Books: On Empowered Women

There are two new books on empowered women from New York, The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani, and The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang.

Books: "Tangerine" by Christine Mangan

Tangerine
By Christine Mangan
Ecco; paperback; $16.99

This debut novel from Christine Mangan focuses on Alice Shipley, who has just arrived in Tangier with her new husband, John, but she runs into the last person she ever expected to run into there, Lucy Mason.

Red Bulls Roll Past Pantoja To Move On In Champions League

Kaku (10, at right) of the Red Bulls looks to make a play. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Red Bulls beat Club Atletico Pantoja of the Dominican Republic, 3-0, on Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena in the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16. Combined with the Red Bulls' 2-0 win last Wednesday at Pantoja, they advance on a 5-0 aggregate.

Books: Dr. Pimple Popper Gives Skincare Techniques

Put Your Best Face Forward: The Ultimate Guide to Skincare from Acne to Anti-Aging
By Sandra Lee, MD
Dey Street Books; paperback, $25.99

Dr. Sandra Lee shot to fame when she started to post videos of her "popping pimples" on her YouTube channel, which has 4.6 million subscribers, and on Instagram. It turns out that people love watching things being extracted from people's skin, so much so that the videos from this Southern California dermatologist have been viewed nearly three billion times.

Books: "Hate Crime Hoax" By Dr. Wilfred Reilly

Hate Crime Hoax: How the Left is Selling a Fake Race War
By Dr. Wilfred Reilly
Regnery Publishing; hardcover, $28.99; available Tuesday, February 26

Last week, the country was dealing with the news that actor Jussie Smollet's claim of being attacked in Chicago by two guys wearing "Make America Great Again" hats was revealed to be a hoax, and he was charged with a felony.

Yankess Lock Up Hicks With 7-Year Deal

Aaron Hicks.

The Yankees announced on Monday morning that they have signed outfielder Aaron Hicks to a seven-year contract extending through the 2025 season, with a club option for the 2026 season. This contract replaces his one-year contract for 2019 that was previously announced on January 11.

Yankees' Steinbrenner Field Gate Openings & Security Info

Steinbrenner Field.

If you are heading to Tampa Bay to see the Yankees in spring training home games at Steinbrenner Field, this is the information you need to know to get the most out of the experience.

Books: On How Politics Has Evolved

President Donald Trump greets House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the State of the Union.

There are three new books on the state of politics in United States and the world, and how we got to this moment of polarization: Nervous States by Willqim Davies; Fault Lines by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer, and Positive Populism by Steve Hilton.

Books: "The Lost Night," Set in Williamsburg

The Lost Night
By Andrea Bartz
Crown; hardcover, 336 pages; $27.00; available Tuesday, February 26

Andrea Bartz, a journalist and essayist from Brooklyn, coauthored the blog and book Stuff Hipsters Hate in 2010. Her debut novel, The Lost Night, is set in Williamsburg, and she delves into the complex tangle of relationships and love and brilliantly captures that moment of being a twenty-something in a big city. This is probably the first time you're all alone in the city, when drama-riddled friendships feel crucial and everlasting, and when you feel invincible.

St. John's, Led By Ponds, Gets "Payback" On Seton Hall

Shamorie Ponds (2) orchestrates the St. John's offense. Photo by Jason Schott.

St. John's surged to a big lead early, and held off a late push by Seton Hall to hold on for a 78-70 victory on Saturday night at Madison Sqaure Garden.

St. John's earned their 20th win of the season and they improved to 8-7 in Big East play, and are now in sole possession of third place in the conference, ahead of Seton Hall, who fell to 7-8.

Yankees Team-Building Exercise Before The Games Begin

Motivational speaker Ricky Kalmon leads the exercise. Photos provided by Yankees.

On Friday at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the Yankees held their final workout prior to the start of their spring exhibition schedule on Saturday on the road against the Red Sox in Fort Myers.

Books: Washington's Battles At Valley Forge

Valley Forge
By Bob Drury and Tom Clavin
Simon & Schuster; hardcover; $30.00

George Washington was referred to as the "Father of Our Country" 240 years ago, during the winter of 1778, when his political accomplishments were on full display. However, when this is viewed through a military prism, most of the previous historical accounts view this as a bleak period.

Books: Dr. Sebastian Gorka On How U.S. Can Win War On Terror

Dr. Sebastian Gorka.

Defeating Jihad: The Winnable War
By Dr. Sebastian Gorka
Regnery Publishing; hardcover; $27.99

Since September 11, 2001, America has been at war. And that's about all anyone can say with certainty about a conflict that has cost 7,000 American lives and almost $2 trillion. As long as the most basic strategic questions, such as who the enemy is and why we are fighting, remain unanswered, victory is impossible.

Books: Unpublished Black History From the NY Times In "Unseen"

Unseen: Unpublished Black History From The New York Times Photo Archives
By Darcy Eveleigh, Dana Canedy, Damien Cave,and Rachel L. Swarns
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers; hardcover, 304 pages; $29.99

Hundreds of stunning images from black history have long been buried in The New York Times archives, and now they are being published.

Unseen uncovers these never-before published photographs and tells the stories behind them.

Red Bulls Open Season With Champions League Win

@NewYorkRedBulls.

The Red Bulls opened the 2019 season in style, as they earned a 2-0 road win against Atletico Pantoja in Leg 1 of a Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 series on Wednesday night in the Dominican Republic.

St. John's Falls To The Friars Agai

Providence's Nate Watson puts one up. Photo courtesy of St. John's.

St. John's suffered one of their toughest losses of the season, as they fell to the Providence Friars, 78-59, on Wednesday night. This was the second time in 11 days Providence beat the Red Storm in dominating fashion.

Seton Hall Comes Up Short Against Xavier

Xavier celebrates a late basket. Photo by Jason Schott.

Seton Hall nearly erased a 16-point second half deficit against Xavier, but they came up short, losing by one point, 70-69, on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center.

This broke a three-game winning streak for Seton Hall, who fell to 7-7 in Big East play, and they remain tied with St. John's fore third place in the conference. St. John's lost at Providence, 78-59. Seton Hall matches up with St. John's on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

Yankees Single-Game Tickets Go On Sale Monday

Aaron Judge at the plate. Photo by Jason Schott.

The baseball season is upon us, and if you plan on visiting Yankee Stadium this season, here is all you need to know about the various ticket options and specials they will have throughout the season.

Books: Tarkenton On How Seniors Can Be "Safe & Secure"

Safe & Secure: 10 Essential Steps for Seniors to Protect Against Financial Abuse
By Fran Tarkenton and Rick Gossett
Rengery Pubkishin; $14.99

Fran Tarkenton is best known for his career as a Hall of Fame quarterback with the Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He then  went on to be a successful businessman and entrepreneur. One of his businesses, Tarkenton Financial LLC, focuses on retirement income strategies.

Red Bulls II Add Venezuelan Defender Rito

Courtesy Red Bulls.

New York Red Bulls II have added Venezuelan right back Edgardo Rito on loan from Venezuelan side Fundacion Yaracuyanos FC, it was announced on Wednesday. Rito has received his P-1 visa and joined NYRB II for preseason camp in Tucson, Arizona.

Brooklyn Dodgers Legend Don Newcombe Passes Away at 92

Don Newcombe warming up at Yankee Stadium.

Brooklyn Dodgers legend Don Newcombe passed away at the age of 92 on Tuesday. He was the first pitcher to win the Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Cy Young Awards during his career.

NYCFC Unveils New Home Kit For 2019 Season

Maxi Moralez. @NYCFC.

New York City Football Club unveiled its new 2019 home jersey on Tuesday.

Designed by adidas in the Club’s iconic blue colorway, this is the Club’s third home uniform. The new shirt draws inspiration from the City itself with special features including: a pigeon mosaic on the jock tag, a vertical stripe in the tricolor colors of the New York City flag, and the flag featured on the back neck.

Books: "Tin Cans & Greyhounds," A Story Of American Heroism

Tin Cans & Greyhounds: The Destroyers That Won Two World Wars
By Clint Johnson
Regnery History; hardcover; $29.99, available Tuesday, February 19

The battles fought by Destroyer Men were often fought "against overwhelming odds from which survival could not be expected."

Books: "The Presidents and the Pastime"

In honor of President's Day and the start of baseball's spring training, enjoy this review of a book on the relationship between the sport and the Presidency.

Books: "Death In Provence" By Serena Kent

Death In Provence
By Serena Kent
Harper; hardcover, 368 pages; $26.99; available Tuesday, February 19

Penelope Kite is a young-at-heart divorcee with a knack for stumbling across dead bodies. We are introduced to her in this first installment of a series of clever, lighthearted mystery series from Serena Kent set in modern Provence.

St. John's Heron Named Big East Player of the Week; Figueroa Earns Honor Roll

Mustapha Heron. @StJohnsBball.

On Sunday, Mustapha Heron and LJ Figueroa led St. John’s to a comeback victory over No. 13/13 Villanova, and on Monday, Heron has been named the Big East Player of the Week and Figueroa earned a spot on the league’s weekly honor roll.

Red Bulls Sign 2018 MLS Defender of the Year Aaron Long

Aaron Long with the fans. Provided by Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls have signed United States Men's National Team defender Aaron Long to a multi-year MLS contract using Targeted Allocation Money, the club announced on Monday morning.

Long was an integral piece of the Red Bulls' success last season, anchoring a Red Bulls backline that allowed just 33 goals in 34 regular season games en route to the 2018 Supporters' Shield with league-record points (71) and wins (22), as well as appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals and Semifinals of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.

Steinbrenner Field Now A Smoke & Tobacco-Free Stadium

Steinbrenner Field.

The Yankees announced on Monday morning that Steinbrenner Field has become a smoke- and tobacco-free stadium.

This policy will be in place for all stadium events, including all Yankees spring training workouts and games, and all Tampa Tarpons games.

St. John's Stuns Villanova, Earns Signature Win

LJ Figueroa goes up for a layup. @StJohnsBball.

The St. John's Red Storm reversed an early 19-point deficit to stun the Villanova Wildcats, 71-65, on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.

This was the signature win that St. John's was waiting all season for, as they improved to 19-7 overall and 7-6 in Big East Conference play. This puts them close to sewing up a bid in the NCAA 
Tournament.

Seton Hall Crushes Creighton Late Again

Seton Hall's Myles Cale and Creighton's Mitch Ballock.

Seton Hall staged a late comeback to stun Creighton, 81-75, on Sunday at CHI Health Center Omaha, their second victory over the Blue Jays in eight days.

Red Bulls Sign Long Island Native Sean Nealis

@NewYorkRedBulls.

The Red Bulls have signed 2019 MLS SuperDraft Second-Round pick Sean Nealis to an MLS contract, they announced on Sunday.

Books: On American History

On this President's Day weekend, it's time to take a look back at our history and who made us the country we are today with these books: Winter War by Eric Rauchway; John Marshall: The Man Who Made The Supreme Court by Richard Brookhiser; Behold, America by Sarah Churchwell;  The Rise of Andrew Jackson by David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler; and A Nation Forged by Crisis by Jay Sexton.

Yankees' Sabathia Announces 2019 Will Be His Last Season

CC Sabathia. @Yankees.

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia confirmed that 2019 would mark his final Major League season at a press conference at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa on Saturday afternoon surrounded by his family and teammates.

"This is it. This is the final year," Sabathia said, adding, "all I ever wanted is for people to remember me as a good teammate."

Yankees Sign Severino To New Deal

Luis Severino. @Yankees.

The Yankees made a major investment in one of their homegrown players, a pitcher who has proven to be an ace the past couple seasons.

The Yankees have signed RHP Luis Severino to a four-year contract extending through the 2022 season, with a club option for the 2023 season, it was announced on Friday.

St. John's Mullin, Heron, & Clark Ahead Of Villanova Matchup

Chris Mullin. Photo by Jason Schott.

The St. John's Red Storm will be facing their toughest test of the season Sunday evening at Madison Square Garden when they take on defending national champion Villanova.

St. John's is coming off an overtime win against Butler on Tuesday night, and they are in a tie for third place in the Big East with Seton Hall, as both have 6-6 conference records.

Villanova is in first place in the Big East with a conference record of 11-1. 

Seton Hall Smothers Georgetown

Michael Nzei takes a free throw with teammates looking on. Photo by Jason Schott.

Seton Hall had one of their best performances of the season, as they thoroughly dominated Georgetown, 90-75, on Wednesday night at Prudential Center.

The win puts the Pirates in a tie for third place in the Big East with St. John's, with both teams holding 6-6 conference records. Georgetown fell to 5-7 in the Big East and they are in a three-way tie for fifth with DePaul and Butler.

Boone: Sanchez Has "A real hunger to go out and show the world what a good player he is"

Gary Sanchez. @Yankees

One focus for the Yankees as they enter spring training will be on the growth of one of their prized young players, catcher Gary Sanchez.

Sanchez burst on the scene in 2016, had a strong year at the plate the following season, but had a tough 2018 in which he played only 89 games due to injury and saw his average dip to .189, with 18 home runs and 53 RBI.

Boone: Yankees Have To "Go deliver on what we believe is a really good club"

Aaron Boone. Photo by Jason Schott.

Yankees Manager Aaron Boone addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon as spring training in Tampa commenced with the arrival of pitchers and catchers.

Boone enters his second season at the helm after winning 100 games last season as a rookie manager. The Yankees beat Oakland in the Wild Card Playoff game before falling to Boston in the Division Series.

Ponds Named To Midseason Team For Citizen Naismith Trophy

Shamorie Ponds. @StJohnsBball.

St. John's junior point guard Shamorie Ponds has earned the latest in a long line of national recognitions this season, earning a spot on the midseason team for the Citizen Naismith Trophy, it was announced Wednesday morning.

Yankees Invite Diehl & Stephan To Spring Training

Yankee Stadium. Photo by Jason Schott.

The Yankees have invited a pair of pitchers, left-hander Phillip Diehl (No. 82) and right-hander Trevor Stephan (No. 81) to Major League spring training.

St. John's Bops Butler In OT

Mustapha Heron. @StJohnsBball.

St. John's won a thriller over Butler, 77-73, in overtime on Tuesday night at Carnesecca Arena.

This was a huge win for St. John's, as they bounced back from a tough loss to Providence on Saturday and their Big East record returns to .500 at 6-6.

Red Bulls Complete Transfer For U-19 Denmark National Team Forward Jørgensen

Provided by Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls have completed the transfer of U-19 Denmark National Team forward Mathias Jørgensen from Odense Boldklub using Targeted Allocation Money, and signed him to a multi-year MLS contract.

Jørgensen, 18, will be added to the roster pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa, becoming New York's youngest rostered first-team player in 2019. Additional details of the transfer and contract were not disclosed.

Alfonzo Returns As Cyclones Manager

Edgardo Alfonzo.

Mets icon Edgardo Alfonzo, will return as manager for the 2019 season, his sixth year with the Cyclones organization and third as manager. “Fonzie” will be joined on the bench by hitting coach Delwyn Young, pitching coach Josué Matos and coach Endy Chávez.

Chávez is known for authoring one of the best moments in Mets history when he reached over the left field fence to rob Scott Rolen of a grand slam in the seventh game of the 2006 NLCS. This will be his first season as a coach.

Books: "Trigger" Concludes Frank Marr Trilogy

Trigger: A Frank Marr Novel
By David Swinson
Mulholland; hardcover, $27.00; available Tuesday, February 12

Frankie Marr returns in all his jittery, mordant brilliance, as he has kicked his addiction to cocaine, but he's drinking more, and he has lost the woman he's crazy about. The one thing that hasn't changed is how he moves through the nation's capital, balancing accounts his way.

Books: "Killer Thriller" By Lee Goldberg

Killer Thriller
By Lee Goldberg
Thomas & Mercer; 288 pages, hardcover; $24.95; available Tuesday, February 12

Lee Goldberg, the author of more than thirty bestselling novels,  introduced his new series featuring acclaimed author and reluctant hero Ian Ludlow in last year's critically acclaimed True Fiction.

Books: "How To Disappear" In A Very Public Age

How To Disappear: Notes on Invisibility in a time of Transparency
By Akiko Busch
Penguin Press; 224 pages, hardcover; $26.00; available Tuesday, February 12

In an era in which people are on social media constantly sharing pictures and what they're thinking at any given moment. We are encouraged to reveal, share, and promote ourselves, and that pressure does not just come just from our peers, but from vast and pervasive technology companies that want to profit from patterns in our behavior.

St. John's Ponds Named To Big East Honor Roll

@StJohnsBball.

St. John's point guard Shamorie Ponds averaged 24.0 points per game in a 1-1 week for his team, and on Monday, he was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll for the seventh time this season.

Red Bull Arena Upgrades Include New Video Board

Provided by the Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls have announced several arena enhancements aimed at significantly improving fan experience at Red Bull Arena for the 2019 season.

Books: Take A Trip to Renaissance Italy With "The Chef's Secret"

The Chef's Secret
By Crystal King
Atria; paperback; $15.99; available Tuesday, February 12

Bartolomeo Scappi is a name that appears often in the archives of Italian cuisine, but not much is actually known about the life of the legendary chef who served the papacy and authored one of the bestselling cookbooks of all time. From a meatless holiday meal to a hearty one, he created over 1,000 recipes, most of which are staples of our diets today.

Books: "The Secretary" By Renee Knight

The Secretary
By Renee Knight
Harper; 368 pages, hardcover; $26.99; available Tuesday, February 12

Renée Knight’s 2015 debut Disclaimer made her an international phenom across the thriller and suspense genre, and rights to the book were sold in 31 countries and it was optioned for film by Fox Searchlight.

Knight's new novel, The Secretary, is a chilling psychological tale of power, devotion and betrayal.