"The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009" will present the band's most ambitious production yet and will include a massive 140-foot plus stage centered in the arena that aims to give a larger number of Jonas Brothers fans a closer, more interactive live concert than they've ever experienced before. The show will feature cutting edge technology used in a one-of-a-kind circular water screen, multi-color laser effects, motion automated video screens, a giant crane levitating over the audience plus other surprises that will bring the tour to the next level of concert entertainment.
www.jonasbrothers.com

STATE FAIR MEADOWLANDS

State Fair Meadowlands at Giants Stadium Fairgrounds will return to the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford this summer, with 18 days full of action-packed fun for the entire family. New Jersey’s largest, annual family-friendly event will run daily from June 25 – July 12. Fairgoers can kick off the summer, with plenty of FREE entertainment featuring dazzling performers, as well as delicious food, thrilling rides, games, exhibits, shopping and bargain ticket nights.
Hours of Operation: June 25-July 12
Monday-Thursday 6PM-12AM
Friday 6PM- 2AM
Saturday 2PM- 2AM
Sunday 2PM- 12AM

Special Hours:
Thursday, June 25 5PM-1AM
Friday, July 3 2PM- 2AM
Saturday, July 4 2PM- 2AM
Monday, July 6 2PM- 12AM
Thursday, July 9 5PM- 12AM

Admission Prices:
Weekdays Monday- Thursday
Adults- $7
Children 12 and under-$5

Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Adults-$9
Children 12 and under-$6

Special Ticket Pricing:
Thursday, June 25-Opening Night, $1
Monday, June 29-Pink Slip Stimulus Day-FREE for the unemployed
Thursday, July 2- Buy 1, Get 1, 1/2 price
Monday, July 6- after 6PM ticket prices will be: Adults-$9
and Children 12 & Under-$6
Thursday, July 9- Carload Night, included

The Leader's first look at the new stadium

EAST RUTHERFORD (June 11, 2009) — Prominent state officials gathered to memorialize an agreement to make the new Meadowlands football stadium “one of the greenest venues in sports.” Governor Jon S. Corzine, Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Steve Rothman were on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, New York Giants co-owner John Mara and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson as the stadium’s design and construction practices were hailed for their contribution to a healthier environment. The turnout was in stark contrast to the recent “topping off” ceremony of the stadium, where few political officials showed up.
But, despite the concentration of power on the dais, the eye couldn’t help wandering to the workers and machines beyond the stage, building the behemoth new structure. “It’s an intense project, just the enormity of it,” said David Korman, safety director for Skanska, a top-rated green construction firm, which is building the stadium. To underscore the scope of the work, Korman said he walks six to nine miles throughout the complex in the course of a day’s work. But, the effort doesn’t bother him. “What could be better than this?” Korman asked, noting that his kids are jealous he works on the stadium every day.
So, which team does Korman cheer for — the Giants or Jets? Neither. He’s a Redskins fan.
The stadium is slated to open in 2010.

Mazzaro World! A's win 6th Straight with Another First-Frame Burst

*** Sent in by our client, Patty, who is a proud Aunt of Vin**

Oakland Athletics pitcher Vin Mazzaro works against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 7, 2009, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
The A's are developing all kinds of good habits these days. Even on an afternoon when they were outhit, 5-2.
Take the opening frame, for starters. Orlando Cabrera got things going today with a single, and came around to score. This is not a recording. It was the third straight day that O-Cab made like Rickey (he even stole second!) as the A's rode three first-inning runs to their sixth straight victory, 3-0.
Making those scores stand up was Vin Mazzaro, who was not as charitable as his counterpart, Rich Hill (2/3IP, 1H, 3ER, 4BB). In his second big-league start, he allowed as many runs as his first go around- that would be none- exiting in the seventh inning to a well-deserved standing ovation. Make that 13-2/3 consecutive scoreless innings for the 22-year old right-hander.
In sweeping a three-game series for the first time this season, the A's outscored the O's 21-5, including 10-0 in the first inning.
After Cabrera swiped second base with one out in the first, Hill became intensely generous. He walked Jack Cust and Matt Holliday to load the bases. Then Jason Giambi earned a base-on-balls to plate Cabrera. Hill hit Kurt Suzuki with a pitch to score Cust, and Bobby Crosby made it 3-0 on a groundout to third (replays showed he was safe at first). After walking Rajai Davis to re-load the bases, Hill's day was done.
As was the case for the A's offense which produced only one more hit the rest of the way (an Adam Kennedy single in the fifth).
In a normal A's universe, such ineptitude would be cause for cursing. But in Mazzaro World, it was merely an inconvenience for a team that has outscored its opponents 38-8 during the win streak, and has spun three shutouts.
Mazzaro was brilliant, pitching 7-1/3 innings of five-hit ball, walking none, and striking out four. At one point he retired 15 of 16 batters. Michael Wuertz, Craig Breslow, and Andrew Bailey finished up the win, with Bailey earning his fourth save.
It was yet another quick game (2:13) following Friday's 2 hour, 14 minute affair.
by Ben Margot - AP

Giants Stadium Tour- The Final Season

Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 AM

Relive the memories of Giants Stadium in this behind-the-scenes, all access tour of one of the most famous stadiums in the world. Come celebrate the stadium's 33-year history during its final season, with new features and never-before-seen areas.


See the luxury suites and press box. Get a glimpse of the player locker rooms-Walk out on to the field for a special photo opportunity.


Receive a special commemorative item
Tours operate on Saturdays only at 10:00 am beginning June 13, 2009 with the exception of certain event days. The Tour runs approximately one hour. Tours are offered in English only. Tickets are sold on a first-come first-serve basis depending on availability with a maximum capacity of 50 per tour. Cameras that take still photos are permitted. Video cameras or recording devices are not permitted. The Tour is handicapped accessible. Coats, Bags, & Strollers must remain with guests, there are no check or holding areas. The locker room availability is subject to restrictions. Tour schedule and content are subject to change without notice.
Park in Lots 10/12. Meet at East Gate between Gates B and C.

First Tee: Your Guide to the New Jersey Golf Scene

Star-Ledger golf writer Brendan Prunty will take frequent looks this summer at what's going on around the state in the world of golf. Among this week's highlights, he writes about how it's becoming clear that the powerhouse for amateur golfers in New Jersey might just be at public course High Bridge Hills, and takes a closer look at the Course of the Week, Flanders Valley in Flanders.

As Michael Deo weaved his way through Fairmount Country Club Thursday afternoon in the final round of the 108th NJSGA Amateur Championship, there was a familiar friend in a purple business shirt. His tie was undone slightly and his golf shoes offset his dress pants, but the sight of Brian Komline was unmistakable.
It was also a sign of which club in northern New Jersey is emerging as the new home to some of the state's best amateur players.
Baltusrol? No. Plainfield? Guess again. Ridgewood? Not even close.

Try High Bridge Hills -- a public course in Hunterdon country.
"High Bridge Hills offers them something that is not found in the area because it's a links-style golf club," High Bridge Hill's Director of Golf, Kevin McKay said. "It's difficult, being target golf. You have to stay out of trouble and if you can hit fairways consistently here, you can pretty much hit them anywhere. They just seem to really love it -- and we're glad to have them."
With Deo capturing the Amateur title Thursday, it marked the fifth NJSGA title since 2005 for the young public course, which opened in 1999. Komline -- who has been affiliated with the course for three years -- has been a part of three of the titles. The next closest club over that span is Montclair Golf Club with four titles.
In fact, at the Amateur alone this week, High Bridge Hills was a force atop the leaderboard for much of the four rounds. This in spite of Komline not being able to play for personal reasons. Many consider the Morris Plains resident to not only be the best amateur player in the state, but the best overall player -- head professionals included.
In addition to Deo, West Caldwell resident Niall Handley found himself near the top of the leaderboard at one point, before finishing in a tie for 16th. The 37-year-old Handley has a connection to Komline through more than just High Bridge Hills. Originally born in Dublin, Ireland, Handley came to the United States 17 years ago on a golf scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University.
"We were college teammates together," Handley said this week. "He's a good friend of mine."
Handley and Komline teamed up to win one of High Bridge Hills' titles -- the 2008 Four-Ball Championship at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown. It was the second Four-Ball title for the course, as Ed Alden and Gregg Cartier won the 2006 at Panther Valley Golf and Country Club in Allamuchy.
But with Deo now aboard, along with Komline and Handley, High Bridge Hills is making a formidable case as a home for top players in the state. And it's also helping bring business to the course.
"We get a lot of people interested because of them or referrals because they read about it in the paper," McKay said. "We do get a bit of a turn from them and for us it's great. They do a lot for us. ... We make sure we can get them out early and our membership helps with that too. They have a strong relationship with our members. In turn, when one of them is playing well at a tournament, a bunch of the members always get out to cheer them on."
In fact, in his first major event as a High Bridge Hills player, Deo used a bit of Komline's luck from his 2005 NJSGA Open win. Sometime last summer, Komline lent Deo the putter he used that year to win the Open by four shots. As Deo tapped in his final putt Thursday evening to win the Amateur, he clutched the putter and gave a smile across the green to Komline who was pumping his fist.
Just more camaraderie formed on the young public links course out in Hunterdon County.
"Niall's here quite a bit," McKay said. "Brian's schedule has changed a little bit, so he's here about every other week and Mike's here about once a week. They play in our club championships and other events. We see them a lot."
COURSE OF THE WEEKFlanders Valley Golf Course (Red/Gold Courses)Flanders(973) 584-538281 Pleasant Hill Rd.morrisparks.net/golf18 Holes: $42*Weekend: $53*Cart: $17*Rates for non-Morris residents
One of the biggest public golf complexes in the state, Flanders Valley is home to 36 holes (four nines) spread out over 465 acres in Morris County. Golfers can play any combo of the four 9-hole courses (White, Blue, Red or Gold).
WHY IT'S GOOD FOR THE AVERAGE GOLFER
If there's one thing that Flanders Valley isn't short on, it's challenging golf holes. In the Red/Gold 18 alone (which we're reviewing) there are a number of great par-5s to play. And they're not in the typical county course model par 5 either (the kind that are just long, flat and straight) these are some tough holes. The sixth and 13th holes alone checked in at over 540 yards from the back tees. You don't see holes like that at a lot of county courses. The 36 total holes at Flanders also means that you generally stand a pretty good chance of not only getting on, but getting your round done in a reasonable amount of time. They have the ability to spread tee times out and make the day enjoyable for all golfers.
THE SALES PITCHBob Stegner, General Manager
"We've got 36 beautiful golf holes that are well maintained and reasonably priced. Having 36 holes gives us more availability and on the weekends we do what's called 'The Wave.' We tee golfers off on all four nines, which allows for more tee times in the mornings. Most people want to play in the morning rather than the afternoon, so that gives us the option of having more tee times available in the mornings. A lot of golfers want to get out between 7 and 10 in the morning. It's a fair golf course. It's not easy, but it's not extremely difficult either, which attracts a lot of golfers who don't want to have to hack through a round."

PHOTO: Brian Komline, who plays out of High Bridge Hills, is one of a growing number of quality state amateurs who are calling the Hunterdon County course home.

Oil Is Plentiful, Demand Weak. Why Are Gas Prices Going Up?

Storage tankers across the globe may be brimming with oil that no one is buying because of the global economic downturn, but the traditional laws of supply and demand don't always apply to oil prices. Drivers have faced rising prices at the gas pump in recent months, as investors and oil-producing countries hoard supplies in anticipation of a global economic recovery later this year.
The 12 member countries of the OPEC cartel voted in Vienna on Thursday to maintain output at current levels rather than increase supplies in order to bring some relief to consumers, particularly in the gas-guzzling West. The OPEC oil ministers, whose countries account for about 40% of the world's entire crude-oil supply, also renewed their commitment to stick to their agreed quotas, rather than ship extra oil, as they began doing last April when several members ignored their agreed output limits. OPEC leaders, many of whose economies are heavily dependent on oil exports, have struggled to stabilize prices at a level that suits their own economic needs amid falling demand and rising supplies. Prices had rocketed to a record level of $147 a barrel last July before plummeting to $30 just five months later and beginning a new climb. (See pictures of South Africa's oil-from-coal refinery.)
Oil analysts believe OPEC's decisions on Thursday could help push oil prices even higher; oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange have risen 36% in just two months, to about $63.46 a barrel on Thursday. And that appears to be on track to achieve targets set by OPEC leaders. Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi - OPEC's key power player - said Wednesday that oil prices ought to rise to between $75 and $80 a barrel by the end of the year. "Demand is picking up, especially in Asia," he told reporters puffing alongside him as he jogged through the streets of Vienna. "The price rise is a function of optimism that better things are coming in the future."
The economic recovery Naimi so optimistically predicts would certainly be vital to oil-producing countries, whose own economies would be imperiled by a drawn-out recession. Oil demand in rich countries has crashed since the onset of the economic crisis last year, and is now at its lowest level since about 1981, according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency. U.S. oil inventories - the stored surplus - this month reached their highest level since the 1980s. And about 2.6 billion barrels are currently stored in commercial tankers around the world. "There is some risk we will run out of storage space in the next four to six weeks," says Simon Wardell, director of global oil at IHS Global Insight, an energy-forecasting company in London. To oil-rich countries that possibility evokes grim memories of 1998, when the Asian economic crisis sent demand plummeting, driving world oil prices down to $10 a barrel. "If we run out of storage it could prompt a collapse in the price," says Wardell. Oil producers might then choose to dramatically cut output in order to run down the surplus. (See pictures from Azerbaijan's oil boom.)
Despite such dangers, investors and oil producers are betting that global demand will roar back, apparently hoping that the recession has already hit bottom. Over the past two months, investors have plowed billions of dollars into oil futures. If the U.S. and other major industrial economies rebound, oil supplies could be depleted because the recession has prompted producer nations to freeze hundreds of projects to open new oil wells or upgrade existing ones. In the oil-rich Niger Delta, a major Nigerian government offensive against rebels has seriously disrupted production for several weeks. Venezuela's Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said in Vienna that his country could not afford to invest in major new oil exploration unless prices rise further. "We need a level of at least $70 [a barrel] to recuperate investment," he said on Thursday. Muhammad-Ali Zainy, senior energy analyst at the Center for Global Energy Studies in London, says oil demand could increase quickly once the recession ends, especially as China has begun to build up its strategic oil reserves. "We think the price is going to go up gradually," says Zainy.
For those feeling the pain at the gas pumps, however, there is one piece of good news. Oil is unlikely to hit $147 a barrel again - at least not during the coming decades. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday that oil prices would likely rise to $110 a barrel by 2015 and $130 a barrel by 2030. By that time the world oil markets might once again follow the normal rules of economics.