Ex-FC Barcelona striker Ferran Torresis doing his best to anger his former teammates and fans through comments made to the press at new club Paris Saint-Germain.
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Hawaii Enacts New AI Law That Lands Hard On AI Makers By Requiring Key Disclosures And Chatbot Safety
Hawaii has passed a new AI law that covers disclosure and safety requirements. I walk through the key provisions. An AI Insider analysis and scoop.
‘The Runner’ Critics’ Score Marks New Low For Gal Gadot On Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes critics apparently have a big issue with movies starring Gal Gadot, with her new movie “The Runner” setting a record-low “rotten” critics’ score for the “Wonder Woman” star.
Dollar General CEO says its core customers are in distress
With more than 21,000 locations in 48 states, Dollar General is the largest retailer in the country in terms of physical presence. This makes it an excellent barometer for customer sentiment and circumstances.
So when the budget retailer announced its second-quarter earnings in late August, analysts and investors were paying close attention.
As expected, the results offered a revealing look at how Americans are navigating the current economy.
Dollar General sees a troubling trend among its core customers
Overall, Dollar General’s second-quarter results were positive.
The chain saw net sales grow by 0.2% year over year to $11.3 billion. Additionally, same-store sales were up 3.5%, foot traffic increased by 2%, and average basket size went up by 1.5%.
“This broad-based growth is a testament to the relevance of our offering and our position as America’s neighborhood general store,” CEO Todd Vasos told investors during the retailer’s Q2 FY2027 earnings call.
However, the budget retailer did notice a concerning trend among its core consumer base. And this could negatively impact its results, and those of other retailers, moving forward.
“From our perspective, what we see from our numbers, in that core consumer, the low-end consumer, is definitely still stretched,” Vasos said.
The situation isn’t dire, the CEO noted, but it is a warning sign worth watching.
“[DG’s core consumer] is still gainfully employed, which is great to see,” Vasos continued. “And she is seeing some gains in her income levels as well. Unfortunately, that has been offset by the stubborn inflation that I mentioned and those volatile gas prices.”
Those pressures aren’t necessarily keeping consumers out of stores. Instead, they’re fundamentally changing how they shop.
“[The core consumer] continues to come. She comes more often, but she buys less on each trip. Again, that is not dissimilar to how we see the core customer in times of distress, because she really is watching every penny. She does not know what the next week is going to hold. So instead of doing even mini stock-up trips, she buys less on each trip, but comes more during the month to ensure she can meet her family’s needs.”
That’s an important distinction for retailers. A consumer who is still visiting stores and spending money may look healthy in the headline numbers, even as her shopping habits reveal mounting financial pressure.
Dollar General has noticed that customers are shopping more often but buying less on each trip.Scott Olson / Getty Images
Dollar General’s warning goes beyond its own stores
What Vasos’ warning and Dollar General’s earnings indicate is that while consumers aren’t necessarily spending less overall, they are rationing that spending.
And that could have a major impact on retailers of all sizes as we enter the back half of the year.
As Reuters reported in August, “Consumers [are] directing most of their spending toward essentials and putting off big projects, while still making room for affordable treats and occasional splurges.”
More budget retailers:
Ross Stores customers will soon feel a notable change in stores
Dollar General and Dollar Tree send message to Kroger and Publix
Discount retail giant closing last 15 stores, stars liquidating
What’s happening at Dollar General, in other words, isn’t necessarily an isolated phenomenon. Consumers are still spending, but they’re becoming more selective about where those dollars go.
Lale Akoner, global market strategist at eToro, put it this way: “Households are becoming much more deliberate about where their money goes,” he told Reuters.
Other large retailers, such as Target and Walmart, which carry considerable inventory in nonessential categories, could also see smaller basket sizes and weaker demand for less-critical merchandise as consumers prioritize necessities, including basic groceries.
Joel Goldstein, president at Mr. Checkout Distributors, told Reuters that many of these retailers are already seeing this prioritization happen.
“Selectivity is visible in snacks and impulse, where the shopper will still pay up for the one item they came in wanting and skip the second one,” he said.
For retailers, this category distinction and spending shift could make value more important than ever.
If consumers are still willing to spend but are increasingly deliberate about where, and on what, they spend, retailers that can give shoppers a compelling reason to open their wallets may have an advantage heading into the holiday season.
For companies like Dollar General, which have built their reputations on value, this could be a net positive. But retailers whose appeal isn’t quite as closely tied to affordability may have to work harder to convince increasingly cautious consumers to spend.
Related: Dollar General and Dollar Tree send message to Kroger and Publix
Walmart’s retro-chic $300 entertainment unit with 6 storage shelves is on sale for $179
TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why we love this deal
For a lot of rooms, there’s always a piece of furniture or two that acts as the focal point or unifying feature, and for living and family rooms, that’s often the entertainment unit. Couches, sectionals, and armchairs are large and essential, no doubt about that, but the entertainment unit typically dictates how and where they are arranged. And when you consider just how much time you spend looking at one with your TV propped on or parallel to it, it makes you realize that style is just as important as function when you’re choosing the right one for your home. For budget-conscious shoppers looking for that perfect piece that’s sturdy enough to support your devices but not an ugly eye-sore, the HLR Entertainment Center, which is on sale now at Walmart, is the purchase for you.
The spacious entertainment unit and TV stand originally retailed for $300, but with a Walmart Flash deal going on right now you can get it on sale for 40% off. Save $121 and get the furniture, which also has cabinets for storage, for only $179 during this limited-time discount.
HLR Entertainment Center, $179 (was $300) at Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart
Shop at Walmart
Why do shoppers love it?
Although the unit itself only measures 67 inches long, it can support televisions as big as 75 inches long. This is because like most entertainment units, this model is designed with specific safety features and wall mounts to evenly distribute weight, ensuring a stable, sturdy placement even when the edges of the screen far surpass the length of the entertainment unit. That said, always keep in mind the furniture’s specific weight capacity to ensure you aren’t overloading the top surface. This TV stand can hold up to 200 pounds on the top surface alone, and overall, the entire unit can withstand up to 250 pounds.
Measuring 14.9 inches wide and 25.2 inches high, this long, rectangular entertainment unit is designed in three sections. The center has an open shelf and a pull-out shelf, and then two sets of cabinets run along both sides of those. Behind the cabinet doors, you’ll find two more additional shelves, giving you six different shelves for storage and decorative purposes. The shelves in the cabinet are adjustable, so you can move them to fit larger or more unusually shaped items with ease. The cabinet doors use soft-closing hinges, preventing pinched hands or slammed fingers — ideal if you have younger children running around.
The center shelves measure 20.7 inches long and 9.05 inches wide and although the cabinet shelves are adjustable, they measure 22.28 inches long regardless. Overall, you have more than enough room to accommodate media players, games, books, electronic devices, and other living room and family room items.
Related: Walmart is selling farmhouse storage cabinets that can help you get organized, starting at $67
The entire unit is made with a robust medium-density fiberboard material, an alternative to natural wood that has no natural knots or grain patterns, leaving a silky smooth surface behind. Available in eight colors, each unit has Roman column-shaped pine wood legs and a hand-painted finish meant to mimic North American 1950s design with a retro look.
Details to know
Dimensions: The unit measures 66.9 inches long, 14.9 inches wide, and 25.2 inches high.
Weight capacity: The surface of the unit can hold up to 200 pounds, and overall the entire unit can withstand 250 pounds.
Material: Medium-density fiberboard and pine wood.
Colors: Eight.
This bestseller impresses shoppers in more ways than one. It’s incredibly beautiful, and it’s quite sturdy and stable. It has a laminated-like texture that makes it look more expensive, and it offers plenty of storage space. It’s fairly easy to put together, and TVs look great on top of or hung slightly above the entertainment unit. “Easily looks like something that would sell for $500 at a furniture store,” one shopper said.
Shop more deals
Casacomoda Farmhouse LED TV Stand and Entertainment Center, $180 (was $380) at Walmart
Tinklewell TV Stand, $48 (was $82) at Walmart
Bestier 63-Inch LED TV Stand, $86 (was $200) at Walmart
For just $179, HLR Entertainment Center is the perfect place to securely show off your television and provide some much-needed storage for your living or family room.
Andy Ruiz Vs. Damian Knyba Card: Start Time And Ring Walks
Andy Ruiz Jr. faces Damian Knyba on Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark. Here is the full card, the broadcast start time and estimated ring walks.
Walmart’s $40 portable CD player has a retro look with modern features
TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why we love this deal
Remember the days when CDs were the norm? Before music streaming services took over, people took pride in their massive CD collections. I even remember taking the time to strategically categorize them in a binder, complete with matching album covers. While those days seem far behind us, it’s not as distant a past as we might think. CDs are making a comeback, and that means CD players are, too.
You can easily search for retro CD players on eBay, but there are modern options that are surprisingly affordable. At Walmart, the Udreamer Portable Bluetooth CD Player has a vintage look with modern features, and it’s currently on sale for only $40. Originally $80, it’s 50% off with a limited-time Flash deal.
Udreamer Portable Bluetooth CD Player, $40 (was $80) at Walmart
Courtesy of Walmart
Shop at Walmart
Why do shoppers love it?
Portable CD players are typically small, handheld devices, but this pick from Walmart has a unique design that looks like a blast from the past. While still compact, it looks like a mini record player, but for CDs, of course. It features a thick base with control knobs, a clear top cover, and an aesthetic stylus that’s more stylish than functional. Just like a record player, you can watch the CD spin while it plays, which only adds to its retro aesthetics.
However, this vintage-inspired CD player is loaded with modern advantages. It has wireless Bluetooth connectivity that you can sync to with your phone, tablet, or computer, and use it as a speaker. (There’s also a wired headphone jack, a USB input, and an aux input if you want to use other music sources or listening methods.) As a playful touch, there are built-in lights that improve the ambiance. Plus, it’s portable and rechargeable, with up to 10 hours of battery life on just one charge.
Related: Walmart’s $50 portable CD player has a retro design and Bluetooth connectivity
Details to know
Dimensions: 8.2 inches long by 7 inches wide by 3 inches high.
Colors: Purple, black, and white.
Features: Bluetooth connectivity, remote control, FM radio, built-in lighting effects, aux input, USB input, and wired headphone jack.
Walmart shoppers say the CD player is “amazing,” thanks to its sound and design. One reviewer said they were surprised by how good the sound quality is, with another saying it’s “clear.” They also liked how it has wireless Bluetooth connectivity, and you can also use it with headphones.
Others praised the CD player for its unique design. “It reminds me of the vintage record players from the ’60s, ’70s, and yes, even the ’80s,” a customer said. They added that now that they have the “unique” and “portable” CD player, they can put their collection to use again.
Shop more deals
Gpx CD Boombox, $30 (was $58) at Walmart
Greadio Desktop CD Player, $32 (was $60) at Walmart
Byron Statics Portable CD Player, $22 (was $25) at Walmart
Whether you’re dusting off your old CDs or buying new ones, the Udreamer Portable Bluetooth CD Player is a great way to enjoy them. It’s on sale now during a Flash deal for only $40, which is an impressive price for all the features you’re getting.
Stop Waiting to Become the Person Your Purpose Needs
I ran a workshop in Bali on living out your purpose, and the same thing kept coming up.
People could talk about impact all day. They could talk about who they wanted to become. Then you asked them what they were actually doing this week, and the room got quiet.
That is usually the whole problem.
We act like the next season of our life is going to arrive once we feel ready. It does not work like that. You become the person first. Then the life has somewhere to go.
I do not mean that in a mystical way. I mean it the way Scripture talks about it. Put off the old self. Put on the new. Renew your mind. Then live like it.
Most of us already know why we are stuck
It is not because the market is full.
It is because last year’s version of you is still making this year’s decisions.
That guy was useful. He got you here. He also has a habit of hiding, delaying, and calling it strategy. You say you want the company, the marriage, the platform, the stronger body. Then you wait for a better week. You wait for confidence. You wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder and tell you it is time.
If you keep that up for another decade, you do not get a new life. You get a longer version of this one.
So the first honest move is pretty simple. That old way of operating does not get to keep running the show. Thank God for what it taught you. Then stop letting it set the standard.
Purpose is more practical than people make it
In that workshop I gave four questions. They sound basic. They are not, if you answer them without performing.
What do you love? Not what sounds impressive. What would you suffer for.
What are you good at right now? You can learn more later. If you aim so high that you never feel any progress, you will quit.
What problem can you actually help with? Teaching counts. Building counts. Leading counts. It does not have to save the whole planet. It does have to serve someone.
How does this make money? People at purpose events hate that question. I still ask it. If nothing is coming in, the thing dies. Sales is not unspiritual. It is how the work stays alive. If you cannot sell, hire someone who can.
Where those four answers overlap, you are getting close to purpose. Not a brand statement. A direction you can walk.
And you probably will not have one purpose for life. You will have seasons. You work with what you know now. That is enough to start.
Write it down like a real week, not a quote
“More freedom” is not a plan.
Write what the next season actually looks like. What you are building. What a normal month feels like. What you will not do anymore. Who you are responsible for. What Tuesday looks like when nobody is watching.
If you want a team, say team. If you want dinner at home, say dinner. If you want to publish, say publish.
Vague goals let the old self hide. Specific ones make it obvious where you are lying to yourself.
This is stewardship. You aim. Then you take the next clear step. Your current bank account does not get to veto the assignment.
You do not need the finished version. You need the one who will start.
This is where years disappear.
People stand outside the thing and try to become impressive enough to deserve it. They watch videos. They design the logo. They wait until they feel like the person who should be doing this.
You need the person who will record the first video. Make the offer. Have the conversation. Lead one person. Send the thing before it is pretty.
Faith without works is dead. A lot of us use that verse on other people and then sit on our own calling until we feel anointed.
Clarity usually shows up after you move. You will not see step four while you are still arguing with step one.
Look at the gap and do not dress it up
There is you today.
Then there is the person for whom this next season is normal. Not famous. Faithful.
What does that person finish? What will they not put up with? How fast do they decide? How do they talk when they are tired? What do they do after a win? What do they do after they blow it?
Now write what you actually do.
That part is uncomfortable. It should be. If you will not tell the truth there, you will keep buying courses so you do not have to.
The issue is usually not talent. It is the lowest standard you still allow when nobody is looking.
Practice the new standard in the life you already have
You do not get a new life and then start acting different.
You act different while the room still looks the same. Same bills. Same calendar. Same unfinished text. Different follow-through.
That stretch is the work. Most people cannot handle being faithful in an unfinished situation, so they go back to matching the old life. Then they say the vision was unrealistic.
Keep one promise. Decide faster. Tell the truth sooner. Publish the imperfect thing. Stop writing essays about why you cannot begin.
If you want to know whether something works, do not spend three months decorating the plan. Ask how you could find out in a week. An offer. Three conversations. One ugly version shipped.
The person polishing the first draft for half a year loses to the person who shipped ten rough ones and learned.
If it takes five minutes, do it now. Sometimes what we call discernment is just stalling with better language.
And if it starts working, do not get soft. Comfort is how good men drift. When it feels easy, raise the standard.
Doubt is not automatically God closing the door
You decide, and then the old habits show up. You want to research instead of send it. You get foggy. You pick a fight. You feel behind.
That does not always mean you missed it. Sometimes it just means the old way is losing its job.
Take the fear to God. Then do the next right thing anyway. You do not have to feel like that man to obey like him.
There will also be seasons where you outgrow something that used to fit. The offer. The role. The way you have been showing up. It still gets applause, and it still feels tight. Staying there because it once worked is how you get successful and restless at the same time.
What to do with this
Answer the four questions on paper.
Write the season in real-life detail.
Write who you would have to be for that season to be normal.
Tell the truth about the gap.
Then do the smallest thing that puts you in the work, even if the evidence still looks like last year.
Six months from now those days are gone either way. I would rather you spend them becoming the person your purpose actually requires than waiting for a feeling that never comes.
This is a LIVE recording from a workshop I held in Bali speaking into living out your purpose
The post Stop Waiting to Become the Person Your Purpose Needs appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.
Why Smart Crypto Founders Treat Jurisdiction Like a Business Decision, Not a Shortcut
Most founders look at a crypto license the same way they look at a tax structure: find the cheapest country, file the forms, get moving.
That mindset is why a lot of exchange projects stall.
A jurisdiction is not a loophole. It is part of the operating system. It decides who will bank you, who will list you, and whether serious traders will trust the platform with real volume. Seychelles gets attention because the Financial Services Authority built a virtual-asset framework that is recognizable internationally without the overhead of a major financial center. That part is real. The “quick offshore setup” pitch is not.
If you cannot show substance, capital, and clean leadership, the application does not get cheaper. It just gets rejected later.
Establishing a digital asset platform requires clear jurisdiction choices, and founders frequently examine options for a crypto license in Seychelles.
What Seychelles actually rewards
The island is trying to attract operators who look like businesses, not brochures.
Regulators want transparency, operational substance, and financial stability. They look at who runs the company, how the platform is secured, and whether the capitalization matches the model you claim you will run. Global recognition is possible. Low overhead is possible. Skipping the standards is not.
That is the trade. You get a workable international base. You give up the fantasy that a license is a stamp you buy.
The requirements that catch founders off guard
The checklist is short. The execution is not.
Exchange operators generally need:
Minimum paid-up capital of $100,000
A real physical office on the islands, with a local lease
At least two directors, including a qualified resident director
Written, working anti-money-laundering policies across the operation
None of that is decorative. Banks and payment partners look for the same proof of substance later. If the office, the director, and the AML program only exist on paper, account opening becomes the next bottleneck.
Local agents can help with leases, utilities, and filings. They cannot invent a business that is not there.
The part founders underestimate
The legal file is where teams burn months.
Shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, and directors all go through background review. Financial projections have to look like a real exchange, not a pitch deck. If the numbers and the business model do not match, the file sits.
A lot of early-stage teams try to run this internally and then wonder why the timeline slipped. The work is not writing. It is coordination: local agents, regulator questions, document standards, and the gap between what a founder thinks “compliance” means and what a supervisor will accept.
This is why some teams use specialists who already work in fintech, crypto, and investment licensing. Firms with long field experience, such as SBSB Fintech Lawyers, exist for that unglamorous layer — local coordination, regulator communication, and keeping the file from dying on a technicality. That is not the strategy. It is the operations.
The license is the start, not the win
Approval does not mean the hard part is over.
After launch, the expectation is ongoing: transaction monitoring, independent audits, annual reporting, and an active authorization. Miss the statutory work and the license can be restricted or pulled. That is not a paperwork inconvenience. It is a trust event. Traders and institutions leave faster than they arrived.
The founders who last treat compliance as part of product quality. Customer funds, monitoring, and reporting are how you stay in the market long enough for the brand to matter.
The real decision
Seychelles can be a rational base for a digital-asset platform if you want international reach without the cost structure of a larger hub. It is a poor choice if the plan is speed without substance.
The founders who get through are the ones who treat the license like any other high-stakes launch: clear roles, real capital, no theater, and a team that can still operate after the approval email arrives.
Jurisdiction does not make the business. It only reveals whether you built one.
The post Why Smart Crypto Founders Treat Jurisdiction Like a Business Decision, Not a Shortcut appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.
Unified Champion Wants Claressa Shields Despite A Massive Size Disadvantage
Chantelle Cameron told me Claressa Shields would come in at 160 pounds while she sits around 150. The unified 154-pound champion wants the fight anyway.