RollnSmoke Scoop

Beginning in July artists including the Eagles, Christina Aguilera and Weezer will become online DJ’s, thanks to a joint venture between Clear Channel and Front Line Mgmt. who have created artist personal experience (a.p.e.) radio, a stand-alone company that will allow musicians to produce their own on-line shows. Reclusive soul singer Sade is recording her first album of new material since 2000’s “Lover’s Rock” to be released by the end of this year.

In political news in France, home to Europe’s largest Muslim minority, President Sarkozy contends that burquas are not welcome in there because they are a symbol of the subjugation of women. Said Sarkozy, “The issue of the burqa is not a religious issue; it is a question of freedom and of women’s dignity.” Indicative of the divide over how to reconcile secular values with religious freedom, French Muslims spoke out against this move to curb the burgeoning burqa, claiming that such a move would breach individual freedoms and stigmatize Muslims.