online purchasing.

Online shopping is the act of buying products or services over the Internet, typically through an e-commerce platform. This can entail looking through and choosing things, placing them in a digital shopping cart, and completing the deal with an online payment system. Internet shopping is convenient and flexible because it enables customers to make purchases whenever and from wherever they are, without having to physically go to a store.

The use of electronic data interchange (EDI) by businesses to exchange business papers marked the beginning of electronic commerce in the 1960s.

The development of the Internet and the World Wide Web in the 1980s paved the way for the first online retail websites to appear. One of the earliest instances is the 1994-founded online book retailer Amazon. eBay, which started off in 1995 as an online auction site, and PayPal, which was established in 1998 to offer safe online payment processing, are two other early examples of e-commerce websites.

With the development of social media platforms, online marketplaces, and mobile commerce in the 2000s, e-commerce expanded quickly.

Today, e-commerce is a global industry, with billions of customers worldwide using the Internet to buy a wide range of goods and services.

The development of e-commerce, its effects on the retail sector, consumer behavior, online shopping, and the future of e-commerce.

    I. Growth of e-commerce

I.1. Elements for e-commerce growth: Advances in technology

The development of e-commerce has been significantly influenced by technological advancements. Following are a few of the significant technological advancements that have contributed to the expansion of e-commerce:

Faster Internet connections: The widespread availability of dependable and quick Internet connections has aided in the expansion of e-commerce. Thanks to better internet speeds, businesses may now provide a seamless online buying experience with high-quality photos and videos and quick load times.

Mobile Devices: The widespread use of smartphones and tablets has helped e-commerce flourish. Consumers may now shop online at any time and from any location thanks to mobile devices, and businesses can also provide mobile-friendly websites and applications.

Cloud computing: As a result of cloud computing, it is now simpler and more affordable for organizations to store, process, and scale up their operations as they expand. Because of this, businesses of all sizes are now able to provide e-commerce solutions without having to spend money on costly IT infrastructure.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning developments have made it possible for companies to tailor the online shopping experience for each customer based on their interests and behavior.

Payment processing: The development of safe and practical online payment processing systems, such as credit card processing, PayPal, and other digital payment methods, has aided in the expansion of e-commerce. Making online purchases has become simpler and safer for customers thanks to these payment methods.

  I.2. Elements for e-commerce growth: Proliferation of mobile devices

One of the main factors influencing the expansion of e-commerce in recent years has been the proliferation of mobile devices. Following are some instances of how the rise of e-commerce has been influenced by mobile devices:

The use of mobile internet has significantly increased as a result of the increasing adoption of smartphones and tablets. Consumers may now browse and shop online using their mobile devices and have access to the internet at any time and from any location.

Mobile applications: Connecting with clients and generating sales with mobile applications is a growing trend for organizations.

Mobile wallets and payment apps are only two examples of the mobile payment possibilities that have emerged as a result of the proliferation of mobile devices.

Mobile advertising has significantly increased as a result of the growth of mobile devices. Businesses can now target consumers with mobile ads that are specific to their interests and behavior.

Social Media: Online social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have grown to be crucial sales channels for e-commerce.

I.3 Factors driving e-commerce growth: Popularity of online marketplaces

The emergence of online marketplaces is a significant influence on e-commerce.

Increased product variety: Compared to traditional physical stores, online marketplaces give customers access to a larger choice of goods.

Pricing competition: Internet marketplaces are renowned for their pricing competition, as vendors seek to give customers the greatest deals.

Convenience: Online marketplaces make it easy for customers to shop by letting them browse and buy products from a variety of merchants all in one location.

Trust and Reliability: To ensure the trust and dependability of the platform, several online marketplaces include buyer protection programs and other safeguards.

Global reach: Internet marketplaces have made it possible for companies to connect with clients on a global scale, creating new opportunities and fostering the expansion of e-commerce.

   I.4. Statistics of the growth of e-commerce

Recent years have seen a tremendous increase in e-commerce, and this growth is projected to continue. These are some figures that demonstrate the size of the e-commerce growth:

By 2023, global e-commerce revenue is projected to increase from $3.53 trillion to $6.54 trillion. This is equivalent to an 18.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) (source: Statista).

E-commerce sales surged dramatically as a result of consumers changing their online shopping habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-commerce sales in the United States grew 44% in 2020 to $861 billion (source: Digital Commerce 360).

M-commerce, or mobile commerce, is also expanding quickly. M-commerce sales increased from 35.7% in 2018 to 45.1% of total global e-commerce sales in 2020. (source: Statista).

With 62.4% of all e-commerce sales occurring in the world's largest market, Asia-Pacific, in 2020 (source: eMarketer).

With projected net revenues of $386 billion in 2020, Amazon will be the largest e-commerce corporation in the world. Alibaba, JD.com, and Walmart are additional significant companies in the e-commerce sector (source: eMarketer).

     I.5 . Comparison of e-commerce and traditional retail sales

Here is a contrast between traditional retail and e-commerce:

Convenience: One of e-main commerce's benefits is how convenient it is. Unlike traditional retail, which requires customers to physically visit a store during business hours, internet retail allows people to shop from anywhere, at any time, and via any device.

Choice: Compared to traditional retail, e-commerce provides a broader range of products. Internet merchants can provide a greater variety of products than traditional shops since they are not constrained by physical store space.

Price: Because e-commerce has a smaller overhead and more direct sales to customers than traditional retail, it frequently offers lower costs.

Personalization: With experienced employees and the chance to touch and test things, traditional retail can provide a more individualized buying experience. By targeting advertising and product recommendations based on user data, e-commerce can also provide increased customization.

Order fulfillment: As shipping and delivery services are frequently needed in e-commerce, clients may have to wait longer. With quick gratification provided by traditional retail, buyers can leave the store with their goods in hand.

Customer Experience: The general customer experience varies between traditional retail and e-commerce. E-commerce may provide a more streamlined and effective experience, whereas conventional retail may provide a more interesting and social one.

     II. Impact on the retail industry

Competition from online stores is one of the main problems facing traditional retailers today.

Consumer behavior is evolving: As e-commerce has grown, consumers' preferences for online shopping have changed.

High operational expenses: Conventional brick-and-mortar stores have expensive overhead expenses like rent, utilities, and employee pay.

Conventional merchants must forecast demand and supply their storefronts appropriately, which presents inventory management challenges.

Restricted geographic reach: Because they can only draw clients from a specific area around their locations, traditional retailers may have a limited geographic reach.

Having trouble adjusting to trends: Conventional retailers may have trouble adjusting to shifting consumer preferences and trends.

The capacity to swiftly and easily compare prices is one of the key advantages of online buying. Customers may find the best deal quickly and buy the item from the online merchant with the best price. Because of this, traditional retail establishments find it difficult to stay competitive and frequently have to decrease their prices.

The employment situation in the retail industry has been significantly impacted by the growth of e-commerce and online shopping. Traditional retail establishments are experiencing diminishing revenues as more and more people purchase online, and they are frequently compelled to close their doors as a result. Several store employees have lost their jobs as a result of this.

In addition, the growth of e-commerce has opened up new career prospects in industries like shipping, logistics, and warehousing. Compared to traditional retailers, e-commerce retailers need a different set of skills and knowledge, and many of these professions call for specific training and education.

     III. Consumer behavior and online shopping

For businesses to sell their goods and services successfully, cultivate client loyalty, and enhance the overall customer experience, they must have a solid understanding of consumer behavior.

Convenience is one of the major variables influencing consumer behavior when shopping online. Customers appreciate the ease of online shopping since it allows them to browse and buy goods without leaving the comfort of their homes.

Price is another significant aspect that affects consumer behavior while shopping online. Due to their high price sensitivity, consumers frequently evaluate prices across several e-commerce sites to get the best offer.

The simplicity with which e-commerce platforms can be used and navigated has an impact on consumer behavior as well. Platforms that are simple to use, have clear navigation and enable a quick checkout are preferred by customers.

Ultimately, online reviews and social proof have an impact on customer behavior. While making judgments about what to buy, consumers frequently go to reviews and advice from other shoppers. Negative reviews can significantly influence consumer behavior, but positive reviews and high ratings can increase credibility and confidence.

    IV. Future of e-commerce

The future of e-commerce is dynamic and exciting, and many trends and advancements are anticipated to influence the sector in the years to come. The following are some of the major developments and e-commerce forecasts for the future:

Mobile commerce: As the use of smartphones and tablets rises, this sector of the e-commerce market is expected to become increasingly dominating.

Artificial intelligence: The e-commerce sector is poised to undergo a transformation thanks to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), with many businesses already utilizing chatbots and personalized product recommendations powered by AI to improve the customer experience.

Augmented Reality: With businesses embracing AR technology to offer virtual product demonstrations and trial experiences, augmented reality (AR) is also expected to play a significant role in the future of e-commerce.

Sustainability: Due to rising environmental and social responsibility awareness, e-commerce businesses are likely to prioritize sustainability in the future.

Delivery alternatives: As businesses take into account new delivery models like same-day delivery, drone delivery, and even autonomous delivery vehicles, delivery options are also expected to change.

    CONCLUSION

In summary, e-commerce and online shopping have revolutionized how we purchase and sell goods and have grown to be a critical component of the world economy. The proliferation of mobile devices, technological advancements, and the acceptance of online markets have all contributed to the expansion of e-commerce. This growth has significantly impacted the retail industry, and traditional brick-and-mortar merchants are finding it difficult to keep up with shifting consumer tastes and the emergence of new retail models.

The ease, accessibility, and personalization that online shopping offers, as well as the availability of product information and reviews, have all had an impact on consumer behavior. E-commerce has a promising future, with ongoing growth and expansion into new markets and regions. Yet, there are also difficulties and barriers to getting over, such as market saturation, increasing competition, environmental impact, and security and fraud prevention.

[jgracie]

jason grace 💗 xx

send me a character + an emoji for a surprise! (CLOSED) on the radio . . . photograph (ed sheeran)

"could you get me my wallet please, my love?" jason asked as you passed by the counter where his wallet - a stylish black leather one you'd gotten him after discovering he had nowhere to put his money - was currently sitting. giving your boyfriend a smile, you turned back, picked up the wallet and made your way over to him

"here you go," you said, sitting next to him. then, noticing he was online shopping, you asked, "what're you getting?" jason has never been a big fan of buying things online, so every time he did, you couldn't help but get curious as to what item was worthy enough for him to buy it over his laptop

clicking on the checkout button, jason replied, "saw this mug and it made me think of leo, so i decided to get it for him," you felt your heart melt at how thoughtful he's always been, always having other people on his mind while disregarding himself, but your heart melted even more when he opened his wallet

"is that us?" you asked, your eyes widening. in his wallet, jason had a picture of the two of you from when you'd first moved into your apartment. he was sitting on the kitchen counter with you on his lap, your arms wrapped around his neck as you pressed a kiss onto his cheek. annabeth had taken the picture that day - she and percy were helping you move in - and you completely forgot about it until now

with a giant smile plastered on your face, you waited attentively for jason's confirmation - poor, shy jason, who's face was now bright red

giving you his own shy smile, jason replied, "yeah, it is, i really liked that picture so it's been there ever since it was taken... i can take it out though, if you don't want it there?"

immediately, you shook your head, "no, oh my gods, jason, i'm not upset, i just think it's really cute of you! i have a picture of us in my wallet too!" at your confession, jason's smile couldn't help but widen. he never thought he was important enough for anyone to put him in their wallet

"can i see?" he asked. you nodded and headed to your bedroom, where your wallet was, and showed him your own polaroid of the two of you: his 19th birthday, with jason mid candle blowing and you clinging to his arm. this turned into the two of you pulling out all your photo albums and reminiscing on your days together, leo's mug long forgotten in jason's virtual shopping cart

[megumimania]

satoru gojo was in hell.

well it wasn’t hell exactly but it was akin to it.

from the bright white strobe lights and the loud hubbub around him, while also experiencing being elbowed in the ribs by a bunch of impatient shoppers who like him, were trying to beat the friday rush��it was hellish indeed.

he fought the urge to text you for help, not wanting to envision the smug look on your face when he admitted to you that he was one of the many shoppers who were buying gifts last minute.

he could already hear the ‘i told you so’ leave your lips. it was you and satoru’s first proper anniversary together and he wanted to make it as special as possible for you both.

little did he know in the midst of all the chaos, that you were watching him from the food court with a drink in hand.

you only came to do some window shopping but after seeing your boyfriend’s infamous white hair that was virtually impossible to miss, you decided to stay a little longer seeing what trouble he was going to get himself into.

satoru was getting antsy, he saw the flower lego set that you had been talking about non stop for the past few weeks and he was in no mood to wait.

especially when he left meimei to babysit the kids which was a terrible mistake as her rate increased hourly, burning an already large hole in satoru’s bottomless wallet.

he grabbed the lego set without hesitation, only to be met with retaliation from a fellow shopper.

you watched on as your boyfriend and the random shopper fought for the lego set, pulling and pushing until satoru let his strength slip —pushing the shopper into the back of another shopper’s cart.

that lone act caused a commotion and satoru in the midst of the chaos made a beeline for the cash register, slamming his card down on the card reader the four beeps indicating the transaction went through.

in a myriad of minutes he manage to escape the hellscape that was the mall and arrive home with minutes to spare, his hair slightly disheveled and cheeks rosy from the cold.

you jerked back in shock as he stood in front of you. the kids were still at mei mei’s so you didn’t worry about the small yelp that escaped your lips that made his heart warm a little.

“didn’t mean to scare you, baby.”

he’d smile into the crook of your neck as you wrapped your arms around him. you smelt like home and he never wanted to let go, preferring to bask in the scent of you forever.

however he wasn’t sure how much pressure the lego flower could withstand until all of his handiwork came crumbling down.

“for you, my love.” he presented the flowers to you watching your eyes widen at the gift.

“this is wow…i can’t believe you fought someone for this.” you said with a wry smile, fighting the urge to burst into laughter at his face that was flushed red with embarrassment.

but before he could refute the claims, you shut him up with a kiss that was filled with the love and gratitude you had for him. you pulled away, your hearts syncing together being the only things that filled the silent room.

"happy anniversary 'toru." you said softly, your gaze full of love boring into his.

his heart lurched at this, love wasn't something satoru was good at but when you looked at him like that all his self doubt and worries melted away.

and just for that; for teaching him how to love again, satoru would endure hell on earth or at the mall or even worse just for you.

[meow-moment]

Trader Joe’s Virtual Shopping Experience bug fixes:

-User avatars will no longer become erect when looking at prominently placed items for extended periods of time. -Murals on walls would previously show areas near the user’s location using Google Maps data, for a more “connected, community” feel. These murals will now show stock imagery of the nearest notable landmark to the viewer’s location after reports of privacy concerns. -Fixed a bug that would cause the floor to slowly lower at random intervals. -Users can now purchase Trader Joe’s virtual merch at the deli stand! -Cashier NPCs will now blink. -Shopping carts will no longer clip through certain shelves. -Shopping carts will no longer shatter nearby products despite a lack of hitbox intersection. -Lights on Trader Joe’s billboard R value intensity reduced to 250. -Raised Mac and Cheese price to 1.75

[prism-stone-planet]

So a long time ago I made a list of all the Pripara arcade songs (excluding gold versions) and I decided to post it here along with updating it to add new Idol Land songs and indicating if it’s on the Switch and Idol Land.

I’m not the best at maths lol but from what I’ve counted, the OG arcade game had 102 songs. With the All Idol arcade update release, it had 121 songs.

The Switch Game had 32/102 songs (all idol came after Switch release) which is about 31% of the songs on the arcade game. (Thank You, Sorry, See You Tomorrow is not included in this count because it is not accessible through normal means) Currently, as of August 1 2024, Idol Land has 26/121 songs featured on the arcade which is about 21%.

Anyway, here is the list:

Single Player

Season 1 songs:

Pretty Prism Paradise (Switch, Idol Land)

Marble Make Up ahaha

Gogo! Pripara Life (Switch, Idol Land)

Make it! (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Toy Toy Tail (Switch, Idol Land)

Gyabupuripuri (Switch, Idol Land)

Cool Star (Sophie Version) (Switch, Idol Land)

Solar Flare Sherbet

No D&D Code

KiraKira Runway

Miracle Paradise

After School Heartful Dash (Switch, Idol Land Pripara)

Gamusharanhoi (Switch, Idol Land PriPara)

Change My World (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Morning

Happy Pa Lucky

Realize

Your 100% Life

I just wanna be with you

Love Friend Style

0 Week Old (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Season 2 Songs:

Purely Smiley

Idol Strength Lesson GO

Reversible Ring

Everybodyvil Everydayvil (Switch, Idol Land)

Heart Clenching Love Song

Solar Flare Sherbet (Sakura Version)

Come sing this song Hee Ho

Song that makes the world fall in love (Switch, Idol Land)

Panic Labyrinth

Bright Fantasy

Papipope Police

Pure Amore Ai (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Fun Fun Winter

Virtual Idol

0 Week Old (Garuru Version)

Yes Love Valentine

Season 3:

Triangle Star

Steps (Junon Version) (Switch, Idol Land)

Ready Smile (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Steps (Pinon Version)

Steps (Kanon Version)

Charismart Girl Yeah

Absolute Life of a final show girl

Run for Jumping

Plan to enjoy summer vacation (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Brand New Dreamer

0 Week Old (Falulu and Hibiki ver)

Amazing Castle (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Sugarless x Friend (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Girls Fantasy (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Shining Star

Idol Time:

Tick Tock Magical Idol Time (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Otome Puzzle (Coin Shopping)

Just be yourself

Summer Night Evolution (Coin Shopping) (Switch, Idol Land)

Shuttlewise Game

Ghost Coaster

Starlight Heartbeat (Coin Shopping) (Switch, Idol Land)

Miss Prillionaire

Step Step Step (Coin Shopping)

Sunshine Bell

Believe My Dream (Switch, Idol Land) (Paid)

Shooting Star (Coin Shopping) (Switch, Idol Land)

Dear my Future

Starlight Carnival

Wakuwaku O’clock (Switch) (Paid)

Free Dreamin (Coin Shopping)

Tokimeki Days (Coin Shopping)

Gira Galactic Tightrope

All idol:

Memorial

Get Over Dress Code

Tick Tock Magical Idol Time (WiTH ver)

Spicy Hot Cake

Gira Galactic Tightrope (My Dream ver)

Charismart Girl Yeah (Non Sugar)

Make it (Solami Dressing and Falulu ver)

Perfect with a Pri

Star a la carte

GoGo! Pripara Life Idol Time ver

Red Flash Revolution

Pure Heart Calendar

Trial Heart

Dream Theater:

Paki~ro!

Dream Parade (Switch)

Lucky Surprise Birthday

Bold Summer Adventure (Switch)

Gogo! Pripara (Dream Mix)

OmuOmu Omrice

Rainbow Melody

Hello Hello Friends (Switch)

What a WonderPri World

Goin’on

Around the Pripara Land

Dream Parade Medley

Chou Chou

Everyone’s Pripara Medley Ver 2

Everyone’s Pripara Medley Ver 3

Gogo Pripara Life (Nonsugar Ver)

Pripara Dancing

Mon Chouchou (Switch)

Yeah! Yeah! Idol Party (Switch)

Pripara RaRan

(All Idol):

Neo Dimension Go

GoGo! Pripara Life Idol Time ver

Secret Ratatouille

All Idol Song Precious

Zuttomo (2 Person Live):

Forever Friends (Switch)

Brand New Happiness (Switch)

Twin Mirror Compact

Marble Make Up ahaha

Come Sing This Song La-Hee (Fuwari and Hibiki ver)

Reversible Ring

SuSuSu Smile (Switch, Idol Land)

Clean Mind Clean Hit Clang BUDDY

Girls Fantasy (Jewlie and Janice ver)

Thanks, Sorry, See You Tomorrow (Idol Land)

Yes Love Valentine

Ring Ring GaraFaLand

(All Idol):

Marble Make up ahaha (Non and Lala)

Go Go Gorgeous

Idol Land:

Single Player (3 Person Live):

Chaotic Hurricane

OPEN DREAM LAND

Gogo! Pripara Life (Aroma version)

Gogo! Pripara Life (Sophie version) (Paid)

[illegally-blind-and-deaf]

Because there has hardly been anything about Dmitri's backstory, I am now vomiting my ideas here

Deal with it

He's Jewish. Idk why specifically but it just fits... even if he's more culturally Jewish than religiously (my friend is like that) it just fits and also it makes a lot more sense as to why he really really hates Russia. I mean, the majority of people didn't like what Russia was but they still wanted improvement and they still had some respect for the culture and the land itself, Dmitri seems like he just wants to be done with the place because, yknow, Anti-Semitism. Also having Dmitri as Jewish gives a sharp contrast between imperial Vlad who was practically at the top of the food chain (almost) compared to Dmitri who was quite literally at the bottom. If history wanted Anya to live, wouldn't it be to bridge the gap between the two?

If Dmitri is Jewish his mother definitely died in the pogroms, which would have led his dad to be completely done with the autocracy and join the Bolsheviks.

Little Dmitri sharing a bunk in a cramped boarding house for factory workers where disease was rampant, the floor was dirt, he only had one outfit, worked for like 11 hours a day and hot paid virtually nothing. If you say I'm traumatizing it for ✨trauma✨, I'm being genuinely honest these were the working conditions in Russia at this time DO YOU SEE WHY THEY HAD A REVOLUTION-

Dmitri's dad inevitably getting arrested and Dmitri being sent to a horrible boys home that made him have a buzz cut for three years to avoid love and he runs away at 10, stealing half the money. Conveniently there is a huge crowd watching a parade of the Royal family go by *wink wink* in a crowd of thousands *wink*

Dmitri finding a bunch of older teenagers who take him in because he's really quick and young and can steal stuff really well. They also turn out to be rather avid Bolshevik supporters (can you see where I'm going here)

Dmitri at 12 having a well-established idea that middle and upper classes were horrible mean people who are exploiting the working classes for their own gain until he tries to steal from a merchant's shop and the merchant takes him into his home and the family feeds him. Dmitri asks why they're doing this and the merchant explains that in their religion, they believe that the most important thing one can do is to help and love and care for people because that's what Christ would do. "Even Jews?" "Of course. Christ was a Jew, wasn't He?" Dmitri realises that not all Christians are horrible people who want him dead

By the time he's in his mid-teens he's a full-on Bolshevik and is painting propaganda posters for them because he wants to help but he can't read or write because he had no education because 1. He was poor and 2. He was jewish: he wasn't allowed. Also, the Bolsheviks promised freedom for Jews and that made him really happy

Revolution happens and Dmitri begins to find flaws in the Bolshevik regime: there's still a secret police (The cheka: one of the boys he boards with is a member), there's still a whole heap of poverty and now families are still being arrested and sent to labour camps. He watches one get arrested and the little girl gets carted off to an orphanage somewhere and he realises that it's no different to what the tsar did except now they're arresting people who are "rich"

The merchant and his family were arrested. Dmitri cried.

Soon it's 1918 and the Cheka member he boards with comes back after being away for a couple of days, gets insanely drunk on vodka and starts gloating about the Romanovs in Yekateringburg in house arrest. Dmitri causally asks how they are. The Cheka member laughs and shoots him a nasty snarl. "They're dead. We shot them in their heads and bayonetted them til they stopped screaming." Dmitri thinks his heart has stopped beating because the youngest girl was was still a child, only a couple of years younger than him (I've reduced Anastasia's age because her being 27 during the musical feels weird) and she was one of the few people who smiled at him and treated him like a person. She wasn't bad. She was a child. He speaks out and the Cheka member pulls out his whip.

Dmitri runs away and gets a job at Putilov steelworks. He burns his arm in the first week but a lot of the men are nice enough to help him as he recovers.

Dmitri quits the Bolshevik party and starts implementing all the cons and thievery that he knows to thwart smaller plans and be a general nuisance to them. He saves a count from a firing squad who decides to follow him around for eternity, which is annoying. Dmitri tells the count absolutely nothing about his past because he doesn't want yet another person judging him.

He nearly gets caught by the Cheka and, after avoiding conscription for the civil war, is inevitably wanted by the government. He hides in the Yusopov palace by the Moika River. He can almost see the splendor Yusopov must have lived in

At night he dreams of buying a little cottage by the seaside (is the sea nice? Dmitri's never been, he wouldn't know) and there's a garden with millions of vibrant flowers and hot food and warm baths and a bed with a mattress and blankets and Dmitri lives contentedly forever. That's his dream. His dream requires a lot of money though. Money that he's never had.

Then he hears about the rumour regarding Anastasia. That she's alive and her grandmother, Maria Feodorovna, is waiting in Paris with 10 million roubles and Dmitri's eyes widen. It's the perfect opportunity to score some money, then he can run away to the French countryside and live in peace.

Then a girl with dark red hair and vivid blue eyes breaks into the palace and, well, you know the rest.

Also they don't go back to Russia at the end, that's the dumbestvidea ever, the go to countryside France by the seashore and get a cute little house with a massive garden full of flowers and every morning they go to the bakers and get a fresh loaf of warm bread.

[slutcore-starships]

ill be honest, im relatively gracious about kids/teens who are generally ignorant about how stuff works nowadays because like . the internet is in fucking shambles. i dont know what happened to it over the last five years or so, but its lost virtually any utility unrelated to adding a product to your shopping cart. i used to do online research all the time throughout school, even as a pre-teen, but if an eleven year old came up to me now and asked for help using google to study something, i would be completely stumped. wikipedia is the only thing *close* to a usable website, with most of the other ones i used for fact finding going behind paywalls, if not just going belly-up. it really seems like the only places available without any sort of computer sciences degree are social media, like youtube or tiktok, which are going to be rife with propaganda and disinformation, not to mention,,,, people just being wrong!! we never replaced the pre-shittification internet with anything helpful and dismantled a lot of the stuff that came before it, and it is so . so . so . so frustrating to try to relearn how to use it

[mysticwrit]

        when emma had first met mike that night at the bar nearly two weeks ago, she never would have expected that they’d now be going grocery shopping together.  nor would she have expected that she would actually be looking forward to an outing that would otherwise be mundane.  it’s honestly kind of wild, how well they’ve managed to get on so quickly.  emma can barely remember the last time she’d made a friend so effortlessly, and after a few months of being virtually alone, it’s a friendship she’s grateful for  (the sex, of course, is a nice bonus).  

        “ alright, ”  emma starts as they step through the store’s entrance, hands on her hips.  “ the world is your oyster  —  and by world, i mean the grocery store, so. ”  she pauses as she grabs a cart, making a point to grab a wipe and disinfect it.  then she glances in mike’s direction, a broad smile on her face.  “ where would you like to start?  do you have a list, or are you just the wing it type? ”

@stardustvein​ <3

[they-them-boossi]

Ordering a collectors MH doll from Mattel creations step by step

Just finished ordering Anabelle from MC here's how my experience went and what to know

Most important step Make a Mattel creations account. Do this 20-30 mins before or the day before any big drop. If you already have an account double check that you are signed in.

once counter goes down to zero "shop now" button appears. Go and get her!

You will be directed to the product page scroll down to 'add to cart"

Next it will take you to a "Not a bot" check. You will need to click the checkmark and solve a picture prompt. It asked me to click on all the areas that included a motorcycle. Idk if this stops bots at any capacity but it is there.

Once you solve its riddle they will send you a verification code through text. Copy paste that onto the page.

Next you will be put on a virtual line que.

After that you will be able to add your card and address

*~then it's done~*

Tell me how your experience went, do you guys think the "not a bot" check and verification code works at deterring bots?

I hope that this demystified the process for the folks who want to give it a go next time. Happy hunting everyone!

[kaerinio]

so, my partner's birthday is coming up in like a month, and he's a nerd (affectionate bc i'm a nerd too like y'all know me !!!). i've been trying to find the perfect thing to get him, and literally, as if my perfect gift vibes radiated out to the ether . . . this gadget that's been sold out for months was re-stocked this morning. the best way to describe it is that it can be programmed and customized, and a lot of people use it to play old games from various consoles! now, my partner isn't one to like keep up with things like this! he doesn't get any marketing emails or anything either . . . so i thought i was gonna be able to just slip onto the website this morning, order this thing in his favorite color, then surprise him on his birthday.

tell me why... while i'm in a meeting and dropping this thing into my virtual shopping cart, he peeks his head into the room?? i scrambled to shut my mac, and i thought i was in the clear . . . but this man's gonna go and text me: 'i have the same thing in my cart in the exact same color! :)' and i had to fess up to the birthday surprise. 😭 he is very touched and excited, but wah!

[acceptccnow]

E-Commerce Payment Processing Essentials to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO | Accept-credit-cards-now.com

In today's dynamic e-commerce landscape, maintaining a competitive edge is essential for success. Payment processing plays a pivotal role among the critical factors contributing to this advantage. As online shopping gains unprecedented popularity, businesses must prioritize delivering a seamless and secure payment experience. In this article, we explore the essential elements of e-commerce payment processing that can set your business apart, positioning it for prosperity in the fiercely competitive digital marketplace.

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The Backbone of Smooth Transactions: Payment Processing Payment processing serves as the foundation of every e-commerce operation. It encompasses the entire journey, from the moment a customer decides to make a purchase to the secure transfer of funds from their account to the merchant's account. E-commerce businesses must offer diverse payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and various online payment methods, to cater to a broad spectrum of customer preferences. A robust payment processing system ensures swift, secure, and user-friendly transactions, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Seizing Opportunities: Merchant Accounts and Processing Solutions Merchant accounts and processing solutions are fundamental to efficient payment management. A merchant account acts as an intermediary where funds from customer payments are temporarily held before being transferred to your business account. The choice of a Merchant Processing partner can significantly impact your operations. Seek providers offering tailored solutions, robust security measures, and competitive pricing. These accounts enable not only credit and debit card processing but also foster trust among customers.

Navigating the High-Risk Landscape For businesses operating in high-risk industries like CBD or credit repair, specialized High-Risk Payment Processing solutions are indispensable. High-risk merchant processing demands a unique approach due to the elevated potential for chargebacks and fraud. Collaborate with providers experienced in your industry, offering High-Risk Merchant Accounts and Payment Gateways designed to mitigate risks while facilitating smooth transactions. This approach ensures your e-commerce venture thrives even within challenging sectors.

E-Commerce Specifics: Tailored Solutions E-commerce Merchant Accounts and E-commerce Payment Gateways are designed to cater to the distinct requirements of online businesses. These solutions incorporate features like shopping cart integration, mobile responsiveness, and advanced fraud prevention tools. By opting for e-commerce-specific solutions, you enhance the efficiency of your online store and provide customers with a seamless checkout experience.

Navigating the CBD Challenge The CBD industry, while lucrative, often faces payment processing hurdles due to its association with the high-risk category. To accept credit cards for CBD sales, businesses require CBD Merchant Accounts and specialized CBD Payment Processing. Partner with providers familiar with the regulatory landscape and equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by the CBD market. This not only streamlines your transactions but also boosts credibility among customers seeking safe and hassle-free purchases.

Seamless Integration: Payment Gateways A Payment Gateway serves as the virtual point-of-sale terminal where customers enter their payment information during the checkout process. It encrypts sensitive data, safeguarding it from potential breaches. Opt for Payment Gateway Solutions that offer seamless integration with your e-commerce platform, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction process. Secure payment gateways reassure customers and protect your business from potential liabilities.

Payment processing remains a driving force capable of propelling your business towards success. From traditional credit card processing to high-risk merchant accounts, each aspect plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth and secure transactions. Embracing tailored solutions like e-commerce merchant accounts and payment gateways empowers businesses to deliver an exceptional customer experience. As industries like CBD and credit repair continue to flourish, navigating high-risk payment processing becomes imperative. Always remember, staying ahead of the curve in e-commerce requires not only exceptional products and services but also a payment processing strategy that inspires trust and convenience.

[frostyreturns]

You know there's tons of people out there who are trash people with zero values who act nothing but selfishly most of the time, support violence against the innocent and support virtually everything amoral you can think of who are like "I return the grocery cart I'm a good person because the internet told me that was the truest measure of moral values."

Nah it isn't the world just doesn't have any morals anymore and so every real moral stance comes with backlash and returning shopping carts was a safe PC way for some NPC writer to talk about morals.

[warningsine]

Marzieh Meshkini’s three-part film, “The Day I Became a Woman,” from 2000, is a masterwork of symbolic cinema; it depicts, with vast imagination, the ordeals faced by women in modern Iranian society. Meshkini reportedly made it as three separate short films, in order to elude the system of official censorship that governed features but not shorts. The result is a trio of tightly composed and lyrically filmed episodes, titled by the name of their protagonists, that offer images of enormous psychological power—images that ought to haunt both the memory and the subconscious of anyone who sees them.

The film set on Kish Island, in the Persian Gulf, and all three episodes take place largely by the sea, making use of both its photogenic and its metaphorical aspects. The first story, “Hava,” features a girl on the day of her ninth birthday—the day, according to her grandmother, that she becomes a woman, and, as a result, the day that she must cover her hair with a head scarf, and that she can no longer play with her best friend, a boy named Hassan. After Hassan is sadly turned away and Hava, bewildered, protests, Hava’s mother finds a rather ingenious loophole, allowing her one last brief outing with her friend—but, by the time Hava arrives at Hassan’s home, he’s virtually imprisoned there, forced to do homework for fear that his teacher will hit him. Instead, the two forlorn friends share a snack, through the jail-like bars of his window, that evokes both the submission to religious law and the power of yet another law—the one of unintended consequences—that gives rise to surprising behavior and knowledge and reverberates with scriptural overtones regarding forbidden fruit and the power of temptation. (It also delivers, in a subplot involving Hava’s head scarf, a notable metaphorical suggestion of whom society’s rules empower and whom they restrict.)

The second story, “Ahoo,” features a man on a galloping horse, loudly calling the name of the protagonist and scaring away the animals and birds on the scruffy plain. The creatures get the idea; striking fear is his intention. He aggressively gallops toward a large group of female cyclists who are pedalling urgently along a narrow seaside road and rides menacingly close to one biker, Ahoo, whom he orders off her bike and back home. (Looking straight ahead, without even wasting a glance at him, she whispers, “No,” in a cinematic moment of sublime defiance and freedom.) He leaves—and then returns with another horseman, a mullah who’s there to perform a divorce on the spot if she won’t give up her bike (which the clergyman calls “the devil’s mount”). She blankly intones, “Go ahead, divorce me.” As Ahoo speeds ahead through the pack of bikers and then slows down and falls behind, the number of horsemen showing up to coerce her off the bike and back to the family and the tribe successively increases. It’s a fablelike mechanism of poetic repetition that Meshkini’s direction emphasizes, in a series of simple, swift, majestic, and recurring (or rhyming) images that follow Ahoo, from the side in tracking shots, from the front in closeups, and from behind in her virtual point of view, as she makes her way among the crowd of other women cyclists and away from her oppressive male pursuers. What’s clear is that the black-clad group ride is actually a horde of women fleeing their husbands, families, and clans—it’s a ride of freedom with a funereal tone, a simple yet spectacular fusion of kinetic ecstasy and tragedy.

The third story, “Hoora,” features an elderly woman, stooped and limping, disembarking from an airplane at the Kish airport. There, a boy working as a porter pushes her, in a wheelchair-like cart, on her peculiar errands: he takes her to one shopping mall after another, where, pulling cash from her stocking, she spends enormous amounts of money buying a wide variety of household goods that she has always lacked, including a refrigerator (all her life, she says, she wanted cold water), an ironing board, a bathtub, a washing machine, a stereo, makeup, and a batch of pots and pans. As the boxes full of her treasures accumulate, she’s followed by a line of young porters towing them on their carts, until she orders the workers to spread her possessions on the beach. What results is an amazing precursor to Agnès Varda’s film “The Beaches of Agnès,” in which Hoora virtually moves onto the beach, with her most important new possession as the centerpiece of the display: a bedroom featuring a big bed and a wedding gown. No less than in Varda’s film, this scene stages the passions of a lifetime in terms of a first-person reckoning. Meshkini’s breathtaking tableaux suggest a double absence, rendering Hoora in the split guise of a merry widow and a Miss Havisham, even as she prepares for another, perhaps final, and similarly symbolized journey (one that nonetheless unites the three tales in a deft and bittersweet flourish).

Stream “The Day I Became a Woman” on Vimeo.