Le Journal

Carlos Alvarado Valverde, former director of the Coast Guard, former head of the Costa Rican Drug Control Institute (ICD), and respected security analyst, died Thursday at the age of 64. He had been experiencing health complications for about a month and had been hospitalized in Alajuela. Following in the footsteps of his father, Manuel Alvarado, […] The post In Memory of Carlos Alvarado Valverde: A Highly Regarded Authority on Costa Rican Security appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Image Source: www.madeincookware.com I might not own the Made-In CeramiClad 7-Piece Cookware Set ($580, originally $806), but I do own Made-In cookware, and I have to say it has lasted me a long time. My set isn't quite as pretty or as big as this one, but I've used my small but mighty three-piece set for years and can confidently say that "impressed" is an understatement. Right now, for Black Friday, the CeramiClad 7-Piece Set is 32 percent off and comes with a free Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, making it the perfect time to snag a set for yourself. Cookware is tricky - you really have to try both high- and low-end pieces to understand what you're missing out on, test all the specs, and use it for all kinds of cooking. After seven years as an editor, I can safely give Made-In a five-star rating. It's pricey, but absolutely worth it. Image Source: www.madeincookware.com Made in Italy with five-ply construction, which is a fancy way of saying it has multiple layers of metal to ensure food cooks evenly, and topped with a non-stick coating that makes cooking easy and cleanup a breeze, this set is very much worth it. I also love that it's compatible with all stovetops - gas, electric, and induction - so even if you move, you don't have to buy new cookware. Plus, it's oven safe up to 550 degrees and free from harmful chemicals, which isn't always the case with cheaper sets. While I'm personally eyeing this 7-piece set, the entire site is up to 30 percent off right now, so you really can't go wrong with any single piece, even just a fry pan. Looking for even more sales? Shop more of Popsugar's Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, and subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Haley Lyndes is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.

Fans of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny expressed frustration this week after organizers announced last-minute alterations to the stage setup for his upcoming concert in Costa Rica. The addition of “La Casita,” a secondary stage element popularized during his residency in Puerto Rico, has sparked debate among ticket holders who feel the change disrupts the […] The post Fans Upset Over Last-Minute Changes to Bad Bunny’s Costa Rica Show Setup appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

Image Source: www.albanypark.com I'm not saying you need to make a big purchase this Black Friday, but I am saying that if you've been putting one off, now's a pretty great time to consider it. Especially when it comes to furniture - we all know those prices can make a serious dent in your bank account. One brand our editors genuinely love is Albany Park; we've tested both the Lido Sofa and Barton Sofa (and honestly, there are more, I just can't keep count). The brand hits that sweet spot of being both affordable and excellent quality, with designs that live right in our wheelhouse - like the Kova Sofa and Ottoman ($3,006, originally $5,010) - which former shopping director Macy Cate Williams reviewed and genuinely loves. "This couch feels like a cloud - each cushion is filled with a feather-fiber blend that is so soft and fluffy. I also appreciate that the cushions are reversible, so if I spill something that stains badly (hello, red wine), I can just flip over a cushion." Image Source: PS Photography | Macy Cate Williams Not only is this sofa $2,000 off (yes, you read that correctly), but the entire site is 35 percent off for Black Friday, and you get free white-glove delivery. The Kova is stylish and comfortable, available in a range of fabrics (Sunbrella, performance, linen, velvet, chenille) and more than twenty color options - because no, I'm not counting all of them. You can even customize the cushion style (box or pillow). It's basically built for lounging and happens to look great while doing it. Couch-rotting score? A solid eight out of ten, easily. Looking for even more sales? Shop more of Popsugar's Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, and subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Haley Lyndes is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.