A stern, "cold anger" pose was also well-recognized.
In a classic of the angry man in local newspaper genre, the church even sent along a stern representative to pose outside the council offices holding his petition papers.
Two stick-thin, wild-haired girls glided past the pool like giraffes and took up stern-faced posing positions on the terrace.
If the violence continues, it will pose a stern challenge to a movement trying to present a vision of a new country committed to the rule of law, while potentially undermining hopes for a peaceful transition if Colonel Qaddafi surrenders power.
Anzhi had started well, with the swift, intelligent movement of Willian, a £30m January signing from Shakhtar Donetsk, promising to pose a stern examination to Newcastle's defenders.
I drove to Falluja, figuring it would pose the sternest test for those who wanted democracy to take root here.
In time, the conflict of civilisations between TV and the web will pose a sterner test for Britain's commercial broadcasters.
Leicester travel to Salford next weekend and they will pose a sterner test than the Chiefs but the Sharks will be able to enjoy their Christmas.
It remains a considerable task for the six-time champion to progress, with Del Potro likely to pose a sterner test than Gasquet.
England have been scratchy in their two recent victories and New Zealand will pose a much sterner test so Scarratt's return is timely for Simon Middleton's side.
