She Told JT She Was In DUBAI! (Thanks to Susan F. for spotting this and thinking I would get a kick. Did!)

Hey everyone, and happy Friday!  Heading into a Toronto weekend where the weather will be more like mid-April than early-March, there’s lots to love:

Joan Rivers last night.  Read the rest of this entry »

Oh, BILLY!

Hey, Ho!

My pal Derek Forgie over at MTV sent the above image my way yesterday. Read the rest of this entry »

World Exclusive Premiere!

My dear friend Brian Finch, who writes the marvy ‘Acid Reflux‘ on GayGuideToronto.com dreams big.  He’s after a free copy of Kathy Griffin’s new DVD, ‘She’ll Cut A Bitch’, and even spent all day many days, actually making the mandatory video Ms. Griffin requires before sending out a $5 DVD which is fairly demanding of her just for a damn DVD, but I digress.  I’m happy to play a part: The Cherry on this video sundae Brian is offering her.  Fingers crossed!  Warning: Nudity.

Follow me! xS

- Facebook
- NEW! The Shaun Proulx Show on Facebook!
- Twitter
- YouTube

Yorkville Park

What an easy-breezy winter we’re having!  And yes, I AM beating that drum again!  We’re almost mid-February (have you entered our draw for gorgeous Jackie O Valentine’s flowers yet?), there has been little winter wrath, and once we hit March, for me, anyway, we’re home-free.  Spring starts March 21st and anything that happens that even closely resembles winter hell won’t hang around like that point.  Finish line!

Out on the streets shopping and strutting this weekend, I came across some … sights to share: Read the rest of this entry »

And He Is.

Joyeux vendredi!

Here’s what I’m loving as we head into another weekend!

• Beau Kazer is our special guest on the show today, as Fridays are always our Y&R study group.  Brock Reynolds!  Brock Reynolds! Read the rest of this entry »

Hey, some fun success for some of the less self-aggrandizing Haiti fundraisers over the weekend here in Toronto: local Craig Dominic and Ryan G Hinds‘ To Haiti With Love raised a whopping $4000.00 last night.  Tomorrow night, Heather Mackenzie from Big Momma’s Boy on Parliament Street is organizing Give Hope To Haiti 7 to 10. Its a variety show hosted by my pal Deb Pearce. As well, my gal pal and GGT blogger Richard Ryder is performing along with others.  $3000 in prizes to be won! Read the rest of this entry »

Visiting With Kids In The Hall's Scott Thompson Was A Great Highlight This Week. The Whacked-Out Convo We Had On-Air Even More So!

Why hello, Friday, what took you so long? Actually, another week has sped by, and what a great one it was – I hope yours was too! Here’s my love list as we head towards a really oddly balmy weekend (it IS January in Toronto, right?)

• Beau Kaizer who plays Brock on Y&R emailed me last night. He’s heard about my Y&R addiction and wants to come on the show and chat. Woop! AND that’s not all – Victoria ‘Drucilla’ Rowell is coming aboard when she visits Toronto for Casey House’s Snowball. Her character is probably the most missed in daytime. Read the rest of this entry »

Sherri Shepherd’s stylist hates her!

P.S.  Two of my favourite GayGuideToronto.com bloggers – Maha and Andrew Vail – join us on the show today to face off on the topic of aging.  Andrew’s approaching the glorious 50 and Maha is 30-something in person, 19 on Facebook.  It’s all inspired by Andrew’s reaction to Pride Toronto’s recent announcement that this year during Toronto Pride that they will have a 40+ initiative, featuring  a dedicated website, plus activities where older participants can share their stories about what Pride (and life) was like back when. You can read his take here, listen to the show online here, and take part in today’s Shaun Proulx Show Poll Of The Day (on … surprise! AGING!) here.

Must dash, got a Botox appointment at 9:00.

Follow me! xS

- Facebook
- NEW! The Shaun Proulx Show on Facebook!
- Twitter
- YouTube
- NEW! OutTV Socialize

Source: Failblog.com / Thanks Derek F.!

This morning has offered up some hits and misses:

Hit: The new single by Kelis, ‘Acapella’. Sweet, and produced by David Guetta.
Miss: ‘Fresh Out The Oven’. Jennifer Lopez as ‘Lola’ (oy) feat. Pitbull. Awful. Put it back in and keep baking, woman. Read the rest of this entry »

Wow! It’s really starting to feel like the wind-down has begun! Not just the end of the week but creeping towards the end of the year and the end of a decade. Here’s what has me jazzing on this frigid Friday! Read the rest of this entry »

What a sign of the times.  Decades into a world where a virus called HIV and a disease called AIDS still exists, the issue and those involved have taken to the Internet – something surely inconceivable to those who were first infected or affected thirty years ago.

Today, World AIDS Day, two notable initiatives launch online.  The first is the relaunch of InterACTion, the popular project between the AIDS Committee of Toronto and GayGuideToronto.com.  Read the rest of this entry »

Onstage With Eventual Winner David Ivey Saturday Night. (Photo: Serial Sean.)

After several hours of competition this past Saturday, which I co-hosted, seven contestants were whittled down to one.  None other than David Ivey (his blog, Sodomy & The City is a reader favourite Read the rest of this entry »

Werk!

Thanking: All those who came out to the launch of the PROUD FM Joy Drive at Woody’s here in Toronto on Saturday night. This year we’re collecting food for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation’s food bank – details here!

Noticing: Gray nail polish. Hilary Swank and someone on Y&R most recently. I really like it. Sophisticated, soft, unusual. Take it from there, ladies.

Interesting: Being quoted on a press release, only … I didn’t provide that quote for that press release. Or any quote at all. Hmmm … Read the rest of this entry »

New Promo Shot For The Show. Do I Know My Light Or Do I Know My Light?

A mixed bag of bones for you today:

1) Last night I decided to take a sleeping pill, turn off my phone, and hit the hay.  It was just divine.  Except to wake up this morning and find out Patrick had been locked out in the rain – umpteen texts and calls.  I have no idea how or when he got in, given he’s been on-air since 6 a.m. and I didn’t get up until 7. Fun! Read the rest of this entry »

Hey! Yay! Thursday already! Thanks for all the notes from people feeling from this post that I must be having a hellish week.  Au contraire! I am appreciating the opportunity for expansion.

So there’s this great group called Heterosexuals For Same Sex Equality, basically what the name implies.  Their founder Derek Forgie was on the show last week, and shared his video from the segment.  Cute:

Read the rest of this entry »

Wow, pals, is it me or did this short week seem extra petite? Here’s what I’m loving as we head into another weekend:

• My ex, makeup guru Jody Daye, was always a wordsmith too, and so I’m jazzed that he’s now blogging on beauty.  Thought-provoking beauty commentary and tips and tricks for those who wear a little maquillage right here on The Power Of Pretty.  I especially dig Joe’s riff on the firing of Ralph Lauren model Fillipa Hamilton and the hideous ad of her for RL in Japan. Read the rest of this entry »

Register Today!

Doesn’t it seem all of a sudden the world has gone social media mad, leaving you wondering WTF? You kinda-sorta get it, you kinda-sorta feel it could improve your business and your life, but you kinda-sorta have a lot of questions?

My publication, GayGuideToronto.com and GGT blogger / personal coach Brandon Williams (he writes the wonderful Step 2: on GGT) are pleased to present Social Media Q&A – a special tele-class with Staci J. Shelton November 5th. Read the rest of this entry »

Happy Friday! Here’s what I’m loving as we head into a long (deeeep breath) weekend here in Canada:

- The insanity that was interviewing Carol Channing for the show yesterday. A lot of the funny craziness was while we were off-air with her, but the good news is the OutTV cameras were rolling the whole while, so watch for a visual take on this hot mess of a chat coming to a Thursday night soon!

- Leslie Jordan the day before.  Like the big gay sister I never had.  Giggly, vivacious, Southern, naughty … I couldn’t stop laughing. Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday on the show, we received a good news call.  It was from Tony Jenko who is the president and CEO at Downsview Park, where Elephant Man was scheduled to perform over the coming weekend.  Earlier in the day on Breakfast In Bed with Patrick and Deb, Patrick Marano and Deb Pearce had called and left a detailed protest message, live on-air, on Jenko’s voicemail.  When Jenko called in, it was in response to this message and others like it; he had just moments ago cancelled the act. Read the rest of this entry »

Holy moly I’m getting so excited about seeing Kylie Friday night. Just how old am I exactly?

Also can’t wait to talk to Leslie Jordan on the show today. He’s best known as ‘Beverley Leslie’, ‘Karen Walker’s arch nemesis on Will & Grace. I’ve also seen his stand-up, he’s hysterical, like the big gay sister I never had.

Speaking of big gay sisters, one might say Madonna is just that to Kylie. Over on my publication GayGuideToronto.com, blogger Andrew Vail is giving away Madonna DVD prize packs – 2 disc sets featuring 47 videos, some never seen before, all remastered. Do give it a whirl, girl!

Follow Me! xS

- Facebook
- NEW! The Shaun Proulx Show on Facebook!
- Twitter
- YouTube
- NEW! OutTV Socialize

I like to think I celebrate pretty well. It kind of comes naturally, although there was one point years back when I was struggling with my new career and had very little income and a lot of stress when I didn’t celebrate all that much. Which is funny, because that’s the best time to celebrate. Read the rest of this entry »

Photo: Songs Of Freedom

Happy Sunday! Here are things I’m loving this morning:

- Having an amazing dog training session with Patrick, Jack, Ella and Lisa Marshall of Bark Busters yesterday.  We’re onto something big!

- That this time last week I was on a wonderful boat cruise for PROUD FM.  It had enough entertaining elements that made me want to write about it here, but haven’t had time.  Good thing.  PROUD FM creative director Kristen Goetz told a much better story than I would have – check it out Read the rest of this entry »

From The Big Screen At Convocation Hall: I Speak With Abraham.

This is to be the longest post I’ve written on this blog.

Yesterday I had one of the biggest thrills of my life, and the biggest thrill ever, spiritually.

Read the rest of this entry »

Photo: Shaun Proulx Media

Good day!  Here’s what I’m loving this Thursday:

1.  Heather Locklear is coming back to Melrose Place!  Decision made to keep watching.

2. David Guetta’s ‘Sexy Bitch’ feat. Akon from the amazing album, One Love.  Guetta was on the show recently and is quite a sexy bitch himself.

3. The amazing giveaway on GGT right now for two tickets to Byron Katie’s upcoming workshop - $700 value and what a life-changing opportunity.

4. That Jann Arden comes to the studio next week.

Read the rest of this entry »

Photo: Shaun Proulx Media

Hey, celebrating one of our newest blogs, Step 2: by personal coach Brandon Williams over on GayGuideToronto.com, we’re giving away a pair of tickets valued at over $700 to attend the upcoming Byron Katie workshop here in Toronto October 3rd at the Metro Convention Centre.  Time magazine calls Katie a “spiritual innovator for the new millenium” and Oprah’s boy Eckhart ‘A New Earth’ Tolle calls Katie’s work “a great blessing for our planet.” Katie was on my show last month and the conversation was exciting, enlightening and fabulous.  Head over to Brandon’s “Step 2″ for full details and to enter.

While you’re there, check out GGT’s other new blog – sure to keep you coming back – Sodomy & The City, by our new youth writer, David Ivey.  He’s quite a wordsmith and it’s fascinating to read his take on living a big gay life from his p.o.v.  Oh, and GGT blogger Colin Phillips was arrested.  You can read about that, too.

Follow Me! xS
- Facebook
- Twitter
- YouTube

Mikey Bustos Brings The Good Energy By.

Lots going on! A wee breakdown:

• I’m interviewing Patrick Swayze biographer Wendy Leigh on the show today. I know many  feel saddened from his passing, and this also inspires today’s Poll Of The Day: Do you believe in life after death? Read the rest of this entry »

Over on your GGT 2.0, bloggers Andrew Vail and Brian Finch have things to say following my ‘Dumb Bitch’ post from last week, with lots of people weighing in on both sides. Given the seriousness of the topic at hand – HIV and the law – I’m happy people are talking.

Hey, for you Montreal reader’s, Patrick’s on the cover of the new issue of ZIP.  You can also check out his tale of coming out to his mother as a porn star here.

Earlier this summer I shot this 30-second commercial for my publication, GayGuideToronto.com, to air on the digital specialty channels OutTV and BPM:TV. Thought I’d share with y’all!

Photo: Shaun Proulx Media

Hey-there-hi-there-ho-there!

This week on your GGT 2.0, blogger Andrew Vail points out that the newsmaking killings of gay men in Iraq really aren’t news, while socialite Maha wonders why it is he’s suddenly attracting the younger set, making him feel like a Daddy.

Meanwhile, have you ever forgotten a person’s name over and over again?  Same with Miss Raquel, and that gets her into all kinds of trouble in clubland, and Ariel Sinclair sure gone an interesting response to her post on trans people using the loo.  Oh, and Brian Finch really needs to get laid.

xS

Happy weekend, everyone!

Hey, have some fun news to share … hopefully by the end of the day I will have specific deets. Meanwhile, can I just say how much I enjoyed chatting with Tori Amos yesterday on the show? Totally larger than life, big thinking, powerful woman and it was an exchange of ideas about social issues facing women and queers, music and big hair.  I’ll let you know when it’s podcast.

Meanwhile, recent chats with Liza Minnelli, Vanessa Williams, Lynda Carter, along with past chats with the likes of Tori and Candy Spelling, Rue McClanahan and Betty White are all available for your listening pleasure by clicking here.

For your summer reading pleasure, there’s some great stuff over on your GGT 2.0, courtesey of the amazing bloggers there.  Ariel Sinclair, who writes on trans issues, discusses one of the most common challenges for a trans person: where to pee.  Andrew Vail wonders why gay rights and abortion get lumped together so often in societal debates. Porn star Eddie Stone shares the story of coming out to his mother – as a porn star – and Colin Phillips, who writes about being a disabled gay man, shares the recent night he took his mother to Zelda’s – a real eye-opener for both.  Brian Finch today shares what he says has been the toughest challenge in his sobriety – the death of his beloved dog, Jo yesterday.  And socialite Maha has been video blogging during and after the recent Montreal Divers/Cite celebrations. He also shares a chat with Toronto performer Nikki Awesome, after she texted him using lexicon Maha thought was the exclusive domain of the gay man (Nikki’s on the show today so I will be sure to discuss THAT with her, too!).

Exciting indeed.

Your GGT 2.0 is proud to sponsor ‘Bare’, the musical that recently took L.A. by storm. GGT blogger Maha (Maha On Top) was at the premiere last night and shares his thoughts today.

Bare Boys Drop By The Shaun Proulx Show The Night Before The Premiere.

Hey, GayGuideToronto.com’s Andrew Vail was so on the money with his phrase encapsulating the Michael Jackson drama.  You really have got to check it out now, funk soul brother.

So the last time Margaret Cho was in town she came by the show to discuss having collagen injected into her clitoris.  Brrrrr.  Anyway, she’s back to chat today – she’s part of a new TV series that looks at our perception of beauty and y’all know we like to talk about THAT topic as much as possible.  I also read Cho’s done with tattooing her body ’cause she can’t stand the pain anymore, what with such a tattooed bod already, so this is vital convo that we must also have.  Tune in!  3- 7 pm!

AND, if it seems like a tasty idea to you to get out of town this summer, GGT 2.0, the website I publish is giving away a lovely trip to a gorgeous spot with tonnes to do.  Click here to enter!

“… I think the problem is I get swept up in the build up to Pride, and the endless pictures posted on Facebook afterwards, so much so that I set myself up for feelings of failure.  Sometimes I forget that I, more than most, can’t be everywhere and do everything.  I need to remind myself … that I was not invited to that party I keep seeing pictures of because it was up two flights of stairs …”

 Read Colin Phillip’s full blog post …

Photo Courtesy Richard Kikot.

Richard Kikot’s post on GGT 2.0 sharing the memories of his first Pride left me with goosebumps and verklempt!  Read more …

Today over on your GGT 2.0: Eddie Stone.  Deborah Cox.  Together at last.  Read more …

Hey, one of my favourite new additions to GGT 2.0 is blogger Colin Phillips, who, as a gay man in a wheelchair who cannot talk, challenges the typical notions of the ideal body and more.  His Pride post gave me goosebumps:

“The Nazi regime sent several groups to the gas chambers.  Among them were people with disabilities, queers, and socialists.  I am an openly gay man with a disability who has an active and public life in left-of-centre politics and the labour movement.  In other words, I would have been gassed three times over in Nazi Germany.  That’s not to mention the governments and people today who would lock me up in an institution because of my disability or stone me because I love people of the same sex … read more …”

Phil Spector Learns California Prisons Don't Allow Wigs.

Why, hello!  It’s been a while since we peeked into the lives of celebrities behaving badly, don’t you think?

Let’s start with Miss Carrie Prejean.  Over on GGT 2.0, Andrew Vail was all over that hot mess the minute news broke she’d been fired by Donald Trump for not fulfilling her contractual obligations. “I’m too bizzy spreading hate!” she responded …

Chris Brown has lost a bid to delay his trial. “You didn’t delay in smashing Rihanna’s face, you see,” explained the judge …

Mike Tyson has married, just two weeks after the tragic death of his four-year-old daughter.  ”Some say it’s a little soon, but my head’s been bashed in so much I have no sense of time anymore,” Tyson told friends …

Adam Lambert has come out on the cover of Rolling Stone. “Shurprishe!” he said, his mouth filled with cock …

And The Last Word goes to … an insider! “Katie Holmes is in serious talks to make a special performance on FOX’s reality competition series, So You Think You Can Dance! She’s met with Nigel Lythgoe and everyone hopes she appears on this season or next season of the show.”

This is one of the most powerful pieces we’ve ever published on GayGuideToronto.com.  I am very proud to have Richard Kikot aboard.

CLICK ME! CLICK ME!

I have to tell you, I love publishing a website where one of the writers can use the term ‘crip’ and get away with it.

Think This Feller Was Happy About Prop 8 Yesterday? (AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com)

Tragedy struck my home yesterday.  I sat down to watch Canada’s Next Top Model only to find the sound appears to be kaput on my TV.  Really? Now? 

Speaking of TV, we’ve started to shoot the show for OUT TV.  It’s looking good and we’ll be shooting some extra footage outside the studio to add to it.  We’re getting a third camera installed in the studio though cause one on me and one to split between Wigmore and guests is just not cutting it.  Yay to more cameras! I always say.

Meanwhile, Andrew Vail had some interesting things to say over on GGT 2.0 yesterday following the upholding of Prop. 8 in California, and Colin Phillips‘ juicy cut versus uncut blog post has caused quite a debate.

Also: Elizabeth Taylor was released from hospital yesterday, where she had been Twittering to fans.  ”With all the pillsh I take, the 140 character part works out to be plenty!” she gurgled …

Lily Allen has declared Susan Boyle to be “so overrated”.  ”Why, because I can take to the stage without injesting a rail of Colombian Charlie?” Boyle asked sweetly …

Mel Gibson says he did a “total hatchet job” on his marriage.  ”You’ve seen Passion Of The Christ?” his soon-to-be-ex asked.  ”That.”

A new book is out saying that the late Merv Griffin was a gay sex fiend.  Ew.

Amy  Winehouse has announced she is going to design jewelry.  ”You can do so much with string, glue and all the nasty leftovers at the bedside!” she declared, holding up a syringe lid choker …

And The Last Word goes to … Janice Dickinson! ”Fuck You All! Have you ever (something inaudible) down the stairs? This is not bullshit. This is not an act. My leg isn’t working. (Inaudible again) come and help me out. Do something you stupid (inaudible). Call the fucking ambulance! You’re so stupid. Call the fucking ambulance. Figure something out. What you do is (inaudible). You’re all so fucking dumb.”

Are uncut guys more open-minded than cut dudes?

Hey!  This is one reason I’m so pleased to have my beloved GGT back online.  Check it out, especially the feedback to the first post.  Dig that dialogue.

Two Bitches At Rest.

Hope your Victoria Day long weekend (for Canadian readers!) was amazing.  The best thing I did for myself was turn OFF the computer, turn OFF the phone, and turn OFF my mind.  Everybody say: Ahhhh …

In the unplugging, I missed saying a large f-ing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to long-time H*I*M*B*O reader Vince – he’s been following since this blog’s previous incarnation as Loose Lips on GayGuideToronto.com.

Speaking of which, last week I promised you a shot at some premium Kylie tickets for when she comes to North America for the first time this October.  Of course, you know how to give it a whirl, girl

Good luck!

P.S.  Will have Y&R update shortly.  MUST discuss the delicious Cane/Phillip twist!

Short post today – was on a deadine for my Xtra! column this a.m. and now on-the-air, BUT did want to give loyal H*I*M*B*O! readers the head’s up that I got my hands on some premium pre-sale Kylie tickets to give away.  Stay tuned to this space to find out the where and the when! xS

Hey!

As per my last post, here we go!

I’m happy to offer you a sneak peek at the new and improved GayGuideToronto.com, Toronto’s original gay online portal I publish.  We’ve been keeping quiet while re-inventing ourselves, getting used to a new format, a new team, tweaking this and that, etc., but I’m comfortable enough with progress now to start sharing.  We’ll officially announce GGT 2.0 to the masses shortly, but this preview is just for YOU.

With GGT 2.0 you’ll notice some familiar voices who are now bloggers instead of columnists.  Bad boy Sean Cribbin returns to share his dirty leather stories, and pot-stirrer Andrew Vail is also back in full-on righteous indignation.   Welcome to celeb stylist and bon vivant Maha, who will cover our social scene as only this wit can.  Ryerson journalism student Matt Cassano gives a youth point of view – a particularly unique one at that, given his recent winning of the coveted Drag Idol title.  Welcome as well to Ariel Sinclair, who will share what it’s like for someone with a trans history.  Colin Phillips is gay and disabled and has lots to say on that experience, as you might imagine (or would you?), and join the sweetness that is Richard Kikot as he takes a downstream ride that is purely spiritual.  Last but not least, international porn sensation Eddie Stone is now living in Toronto after several years in L.A. and joins GGT 2.0 to share his sexy adventures as he launches his own online studio and preps for his very own reality show.  (Regular H*I*M*B*O! readers might recognize him already

And that’s just the beginning.  Let’s not forget GGT 2.0 for the choice events here in the city, the best scoop and giveaways, with more surprises (including more great new blogs and features) awaiting you.  For seven years GGT has served, supported, and celebrated all that’s great about our queer city – here’s to many more.

Thanks to Mirvish Productions, Park Hyatt Hotel, Live Nation, the City of Kingston, and Hyatt Regency Toronto for jumping aboard the reinvention so lickety-split, and thanks to YOU for your ongoing support. I’m also excited by new partnerships in place with key media such as OUT TV, BPM: TV, and of course, 103.9 PROUD FM.

Click here for the re-boot!

xS

Why, I wasn't expecting a camera!

Like the Daddy said to his boi, ‘That hurt me more than it hurt you.’

Have totally missed writing this daily – a BIG THANK YOU to all the regular readers who took the time to write kind things about missing Loose Lips.

And welcome to the new version.  Re-invented, now hosted on my personal website, and renamed.

Why the new name?  The thing with ‘Loose Lips’ is that it was originally a quickly thought-up concept for GayGuideToronto.com to provide toss-off filler.  But to my surprise, it grew into something organic and popular unto its own, attracting a flattering fan base and suddenly becoming GGT’s best-read feature.

But the catch was, I never dug the name, less so later when it was too late to switch and suddenly it seemed everywhere, other sites, other mags (she was born on the day of original style, dontcha know).

Some time ago, when a magazine approached me about writing a regular column for them, we got close enough in negotiating to come up with ‘Himbo’, and while that column never came to be, ‘Himbo’ stuck with me enough to expel from mah womb and into the world today.  I hope you like-y, like-y!  Lots has been happening in my storyline since my final Loose Lips post on GGT, and in the coming days and weeks we’ll get caught up.  MUCH to discuss!

But meanwhile …

With Iceland’s government crumbling from the effects of the global economic crisis, the country’s lesbian social services minister has been appointed Prime Minister.  ’Pass my tool belt, I’ll have this fixed before lunch,’ she said …

Comeback kid Mickey Rourke was spotted making out with 21-year-old Evan Rachel Wood backstage at the SAG awards.  ’Your face is even uglier than Marilyn Manson’s,’ purred Wood to Rourke.  ’And I mean that in the hottest way possible.’

Elizabeth Hasselbeck is preggers with kidlet number three.  ’I was so filled with rage about George Bush leaving office, I just took Tim’s penis and shoved it inside myself,’ Hasselbeck explained …

Hugh Heffner said in an interview that ‘The best solution to lost love is new love.’  ’Over here, Hugh!’ cried Jennifer Aniston …

And The Last Word goes to … Madonna!  ’To me, the whole process of being a brush stroke in someone else’s painting is a little difficult.’