Image Credit: Fancy/Veer/Corbis

I was re-(re-re-re-re-)watching The Social Network a couple of days ago and one of the lines jumped out at me. Well, actually, all of the lines jumped out at me—oh, you and your snappy dialogue, Aaron Sorkin—but especially when Justin Timberlake, playing entrepreneurial roller coaster Sean Parker, explains that despite founding Napster, he was dead broke because “there’s not a lot of money in free music.”

While that was undoubtedly true in the days of Napster’s brave Lewis and Clark quest into the copyright wilderness, fending off vicious packs of feral Ulrichs, it looks like we’re edging closer to the point where the way we consume music has changed completely. In essence, iTunes isn’t much more than the online equivalent of a giant Sam Goody’s; but something like Spotify, which has finally made its debut in the United States after massive success overseas, signals many more possibilities.

The program isn’t shockingly new from things we’ve seen before—sites likes Grooveshark and Pandora gave us access to tons of songs for free, as well—but Spotify has an easy, Facebook-compatible system that encourages sharing. Structured around playlists, it allows users to build their own, pass them along to friends, and then trawl through those friends’ collections for songs they like.

In terms of content, Spotify says they have 15 million songs, but, in the words of Aaliyah, that ain’t nothing but a number. Importantly, that figure includes songs and albums that people care about right now, like the new Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.  There’s also variety: Just tooling around this afternoon, I found an extensive array of artists, along a ton of different axes, from Katy Perry to Panda Bear, Ke$ha to Tchaikov$ky, Bird to Birdman. Not everything is available just yet. For example, there a big, soulful hole where Adele’s 21 should be, even if they do have her previous album.

Here are the limitations: The basic free service—which, presumably, is what most will use—is ad-supported, and you are restricted to 20 hours per month. You can pay $4.99 a month for unlimited listening without ads, or $9.99 to stream on mobile devices, but the program is still impressive even if you aren’t Rich Uncle Pennybags. Free Spotify is invite-only at this point, but since early adopters get a free six months of unlimited service, it’s hard to imagine that it won’t gain quick traction over here as it already has done in Europe, where it has racked up more than 10 million registered users.

The program also allows syncing to your iPod, iPhone, and Android, which takes a bite out of iTunes’ functionality. Like I said, it’s not mind-blowingly new, but it’s still one of the best (legal) music-consumption systems we’ve seen so far.

Readers, have you tried it yet? Do you agree?

More on EW.com:Still waiting to get on Spotify? Here are five music services to use in the meantimeLady Gaga upsets activists with wheelchair prop, gets egged Down UnderDave Grohl throws out an audience member at Foo Fighters show for being a fighting fool

Twoppics, taking a look at what people on Twitter are saying about the hottest entertainment stories of the day…

Audio clip: Listen to mp3 clip.

Sunday means the final day of Comic Con in San Diego.  The annual festival started out with comic books, but has evolved into TV and movies and brings out all the stars, including movie legend Steven Spielberg…  The first Comic Con in 1970 drew about 300 fans…these days, it’s over 100,000.  And, on Twitter, the celebrities are just as much fans as anyone else, including Ron Howard…

writer and comedian Frank Conniff..

and actor Ian Somerhalder…

The entertainment world is mourning a pair of deaths over the weekend…

First, actress Linda Christian.  She was best known for her marriage to one of Hollywood’s leading men, Tyrone Powers, as well as her role as the first Bond girl… Fans of the starlette are remembering her on Twitter, including @thejohnblog…

and @mccarthyredhead…

Linda Christian died in Palm Desert, California after battling colon cancer.  She was 87.

Also passing away… Singer Amy Winehouse.  Inspired by 60′s girl groups like The Ronettes and The Shirelles, Winehouse fought a very public battle against drug and alcohol addiction that included a hit about refusing to go to rehab.  She joins an unfortunate list of musicians who have died at age 27 that includes founding members of the Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain, to name a few.  Among the messages on Twitter, her producer, Mark Ronson…

Lady Gaga, who credited Winehouse with helping pave her path to success…

and Paramore lead singer Haley Williams…

I’m @Chris_Hoenig and those are your hot #Twoppics on FOX News Radio.

Bon Iver, “Bon Iver” (Jagjaguwar)

Written and recorded in a cabin in the woods, “For Emma, Forever Ago” was the kind of album people blog about in hushed tones, eventually selling in excess of 321,000 copies without a hint of mainstream airplay. The new album is a more collaborative affair, and if the first song leaked, the keyboard-driven “Calgary,” is any indication, the sound isn’t nearly as rustic. Not that that’s a bad thing. Justin Vernon’s voice still haunts. It just feels more like being haunted by a guy who died in 1985.

Jill Scott, “The Light of the Sun” (Blues Babe/Warner)

Jill Scott has never looked cooler than she does standing next to a vintage American luxury car on the cover of her latest album. As for the record inside, producer JR Hutson told HitQuarters, “I think her goal is to just give people a very realistic glimpse of where she is in her life right now.”

“Weird Al” Yankovic, “Alpocalypse” (Volcano/RCA)

You can’t expect him not to make a mockery of the end times, can you? Weird Al’s latest features one of his best album covers yet – a waving, grinning Yankovic and his buddies, the other three Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The album’s leadoff single finds him spoofing Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” a parody Gaga management rejected without giving Gaga a chance to hear it first. Turns out she loved it, causing Yankovic to blog about how “thrilled” he was have the star sign off on it because “1) I truly respect and admire Gaga as an artist and it pained me to think of her as having less than a great sense of humor, and 2) it means I GET TO PUT OUT MY ALBUM!”

Jagged Edge, “The Remedy” (Five 81/Slip ‘N Slide)

R&B veterans Jagged Edge, of “Where the Party At” fame, are back with their first album since 2007′s “Baby Makin’ Project.” Group member Kyle Norman told Billboard, “Topic wise we are all over on this one – some sound more youthful, some more suggestive and some sound real classic, like the big ballads. If you look in the past, the ratio of power ballads was grossly outnumbered, but this album will be more balanced.” Rick Ross guests on “Lipstick.”

Justin Moore, “Outlaws Like Me” (The Valory Music Company)

His self-titled debut sent “Small Town USA” to No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart in late 2009. And the first single out of the gate from his second release, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” is No. 5 with a bullet as this paragraph is being typed. The title track, Moore says, is about the battle between good and evil that goes on within us all. “In this business,” he says, “being out on the road is not always as easy as you thought it would be. This song is about dealing with that and getting back to the person you know you want to be.”

Matt Nathanson, “Modern Love” (Vanguard)

Nathanson’s seventh release includes a guest appearance by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of recent tourmates Sugarland. A leadoff single, “Faster,” put him back in the Adult Top 40, where previous hits include “Come on Get Higher” and “Falling Apart.” The singer told Spinner the album is “sort of like a bunch of short stories about folks that I know – and myself. Right before I started writing for the record, I felt like everybody I know went into crisis. Either (they) were having affairs or were getting divorced … there were all these sort of volatile things happening. So all the songs are sort of informed by that idea.”

Symphony X, “Iconoclast” (Nuclear Blast America)

Prog-metal veterans Symphony X made their first appearance on the Billboard album charts in 2007 with a seventh album called “Paradise Lost.” “Iconoclast” is a concept album based on machines taking over and, as singer Russell Allen says, “All this technology we put our society into pretty much being our demise.” The album cover was designed by Warren Flanagan, whose previous credits include “The Incredible Hulk” and “2012.”

August Burns Red, “Leveler” (Solid State)

Making metalcore safe for Christian values and Christianity safe for screaming, August Burns Red hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian chart with 2007′s “Messengers” and 2009′s “Constellations.” Alternative Press gave their latest a four-star review, proclaiming it their “strongest work to date, even as it incorporates some unexpected stylistic left turns.”

LMFAO, “Sorry for Party Rocking” (Party Rock/will.i.am/Cherrytree/Interscope)

An electro-hop novelty duo whose members are the son and grandson of Motown legend Berry Gordy, they topped the charts in eight countries with their second album’s leadoff single, “Party Rock Anthem,” which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Billboard wrote, “LMFAO is, of course, not ‘Sorry for Party Rocking.’ But the dance duo’s sophomore album is ‘more refined’ and more experimental than its 2009 debut, ‘Party Rock.’ “

Published: Jun 15, 2011 19:54 Updated: Jun 15, 2011 19:54

It is easy; it is exciting. It is a façade of colorful art. It is an extension of your mood displayed on your fingernails. Nails and colors are synonymous; they work as complimentary artistic tools.

Nail art emerged as part of the R&B and Hip-Hop culture of the 1990’s in the US. High-flying artists such as Lil’ Kim, Mary J Blige and Foxy Brown, were seen flashing their long acrylic nails decked out with ostentatious designs.

Minx is a kind of semblance that is placed on the nail, ready-made with no fuss. The particularly thin, film-like adhesive for nails maybe more expensive, but it is definitely worth it. Recently, women can’t seem to get enough of the Minx designs in the gold and silver chrome variety, which became further popularized when Lady Gaga sported them in her ‘Love Game’ video.

Celebrity Fetish

It is time again to enjoy the resurgence in the art trend with pop stars such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga sporting elaborate designs applied via Minx, in their regular lives and engaging videos. Lily Allen has company with latest rock stars, Kei$ha and Katy Perry, who have also jumped on the nail art bandwagon, astonishing both fashionistas and designers.

If you are looking for sophisticated luxury, you can try the crystal pedicure and have your toes looking sparkly and glam for that special occasion. This process involves having 500 Swarovski crystals individually applied to your toenails. It takes just over an hour and costs anywhere from 675 SAR.

Translating catwalk trends into nail art is something London’s WAH Nails received cult status for. They hold the ability to replicate almost any design or pattern on the nails of their customers. WAH is known for producing SpongeBob Squarepants and the Hermès logo. Clearly, anything is possible.

The latest colors are dazzling on every diva’s nails. Some even flash their man on their nails, instead of rings. Yes, that translates to newlywed Russell Brand’s face on his wife, Katy Perry’s nails. Nail polish is just that: polishing your nails with exuberant, gratifying beauty. Many male celebrities mention their nail fetish, and how it makes a woman shine, while representing how she takes care of herself.

Nail art is an affordable luxury. Nail art goes funky with designs such as nautical stripes; candy stripes and 3D embellishments will be the biggest trends. Also, the leopard print and lace are on offer from a variety of salons. Vivienne Westwood’s catwalk models had nails festooned with pepper dots whilst lace talons were featured on the runway of House Of Holland.

Hue Dynamics

The preeminent plus of nail art is the playful dynamic. The freedom to experiment with art and style, whether it’s romanticism, gothic stimulation, or an abstract array of bright rainbow hues and neon colors.  A French manicure translates to classic idealism.

Lily Allen was the first to stun the crowd with her Chanel’s Le Vernis in Particulière, while Essie’s Lilacism has been titivating the nails of Pixie Lott and Alexa Chung.

One of the best ways to incorporate style trends is to combine the “in” colors. It is simple to do with classic French manicures; just replace the tip color with what’s in fashion. Or if you’re more daring, revolutionize the base hue. Some of the electrifying ones are seen in Peacock Plumage, Screaming Green, Wine and Neon colors. Rock n Roll, and music enthusiasts have come out of the closet and envisioned laser colors and their favorite rock star for nail art plans. Honeysuckle, the ‘color of 2011,’ along with coral rose, peapod, and soft hues, compose the palette of the season.

Experts Say

Sophy Robson, a DJ-turned superstar manicurist, having worked on campaigns for key fashion and make-up brands, has had her nail art displayed in fashion publications, Vogue and Grazia.

“There’s a current obsession with statement nails, which means they’re an accessory in their own right,” says Robson. “Follow tips on how to paint nails and have control over your polish and your products,” she informs. “Then practice copying ideas until you’ll get it.”

Regional Range

Try out Nail Art, Ciate, Spa Lounge and Minx for nail art varieties in Jeddah. In Dubai take a tour down to Nail Station —Town Center, Nail Spa — Mercato Mall, Nail Lounge and Nail Station at Emirates Mall. N-Bar is also a popular nail salon chain with venues across Dubai. Visit Oasis Beauty Center in Al Khobar or Lamaar Beauty Salon based in Riyadh for the latest looks. Tooma Nails Salon in Bahrain located in West Riffa.  Check out The Minx salon in Abu Dhabi at the Royal Lounge, Maram Doei, is their lady Minxer. Or visit Minx in Kuwait at Bubbles Nail Spa.

Alluding to exotic countries like India, Turkey, and Africa as stimulation for spring 2011, designers continue to please clients’ as they devise an escape from challenges with intriguing color amalgamations that transport them to foreign destinations. The Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2011 predicts that Nail art trend is here to stay. Get on the color wheel and create a striking intensity to the palette. Indulge in the nail art of luxury and emerge as the immaculate star.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – It seems the fashion crowd, especially when fully decked out for Monday night’s Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, can be pretty intimidating: CNN anchor Anderson Cooper said so, actress Naomi Watts said so, and even Lady Gaga said so.

On stage to accept her award as the year’s top style icon, a soft-spoken, maybe even teary-eyed Gaga said she was nervous.

“All of you made me feel like a star before I was,” she told the audience at Lincoln Center that boasted bold-faced names such as Marc Jacobs, Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and Michael Kors.

She talked about how important fashion was in her life as a pathway to self-discovery, artistry and confidence. As a teenager, she’d save her money to buy vintage Thierry Mugler from a neighbourhood thrift shop, checking in with the salesman regularly to make sure her favourite pieces hadn’t sold while she was raising the cash. She planned her outfits for Friday night parties as if she was going to the Oscars, she said.

“As much as this award means to me personally … I just want you to know how much this means to young Americans,” Gaga said.

But the music star and style risk-taker, wearing a corset get-up by Mugler, a label now helmed by her friend Nicola Formichetti, got her swagger back as she recalled getting the text message from Wintour that she was picked for the prize.

She said she thought the message was from a friend named Anna and replied with a bleep-worthy response. The text back from the Vogue editor-in-chief said, “How lovely.”

That led to laughter — and so did Cooper’s montage of his early days as a preteen model.

Cooper, a longtime friend of CFDA president von Furstenberg, said he decided to show his photos to prove his fashion cred since he was acting as master of ceremonies. (He also is the son of former designer jeans magnate Gloria Vanderbilt and worked as a fit model for both Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, who made his tuxedo.)

“There was no way you’d be critical,” he joked, “or that’s what Diane said, anyway.”

Watts, dressed in a metallic T-shirt-style gown by Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, presented the top womenswear honour to Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler. But she seemed to find the awkward walk across a long stage intimidating in her high heels. “That was easy,” she said as she reached the podium. “Fun doing it in a room full of supermodels.”

Top models Doutzen Kroes, Karlie Kloss, Miranda Kerr, Alessandra Ambrosio and Chanel Iman were indeed in the house, on the arms of their favourite designers. Karolina Kurkova, in a striking hooded jumpsuit made of green sequins, read the names of the winners in the Swarovski emerging-talent categories: Eddie Borgo for accessories, Robert Geller for menswear and Prabal Gurung for womenswear.

Kurkova took a moment to sing for Gaga — “I’m your biggest fan,” she said — and then Gurung asked during his speech if he could pose with Gaga. “That will make me the coolest uncle,” he boasted.

But it was the nod from his fellow designers as well as retailers, stylists and editors that the rest of his family would find impressive, Gurung said. “I’m just a guy from Nepal. I will call my mother and say, ‘It’s OK. I turned out fine.’”

The two standing ovations of the night went to photographer Arthur Elgort and designer Marc Jacobs, who was there for his “half-lifetime achievement award,” according to presenter Sofia Coppola.

“This achievement is born of love, passion, creativity … and a hell of a lot of hard work,” said Jacobs, who is 48.

He added, “I believe we all know and feel the greatest reward is the process itself.”

—Kanye West, saying he was a huge fan, handed the international design prize to Phoebe Philo of Celine. He said he’s been known to go into a Celine store and try on the clothes — womenswear, no less — “knowing that would get me bashed by the hip-hop blogs.”

—Michael Bastian was named best menswear designer, and Alexander Wang as accessories designer.

—Jessica Alba, showing off her baby bump in a coral-and-purple gown by von Furstenberg, gave the CFDA Founders Award to InStyle fashion director Hal Rubenstein.

—Kors said he always enjoys this event because he likes being surrounded with “people who have a passion for fashion.”

“Tonight is about not only people who make the clothes, but also the photographers, writers and the people who wear the clothes.”