(NewsUSA) - It doesn't matter how you celebrate Father's Day, what matters is reminding Dads that they're appreciated, even admired.

Ay Yi Y-Ike Davis.

Whether the New York Mets decide to send first baseman Ike Davis to the minor leagues or not, it’s not going to make much a difference in the grand scheme of things.

(BPT) - Al fresco dining is one of the great pleasures of warm weather. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood barbecue or an intimate dinner party on your deck, outdoor dining is a great way to savor good food, company and the great outdoors. To ensure your meals are safe and enjoyable, it’s important to know how to prepare, transport and store food for outdoor eating.

A duo of megalith sports franchises, the New York Yankees and Britain’s Manchester City Football Club, announced on Monday Major League Soccer’s 20th franchise and second foray in the tri-state metropolitan area: New York City Football Club.

As officials from MLS, the Bronx Bombers, Abu Dhabi-owned Man City and Mayor Bloomberg congratulated each other during a Tuesday press conference rolling out the franchise, there was one notable absence: the Unisphere, which had become ubiquitous in the league’s push to build a home in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

The ongoing saga of Major League Soccer’s proposal to build a stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and the city’s apparent acquiescence in defiling Queens’ crown jewel with yet another massive structure, took two major turns this week.

First, it was announced that in addition to the Arab sheikh who would be the majority owner of the new team that would play there, the New York Yankees would take a 25 percent stake in the franchise. That just adds to our contention that there is no way to justify Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to give our parkland away. Both the sheikh and the Yankees have extremely deep pockets, and if they want to build a stadium somewhere in the city, they can afford to buy the land to do it.

The Subway Series, which gets underway on Monday at Citi Field and concludes Thursday at Yankee Stadium, is a great way to take stock of our two Major League Baseball franchises. Last June the Mets dropped five out of six games against the Yankees, which served as a warning that their supposed terrific first half when they won 46 games was a mirage.

This year the Mets are not teasing their fans, as they have been playing at the low level that was expected of them before the season began. The Yankees, on the other hand, have been near or at the top of the American League East standings despite the loss to injuries of such household names as Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Texeira and Curtis Granderson. Granderson has returned to the team but was replaced on the disabled list by veteran pitcher Andy Pettitte.

“Gravity of the Sculpture: Part II” will remain on display at The Dorsky Gallery, 11-03 45 Ave., Long Island City, through July 3. Call (718) 937-6317, email david@dorsky.org or visit dorsky.org.

Aside from the usual array of sneakers, knee socks and uniforms, the parents of a Catholic Youth Organization collective that uses Little Bay Park’s soccer fields have grown accustomed to bringing one extra piece of equipment: first-aid kits.

Every weekend children take the field at Little Bay Park, they’re running a high risk of leaving with bloodied extremities, according to parent and Malba Gardens Civic Association president Alfredo Centola.

(NAPSI)—If you were offered a 50 percent pay increase but had to give up time with your family in order to get it—would you make that trade? Even though seven out of 10 Americans (71 percent) say they would be happier if they had more money, few are willing to make trade-offs between their families and their finances.

While baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, there’s no need to have swung a bat in your life to recognize iconic baseball parks across the U.S. Baseball became a national sport in the 1850s but the turn of the 20th century brought construction to what many Americans deem the most important baseball stadiums in history – including the Red Sox stomping grounds and the most expensive stadium ever built: Yankee Stadium. Whether you opt for the peanuts or Cracker Jack, there’s no doubt you will enjoy the game at one of these famous baseball parks in America.

While baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, there’s no need to have swung a bat in your life to recognize iconic baseball parks across the U.S. Baseball became a national sport in the 1850s but the turn of the 20th century brought construction to what many Americans deem the most important baseball stadiums in history – including the Red Sox stomping grounds and the most expensive stadium ever built: Yankee Stadium. Whether you opt for the peanuts or Cracker Jack, there’s no doubt you will enjoy the game at one of these famous baseball parks in America.

(StatePoint) Not sure what to give your dad for Father’s Day? Classic choices like a tie or cufflinks are nice, but don’t forget to give him the most meaningful gift of all -- quality time.

(BPT) - Father’s Day and graduations are coming up, and that means you’ll have to think of appropriate gifts for these heralded champions. You don’t need to spend a fortune to make gift recipients happy, all you do need to do is put some thought into their presents. A few tips and tricks will help you pick out a gift the recipient is sure to love.

It’s been 30 years since the New York Islanders won their last Stanley Cup, and frankly, they have been abysmal for most of the years between 1983 and now. During this labor-dispute-shortened National Hockey League season, the Islanders played respectably enough to earn their first playoff berth in seven years as they clinched the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Islanders drew the unenviable assignment of playing Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins, long an NHL powerhouse, in the first round. To their credit, the Isles showed that they weren’t merely happy to be there, as they battled hard to force the series to six games. Unfortunately for the Isles, they lost two overtime games at the Nassau Coliseum, including Saturday night’s finale.

Dear Editor:

HR 1565 is new legislation in Congress to expand Brady background checks on gun sales. But despite the fact that nine in 10 Americans support expanded background checks, the gun lobby extremists are working overtime to kill the bill.

Strong, sensible gun laws preserve Second Amendment rights, prevent gun violence, and save lives.

While the Brady Law requires criminal background checks of gun sales at gun stores, these checks are not required at gun shows, online sales and other venues where unlicensed sellers operate.

Right now in most states, felons, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill can walk into a gun show, flea market or even log on to the internet and buy weapons from unlicensed sellers, no questions asked.

Congress should require a simple criminal background check on gun sales. The Brady Law has stopped over 2 million felons and domestic abusers from getting guns at gun stores. Now it’s time to finish the job.

Completing the necessary paperwork for background checks takes mere minutes, and more than 91 percent of these checks are completed instantaneously.

I strongly support the Second Amendment. However, this right also requires basic responsibility, and as a society we are responsible for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people like criminals, terrorists and the dangerously mentally ill.

In addition, there are exemptions from a check between family members, hunters and sportsmen who temporarily want to exchange firearms while hunting or participating in sports shooting activities.

I urge every reader to contact their representatives today and ask them to co-sponsor the bipartisan King-Thompson bill (H.R. 1565) to expand criminal background checks and save lives.

Last Thursday a man allegedly terrorized his home neighborhood of Long Island City, stealing cars and money while wielding a gun that wasn’t all that it seemed.

Police briefly closed down part of Borden Avenue in their pursuit of the suspect. About eight hours later they arrested Nicolas Almonte, 27, who lives on Borden Avenue.

September 2014 will mark the end of an era as CBS, the network that has broadcast the championship matches of the US Open as far back as anyone can remember, will not renew its contract with the United States Tennis Association when it expires next year, the Queens Chronicle has exclusively learned.

(BPT) - Sunnier skies and summertime fun are just around the corner, and with them comes plenty of outdoor activities like long days at the playground, sporting events and barbecues. With so many options, the last thing most people want to think about is household responsibilities … but all that outdoor fun can add up to a lot of laundry.

(BPT) - While children long for the lazy carefree days of summer, many adults view the season as a reason to be active and get healthy. Whether it's to look good for an upcoming beach vacation or simply to have the energy to enjoy the season to the fullest, setting health goals is a great first step.

(BPT) - American women spend more time taking care of their families, homes and jobs than themselves. With so much time invested in caring for others, women can overlook the importance of their own health. Yet, neglecting their own health needs can make it much harder for women to also take care of those they love.

Long Island City from the Queensboro Bridge to Hunters Point was at a standstill for awhile last Thursday beginning around 9:30 a.m. as a suspected armed robber allegedly filched three high-end vehicles.

Police briefly closed down the bridge and part of Borden Avenue in their pursuit of the suspect. About eight hours later they arrested Nicolas Almonte, 27.

Matt Harvey’s emergence as perhaps the best pitcher in Major League Baseball took another leap forward Tuesday night during the Mets’ victory over the Chicago White Sox.

It took about 15 hours for the first fallout from the Nets’ disappointing Game 7 loss to the undermanned Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs to be felt. Nets general manager Billy King announced that interim head coach PJ Carlesimo would not be offered a contract.

Given the way the Nets choked away a 14-point lead with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter, combined with their putrid performance in the decisive Game 7 — trailing by 17 points at the half before making a too little, too late run — it was inevitable that Carlesimo would get his walking papers.

The United States Tennis Association, three Queens elected officials and some parks advocates this week lauded a deal with the city that would have the nonprofit “replace” land it wants so it can expand its National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

The accord reached between the nonprofit and city represents a unique bargain: according to a press release sent by the USTA, it replaces the 0.68 acre of parkland needed for its expansion with 1.56 acres of what looks like, is used as and mapped as existing parkland already within Flushing Meadows.

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for soccer players and their parents. A new type of goal is designed to make practice and competitive play safer.