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Pose-off with John ScalziETA: While the overall response to the fundraiser and pics continues to be exponentially awesome, I’ve also seen a few areas where response has begun to shift from, “I say, those poses seem remarkably impractical, and how exactly does one do that without dislocating one’s ankle?” to “Hey, guys dressing or posing like girls are both ugly and hilarious!” Which misses the point so badly it’s not even funny. Please see this follow-up post for my thoughts on the context of these poses, the hotness of John Scalzi, and my apology for not better framing and presenting this post in the first place. # When I started the Aicardi Syndrome Fundraiser, I recruited bestselling author and ukelele prodigy John Scalzi to be a bonus goal when we hit the $1000 mark. We raised that much on the first day. Which meant it was time to see once and for all (at least until the next round) who was the true cover-posing master! I issued the challenge, offering him the choice of three book covers to imitate. With the help of his readers, he selected The Taste of Night [Amazon | B&N | Mysterious Galaxy], by Vicki Pettersson. This was the big one. After warming up, I took a break to walk off the pains of the previous poses, and to mentally prepare myself. I meditated for three days and six nights. I purified my body with a diet of crushed ice, unbuttered toast, and green Skittles. I studied one of our cat to learn the true secret of flexibility. Unfortunately, all I learned was the secret of well-timed cat farts. But my training period was over. I put the Rocky soundtrack on the stereo, changed clothes, and began Operation Sexy Leg. My wife took eight photos, helping me to adjust my stance each time, then giving me a chance to fall down between takes. But I think it was worth it! Dear Internet: I present to you my version of The Taste of Night!
I’d like to thank my daughter for letting me borrow her bracelet, and my wife for the shoes and for letting me sacrifice one of her disposable razors. But John Scalzi wanted to win this thing as much as I did. I don’t know what master he trained with, but whoever that wise and sadistic sensei might be, they turned Mister Scalzi into a posing opponent to be feared. John went all out in his own, special way.
Over on Twitter, John offered his thoughts on the process, saying, “AAAARRRGH MY HIP!” I’d like to thank everyone for their donations and generosity so far, and John in particular for his willingness to play along. Please remember that the fundraiser runs through the end of the month, and the money raised supports both research into Aicardi Syndrome and the biannual conference which helps to unite these families, connecting them to a much-needed network of support. And remember, there are more goals to come, including the $5000 group pose with me, Scalzi, Stross, Rothfuss, and Kowal! You know you want to see this, and we’re getting so close! But first, it’s time to make your voice heard! (I’m crossing my fingers that the poll widget works!) 206 comments to Pose-off with John Scalzi |
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I had to vote for Scalzi Jim. Not that your pose isn’t wonderful as well, but his will haunt my dreams. i may not ever be able to unsee it.
Dear sirs, this is a delight! My household examined both your efforts, and agree that Hines wins this round of the pose-off. Scalzi’s enthusiasm and effort are good, but Hines has pointed all of his limbs in the same directions as the woman on the cover.
I don’t know *HOW*, but he did it.
I voted for Scalzi. Not out of joy, but the other thing.
I agree with Sigrid. Scalzi’s pose is a thing unique unto itself. I’m thinking about washing my eyes out with soap. Bur strictly on accuracy of pose-replication, Hines wins it.
I gotta love the blonde wig, though. And the Little Black Dress.
It just occurred to me: Jim’s leg…didn’t we see that sticking out from under Angelina Jolie’s dress at the Oscars last year? Does Brad know about this???
Scalzi went the extra mile with the wig.
But Jim shaved his legs, which earned him a million points! I wonder how many times he had to clean out his razor before he’d finished.
Such a hard choice- I am impressed at John’s dedication and inclusion of a wig. I feel his left leg placement is more accurate, but he didn’t get the head tilt quite right. Jim doesn’t quite have the left foot at the exact angle, but I swear it looks like he shaved his leg(s) for the occasion. Also his arm placements are just about spot on and head tilt not quite there, but SO close. I’m going Jim for pose accuracy, but serious style points to John for wig.
Yes. Yes I did.
My daughter’s response to seeing her Daddy’s bald, blindingly white left leg was, and I quote, “EWWWWWWW!”
That you only shaved one leg wins my vote. That’s …uh…special dedication.
Scalzi has the right leg pointed the wrong directions (right knee out to the right, instead of forward to the left.) Jim has it about right, which lets him get the head tilt closer to the original. (There are some differences, such as having male hip-bone shapes, and taking the picture at home instead of in a low-gee Photo Shop, but he’s pretty close.)
But Scalzi’s pose is pretty awesome, and I’m sure it will inspire some cover artist to use it!
BTW, even if you have lady hip-bones, you can’t cut parts of your body off just to make sure you have an hour-glass shape at all times. Given her stance and the stretch involved I think she’s had some abdominal muscles removed and possibly hip bone restructuring (the hips are trickier, foreshortening can do weird things)… maybe a strong enough steel corset would do the trick, though that would mean painfully crushing/deforming the corset on the other side.
- opinion of a professional artists model with an hour-glass shape & hyper-flexibility problems
Mr Scalzi’s expression makes me think of a man who is trying hard to power through pain and maybe I am not far off. Look, I’m a GIRL, and I have GIRL BONES in my pelvis, and let’s say this inspired me to try and emulate that original pose myself – and MY hip said oy, enough. So gentlemen – both of you – my hat’s off to you. And my hip sends its congratulations.
Though I’ll never be able to un-see Scalzi in that blond wig, I’m handing my vote this round to Jim. Scalzi just didn’t get the pose quite right, and it’s all about the pose…
I cry foul: home advantage will surely come into play. Pose-off should have had a neutral venue!
I voted for Scalzi — He wore a wig and dress! Sorry, Jim. Your pose was also great.
Jim appears to have shaved his legs for this. He wins.
Voting for Jim, due to pose accuracy, but damn, Scalzi is rocking that wig!
Normally Scalzi would get the style points for the wig, but Jim *shaved*.
Jim also got his legs arranged correctly, for a very painful-looking definition of correctly.
Winner: Jim Hines
Sorry John, I voted for Jim. Looks like he shaved his legs and having done that once many years before (also for costumery), my sympathies lie with him.
Oh, yeah, I’m going with the shaved legs… anyone can wear a wig, but it takes a man to shave his legs.
I had to go with Scalzi too. There was just something about the wig and the look in his eyes. It was almost as if he enjoyed posing. Good luck on the fundraising.
I am wondering though: it looks like both of you easily came up with not just the dress and the heels but also the crossbow….
What, you don’t have a crossbow just laying around the house?
(Okay, I don’t, either, but I used to live in a house where obtaining one, or a sword or six, or even a sword-cane wouldn’t have been a problem.)
Age of the geek, baby.
I voted Jim — as others have noted, the shaving put it over the top for me. Though the wig and LBD were a nice touch from that other guy.
I knew I wasn’t the only one who could reach into the closet and pull out a hand-held crossbow . . .
I agree with previous commenters: Hines wins (by a sizable margin, actually) on pose accuracy—BOTH legs are angled correctly, and the head and upper body are properly oriented. Scalzi gets ten points for style, though.
ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! THE LOTION IS IN THE BASKET ALREADY, GEEZ
This round to you, Jim, for pose accuracy. But good lord, Scalzi’s shot. He’s right. I’ll never unsee that.
Shaving! That’s dedication. A wig can be removed, but it takes time for hair to grow back, not to mention the itchy-ness. Plus there’s pose accuracy.
I vote for Jim.
(I do agree it will be difficult to un-see John’s wig and expression.)
Scalzi got the ankle tilt more precisely, but Hines’ head is closer to the original angle, and he has the sort of rounded-shoulder thing going on with the crossbow-holding arm, which looks like it would be unbalancing and possibly dangerous in a hyperextension sort of way. Also, should I be worried that it looks like they both had crossbows lying around the house? Is this an author thing??
Hines wins on technical merit. The shaved legs give him an edge in effort. Style points to Scalzi for the wig, but it’s not enough for him to carry the day.
Now, I go find some eye bleach…
The original is aiming right between my eyes, Jim you’re aiming at my chest, while Scalzi’s aiming at either my wallet or my left test… either way, I’m afraid Scalzi wins. Well played!
Gotta go with Jim, who tipped the scales by shaving his legs.
But both of you gentlemen rock!
I think JS has the various bends more accurate – Its not really fair though as that blond wig seals the deal
Scalzi in a little black dress, heels, wig and crazy eyes…Can…Not…Unsee. That right there is nightmare fuel for at least a week (or until the next pose-off pic). However, Jim gets points for more accuracy of pose and for shaving. That’s the first thing I noticed, actually. Jim’s leg looks better shaved than the woman on the cover picture.
With all due respect to Scalzi, Jim shaved for this pose. You’ve gotta reward the guy that dedicated to the challenge. Vote entered.
OMG, I’m still laughing.
Round goes to Jim I’m afraid. Shaving his legs shows complete and utter dedication as well as the days of studying the cat and dealing with cat farts. *giggles*
Both of you did a great job!
I think Jim’s pose is closer to the original. The huntress has her hip jutting out beyond her foot, shifting her center of balance far to the right. Jim’s got his hip directly over his foot (can’t blame him for that. I tried it just now and overbalanced before I got to the model’s pose), but Scalzi is taking it easy, keeping his center of mass, well, centered, between his feet. For shame.
Jim wins for accuracy, but Scalzi… man. Some things you can never unsee.
Nice job, guys! You’re both awesome, even if you scar my retinas.
<3,
-J
I’m a big John Scalzi fan, but Jim won this round. The pose is dead-on, but more importantly, he captured the haunting facial expression of a Las Vegas call girl who polishes off evil while also polishing…well, you know…
Mr. Scalzi’s was impressive, but the knee was turned out! I have to vote for you, Mr. Hines.
While I will never be able to unsee what I’ve just seen, I think I’m more impressed that both chaps were able to get their hands on such delightful looking crossbows.
The wig certainly does bring Mr. Scalzi’s A-game, but Mr. Hines has affected the dead-eyed-kill-me-now look of the source material. Sorry Mr. Scalzi, but you look like you’re enjoying this way too much.
Both of these are terrific and horrific equally (though Jim has the most accurate pose), but I had to vote for Scalzi simply for his facial expression. Out of all this, those eyes are the one thing I can never unsee.
I voted Hines. Scalzi’s got style points here, but you nailed the pose, and your dedication to the cause deserves recognition.
Let us all honor the sacrifice your wife’s razor made for us all.
I can’t decide between you two–I am laughing too hard!
Before we can have a fair vote surely there should be an entry from @wilw (and possibly Joel Watson).
I did inquire as to the possibility of recruiting Mr. Wheaton, but I’m afraid that’s not going to happen. Not this year, at least.
Hahahaha. I can’t decide. Jim has the “hunch” down but John has the eyes. Style points to each (Jim for shaving, John for the wig).
I think I have to go with Jim due to pose accuracy but John gave a great effort.
That was a hard choice. I agree that Mr. Hines captured the pose far better than Mr. Scalzi, but the look on Scalzi’s face made me laugh. It is unfair to make us choose, but I guess we have to. I voted for Jim because you went above and beyond to shave your legs.
Looking forward to more!
I had to vote for you, Jim. While Scalzi’s pose is, indeed, spectacular (and a bit scarring), I think you recreated the pose more accurately
I am a a Scalzi fan new to Jim Hines but I must admit Hines has the better pose. Scalzi unfortunately has a slight smirk. Experience I suppose.
What interests me (… strangely, oh so very strangely …) is that both of you came up with strappy-ish-like shoes when the model is wearing some closed-toe pump-y-ish things. Did you feel that the Internet needed to see your toes? Or was this some subtle, even subliminal comment on how these poses and representations of women are akin to societal foot-binding?
(And just because I am eeeeeeevil, and because I can compartmentalize well enough to fuel others’ nightmare tanks without ooking myself out … how did you both secure the block-and-tackle, so as not to cause a wardrobe DYSfunction by accidentally popping an unwanted streaker by your David Nivens?)
Basically, these are the shoes I was able to borrow from my wife.
In my case, shorts and underwear were up to the job. One of the poses yesterday was a little more challenging on that front, though…
Oh my, (said in Takei’s voice)Can’t wait to see THAT pose next!
I tried out the pose to see how hard it was (I’m flexible and female, so I didn’t think it would be all that tough, to be honest) and you get the win, IMO. The angle of the squatting leg is actually difficult to manage–staying balanced is much tougher with it angled in the way it was on the cover and you did it. Kudos to you!
Jim wins because he somehow managed to get the leg angle right. John’s attempt suffers because his shot is from the wrong angle to get the leg in view, it is a bit difficult to determine how close he got to the upper body positioning (although the balance seems to be different).
But well done gentlemen!
laughing too hard to see the voting buttons now…
Alex – Re the shoes, my guess is, Jim and John didn’t go out to buy pumps that would fit them, and it’s easier to stuff a man’s foot into a strappy shoe than a closed shoe.
I love me some Scalzi, but had to go with Jim because he nailed the pose.
Any reax from Ms. Pettersson?
I know she was excited about her book being chosen, but I haven’t seen her reaction to the actual results yet. Or maybe she has, and has simply fled the internet…
Jim’s practice analyzing the small details make him the clear winner, only more head tilt and ankle placement kept him from perfection (these might have been impossible, heads weigh a surprising amount and better no head tilt than a torn groin… I also prefer my writers without shattered ankles)
I am pleased that I can now refer to Scalzi as an excellent writer with a fine turn of ankle.
Much of the credit here goes to my wife Amy, who helped a lot with, um, adjusting me…
She has a great eye.
Looking at the cover and your photos in greater detail I wonder if it’s physically possible to do that pose and have a scooped in waist. My feeling is that it wouldn’t scoop in. Even if you were a woman with a very defined waist I feel like it would be a more continuous crescent from hip to shoulder… certainly not scalloped in as much as it is.
Would you mind doing that pose again, but wearing a corset? I could be wrong and I want to see if the scooped waist is remotely possible.
… for science, of course.
IT BURNS!!!! What has been seen cannot be unseen! This is fantastic. I love both of you.
While Scalzi perfected the pose, the site of all that man-hair just, well ICK. Hines, however, has sexier hairless legs and wins in my book.
*sight* grrr autocorrect
Goggles, Y U No Work!
Had to vote for Scalzi even if the head tilt is off. That and there’s no frosting.
I am donating $50 to counteract Scalzi’s attempt to BUY votes!
I need mental floss now. Jim wins hands down; leg shaving represents true dedication.
I officially vote Scalzi…butonlyunderduressandforagoodcausebecauseIreallythinkJimHinesdidabetterjob
I voted for Jim and the shaved leg – oooooooh how sexy
Ignoring everything other than a legitimate attempt to see who replicated the pose best (not to the best of their ability, but just plain best), I would say that Jim took this round by a good margin. You can say that he’s had more practice, but modeling is clearly a discipline where practice pays off.
Such a difficult choice!! The blond wig is definitely inspired, but hey, I gotta go with the shaved leg. Now that, my friends, is true dedication to a cause…
So fun! John’s costume is better (love the wig), but Jim’s pose is more accurate, so I voted for Jim. But you’re both awesome.
I voted for Jim because man HE SHAVED HIS LEGS!!
Oh bloody hell. I’m voting for you Jim in the hopes that some good doing will rid myself of the terror or Scalzi in a dress revealing his thigh. Kristine clearly must really love you but I’m wondering did her respect sort of wane the morning after this was taken? At least you warned me.
I’m slightly disturbed by the fact that both of you appear to own crossbows.
Should we be at all concerned that you both have easy access to crossbows?
Yes.
Forget washing my eyes with soap. Ima haveta BOIL my eyes after seeing Scalzi, but he gets my vote for sheer AUDACITY and EWWW FACTOR!!! LOL!!!
Jim, you totally got the pose right. Scalzi’s pose looks a lot less painful.
They are both so great for so many reasons, but I had to give Jim the edge due to the shaving and the slightly more accurate look of concentration. Don’t know if he’s pretending to aim or just trying not to fall over.
Any word on the model for the original? How did she sty like that? Or did she?
Jim clearly wins for 1) the closer pose, and 2) shaving his legs.
Post shave all over body stubble is horrible and you need a *very* understanding partner to cope with that.
For being a cover posing newb, Scalzi did a great job, and I like that he went that extra mile with the props. Still, I gotta vote Hines. His pose is closer to the one on the cover, and you can’t beat those silky smooth legs.
I voted for you because your pose is more carefully matched to the cover and also because you can see Scalzi is trying not to laugh. You sold the pose better.
But if this was a gross-off instead of a pose-off, Scalzi would be winning in a landslide, and I do have to give him credit for the spaghetti strap. He’s got you there.
It’s interesting that these pictures started out way back as a way to point out the ridiculous poses women are put in on book covers, because you all seemed so impressed with the leg shaving. You realize women are expected to do that IRL and ALL THE TIME? I acknowledge and appreciate the much-increased irritation of starting with a lot of hair rather than a simple maintenance job. Still, perhaps Jim and others can now understand why that’s so frickin’ annoying to be expected to do daily and you can all spare a little love for those who do.
Especially because, IRL, ain’t one of us who’s ever contorted herself into that position on purpose. Mad props to both of you for that.
I’m going to try to do a post this week about exactly that, talking about the ridiculous of leg-shaving and such.
Before you complain too loudly about shaving your legs, I would like you to contemplate that something that looks very much like this: http://iforce.co.nz/i/sj3lsonn.x2j.jpg is applied with regularity to my throat and face. Before I’ve had my morning coffee, and often with a cat or too nudging my shaving arm. With somewhat less regularity it is applied to my entire head. So yes, shaving your legs sucks, but shaving anything isn’t much fun.
You make a good point and yet, if you don’t shave your face it’s considered a fashion choice or bad grooming. If a woman doesn’t shave her legs it’s considered a political statement or some other Big Deal.
It’s not just a matter of: “I better shave my legs, I’ve got a date tonight!” I’ve heard with ridiculous regularity: “I’d better shave my legs, I’m going to the gynecologist.”
Shaving your face is frequently a job requirement. In my current position, nobody would care if I didn’t shave (I did not, in fact, shave this morning). But I’ve had plenty of positions where not shaving isn’t an option. If I wanted to keep eating on a regular basis, I had to shave on a regular basis. Growing a beard was something you -might- be able to get away with on a vacation, as long as it was neatly trimmed when you came back, but the notion that you would skip shaving one day was just silly.
Job requirement is one thing, but if a woman goes out without shaving her legs/underarms/pubic area, people are liable to assume she is a Feminazi, a lesbian, or an extremely “dirty hippie.” I have endured actual verbal and physical harassment for not shaving, both for being “gross” and for the assumptions about my sexuality and my politics. For some, shaving a face might be a requirement for work, but it doesn’t enter their personal lives to anywhere near the same degree, nor set them up for harassment.
(when the real actual truth is: I am fucking lazy)
Can’t say I’ve ever shaved my legs, but I do think us guys got it easier in that we can shave while standing in front of the mirror, fully clothed, while women have a much larger area to do that’s much harder to reach or even see.
Heh. That’s my reason too. Oddly also the reason I shave my head.
Those words used in play against Scalzi get used seriously against women who don’t shave their legs. Circus freak, eyeball bleach. Does your beard give you that?
And while I’m here, It’s fun play to valorize Jim’s skinny leg – in the real world it works like that too. I do not understand why a skinny leg with little visible muscle is so sexy, while a calf that shows muscle and curve isn’t. I’m sick of skinny privilege, I’m sick that my weak legs that bring me pain and instability are seen seen as better and prettier and healthier than women twice as strong and capable as me. How is that a healthy norm? The number of women I know who feel sadness because they build calf muscle easily? WTF?
I love this game and what this play shows, but it also makes me so sad to see that same old things valorized and the same things shamed.
Scalzi I wish I had your legs – I’d sprain my ankles less for starters.
No lipstick? This ain’t over till someone has some nice red lips.
Excellent poses by both. Jim has the posing accuracy and the extra points for shaving the leg (LOL), but I voted for John because he has posted a promise on his blog of an additional donation for more votes. Yes, he is shamelessly buying votes, now.
Had to vote for Scalzi. I love ya Jim, but the wig and the beard together, that’s got a special place in my heart that I’ll never, ever be able to scrub clean.
I gotta say, I’m maybe most impressed that it only took you one disposable razor.
I didn’t think of that until you pointed it out! I know when I’ve stopped shaving and then started again, it tends to look like I shed a tribble or two…definitely not kind on the razors.
I’m not sure what it says about my mental landscape that my first reaction was delighted cackling and applause. XD
Very, very difficult choice, but I finally had to go with Hines, because he totally nailed the posture ~and~ he shaved for it (and shaving your legs is a ~pain~, ugh). I have to say though, Scalzi gets kudos for the props, and for ~not~ shaving (because I am a contrary little thing). Massive applause for both of them :3
I considered each and the final winner was Jim, if only for the proper pose. And the shoes.
My vote goes to Jim–he’s got the pose right, facing the right direction, and isn’t trying to buy votes with a blonde wig.
I don’t want anyone to think of me as lacking a sense of humor, but I am *so* pissed right now.
Where were you guys when we were searching for cover models?
*throws pen down in pique/disgust*
Obviously your talent agency is limiting itself!
The art dept. is going to get an earful…
Have them get in touch with my agent about my rates for your next book!
The accuracy of Jim’s pose won the vote from me. Also the leg shaving. Sure, Scalzi’s rocking the wig, but he could take that off right after the photo shoot. The shaved leg now… That’s going to live with you for awhile.
But Vicki Pettersson, who did you VOTE for?
Voted and Donated: Jim.
I like how you can see the strain of holding that pose right down into his pinky finger.
And nothing moves me like a nice, smooth leg.
Thank you so much!
I’m thrilled that you’ve been having so much fun with this
Yep, I’m a sucker for a guy with shaved legs.
I voted for Jim because you just sold it! The expression, the posture and the legs! John’s was more shocking since I am not sure that image will ever leave me but Jim ya just nailed it!
After I recovered from the laughing, I have to give my vote to Jim, despite John’s very convincing attempt at bribery. I cannot be bought, sir. I cannot be bought.
The shaved leg is true dedication. Also, Jim somehow managed to get the shoulder right. Ow.
Jim’s pose is nearly perfect. While Scalzi’s is funny, Jim’s left toe point and perfect balance take him over the edge for the win.
I’m frankly slightly disturbed at how closely Jim’s left leg resemble’s the cover (and also strangely jealous because I think he has nicer legs than I do…). I can’t unsee either pose, but Jim got my vote because his is more accurate.
As lovely and coffee-spluttering as Scalzi’s pose was, I had to go for Jim. Not only far more accurate in terms of positioning, but for god’s sake, Jim shaved his legs! I don’t shave my legs in the winter. That’s some dedication.
Scalzi does have the irony down very well though–the wig and the smirk are definitely worth the eyewash.
P.S. Nice legs, Jim! Vavavoom!
Points for Jim: pose accuracy, very lovely shaved leg.
Points for Scalzi: costume, bribery for a good cause.
I placed my vote for Scalzi ’cause I can totally be bribed for a good cause, and it’ll get us that much closer to the super-special-ultra-bonus pose for $5000.
But Jim…. daaaaaaamn. *appreciative whistle, slow clap*
While my eyes are still burning from Scalzi’s wig and crazy eyes, I believe that Jim suffered more for his art, strove for, and achieved a more accurate recreation of the pose. I am afraid to see the next pose-off.
Like Elya, I’m voting for Scalzi to add a bit of extra fundage to the meter, but if he weren’t bribing me, Hines would definitely win the points for accuracy and dedication (even without the wig and dress).
I feel Jim’s early training carries the day. Scalzi is a spirited newcomer to the field, but he is plainly trying not to laugh, whereas Jim’s fierce expression recognises that slaying things while voluntarily dislocating your own hip FOR JUSTICE! is a serious matter.
Oh, I wish City of Heroes hadn’t shut down; now I want to create a heroine whose powers only activate when she’s in a body-part-dislocating pose. Couldn’t show it in game – no animation support for that – but entirely possible to roleplay.
I’m sorry, but the deciding factor was the incorrect head tilt; voted for Jim.
Jim gets my vote, he’s closer to the target pose. John’s attempt at bribery … he knows he’s lost already. Kudos to you both for a good deed for a good cause. (And I, too, would love to hear comments from the original model and art team.)
I voted for Jim, because I actually know what the woman on the cover is *supposed* to be doing (I think) and Jim is closer to it. It’s a wushu stance called drop stance, and ideally, your base (bent) leg’s foot should be flat on the floor, your hips almost to the floor, and your outstretched leg (mostly) straight, with the foot on the floor. Both feet should be parallel and pointing forward. It’s basically impossible unless you start training as a child . . . and are amazingly flexible to begin with. After drop stance, you go to forward stance, generally, while grinding your hips *closer* to the floor if at all possible.
Honestly, those are amazing poses . . . but some things can never be unseen. And Mr. Scalzi in a little black dress, blonde wig, and unshaven legs shall be burned into my retinas for a very long time, I fear.
Hmm…
Jim, if I saw you in a dark alley, I would trust that you will kill me with that crossbow quickly and efficiently, with my last thoughts being, “This is a man who surely takes professional assassination seriously. I can’t understand why he would go all out and shaves his legs and puts on heels and a black dress, but still, his dedication is admir–”::dies::
Whereas, if it was Scalzi it’ll be more like, “AAUUUUUUGUHHH AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGHH AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHHH … Dang, he’s rocking that black dress … AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHHH–”
Sorry, Jim.
I voted for John because the ankle is the thing for me. Jim, on the otherhand, has the head tilt, grim look of pained determination, balance and the shaved leg.
Okay, need eye bleach now.
I’m amazed how technical folks are being about the actual pose. There must be a fair number of theater and/or dance folk commenting. Jim got my vote. He was willing to part with his leg hair, knowing that he could very well go down in Internet history as “that fantasy author who shaved his legs.”
I can’t decide! I think the actual posing goes to JH but JS went the extra mile with the wig! May I suggest that merchandising be next? Tees, calendars, mugs, etc….
This… this is why the internet exists.
I had to vote for Scalzi…I think the butterknife convinced me! I love your approach to raise money for Aicardi Syndrome. I also have an “unknown” disease called Charcot Marie Tooth disease,and just completed a fund raiser last Friday, to raise money for research and awareness for CMT. I’m kind of sorry I didn’t take a more risky approach like you both have done…we may have raised even more money! Congrats on a great job
[...] because
[...] vie for the best imitation of Vicki Pettersson’s The Taste of Night cover. But before you click here to giggle at them like I did (and for the record, Jim’s freshly-shaved leg made him the [...]
[...] And we think Jim C. Hines and John Scalzi make a good point for charity. [...]
[...] C. Hines and John Scalzi have a cover pose-off to raise money for a good cause–and, as Hines points out, to continue bringing attention to [...]
[...] Jim C. Hines demonstrates how ridiculous book cover poses for women are and raises money for charity in this pose-off with John Scalzi. [...]
[...] Phoenix Rising. (Who returned the favor). Occasionally John Scalzi would get in on the fun, challenging Hines to a pose-off. And man, can Scalzi [...]