OPEC: Hawks vs. doves in Vienna

The dozen members of OPEC convene in a climate of highly charged politics, war in a member state and with countries like the United States asking for some relief from $100 oil. It is one of the most interesting meetings in a decade because it is evidence that geo-politics and oil definitely mix and cause combustion.

In one corner the price doves who want to maintain demand with reasonable pricing: OPEC heavyweight Saudi Arabia along with two other countries with spare oil to offer, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. In the other corner the price hawks: Venezuela, Iraq and Iran whom have traditionally pushed for higher prices.

At this meeting, it is proving more difficult to bring them together for compromise. In this case, the debate is not providing more oil to the market but sending a clear signal (not easy in this group) that OPEC is willing to provide ample supplies to meet demand.

OPEC Secretary General Abdulla El Badri told CNN at the start of the meeting that “OPEC is always ready to act to make sure the market is well supplied”. He says the market continues to price in a 15-20 percent premium based on concerns around the Arab uprisings. If one looks at the first half chart for North Sea Brent crude when prices averaged $109 a barrel, there was a spike every time an uprising began – Egypt, Libya, Yemen and now Syria. In 2010, prices averaged $79 – closer to what I like to call the “Goldilocks Scenario” a level that is not too high for importers and allows ample revenues for OPEC producers. Right now the market is out of kilter and wants OPEC to raise a 2008 quota of 24.8 million barrels a day to match current production of 26.3 million barrels. This, according to many market trackers here in Vienna, should suffice in taking some of the froth off of today’s oil market.

Sean Kingston Critically Injured in Jet Ski Accident

According to Local10.com, the "Beautiful Girls" singer had a female passenger on board his watercraft when it crashed into a bridge (see below) around 6:00 PM local time. We're told both Kingston and his passenger were rescued from the water by a good Samaritan.

The Miami Fire Dept. responded to the scene and both Kingston and his female passenger were transported to nearby Jackson Memorial Hospital. We're told Kingston's injuries are so severe, he is being treated in the trauma ward.

We're told ... at this moment, officials do not believe alcohol played a role in the crash.

Kingston's rep tells TMZ ... "Sean Kingston was in an accident today. No further details are available at the moment. He and his family thank everyone for the well-wishes."

Officials are investigating the cause of the crash. 

The Film Strip: ‘X-Men: First Class’ Continue Their Quest to be Equal

Gone are Halle Berry and that whole crew of the first two X-Men installments.  “X-Men: First Class,” the prequel, stars Zoe Kravitz (Angel), Edi Gathegi (Darwin), James McAvoy (Charles), Michael Fassbender (Erik), Kevin Bacon (Sebastian), Rose Byrne (Moira), January Jones (Emma) and Lucas Till (Alex). Gathegi caused an uproar among white fans of the “Twilight” series when he was cast as Laurent. Diehard X-Men aficionados can rest assured that there was no audacious tampering in this instance. Darwin is a black character, as well as Angel.

Taking the reins of a franchise that generated over a billion dollars did not faze the cast of “First Class.” “You know, I don’t think we really felt a lot of pressure,” says Kravitz. “I think we all kind of went to go do a good job and I think we’re happy with the result.” Kravitz, who has starred in a number of indies, makes her big screen debut as the mutant with the gift of flight. Working on a blockbuster, as opposed to a small film, is not that much of a difference she allowed. “It was fancier,” Kravitz laughs. “Honestly, it wasn’t that different just because everyone was so cool. I think if it was with a bunch of Hollywood-excuse my French-assholes, it would’ve been intimidating and an awful experience. But with everyone wanting to make a good film, and with everyone down to earth, it doesn’t really matter the scale .”

Asked why they thought “X-Men” was so popular among the fans, Fassbender was forthright in his explanation.

“I think, you know, the whole concept of X-Men is sort of a very mature idea, in terms of super hero comics in general. I think that idea of alienation is a universal thing. And whether it be for religious beliefs, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, I think everybody experiences it somewhat…and can relate.”

Jose Padilha Teams with 'Gran Torino' Writer for 'Tri-Border' Thriller

The Brazilian filmmaker is already slated to direct the long-gestating reboot of RoboCop, but now Jose PadilhaHeat Vision reports the Elite Squad director is set to helm a new thriller from Gran Torino writer Nick Schenk. Called Tri-Border, the film, being shot in English, takes place in the infamous lawless South American zone trisected by Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, where competing crime organizations and law enforcement agencies fight for the upper hand. Surprisingly, this has nothing to do with Kathryn Bigelow's Triple Frontier, that deals with the same setting. has another project for his future slate as well.