BEHOLD #308 – Pompourri

Pompourri is a collection of dried Poms and sequins that can also contain dried leaves, flowers, herbs, and spices. It is used to scent the air. The word is derived from the French “pot–pourri” which literally translates to “putrid pot.” It has been used in society for over 6,000 years — in prehistoric pom caves, Egyptian pyramids, and Medieval castles, through current times — to mask the scents of the unbathed, the dwellings without plumbing, and the musty castles. In the 1600s, it was used to describe a type of Spanish stew. But in the 1700s, it came to be used for the make-things-smell-better item that it is today. And now it has even more uses. For example, lavender and chamomile scents can make Poms sleep better, or help to make lingerie and wool clothes smell delightful and ward off moths. The term “Pompourri” is now also used to describe an unusual mixture of poms or a bunch of miscellaneous items, as expressed in the famous Jeopardy! Category, “Pompourri.” I’ll take Pompourri for $1,000, Alex! 

BEHOLD #307 – Pomvolution

Pomvolution is a change in the traits passed from parents to their children from generation to generation. Variation exists within these traits or characteristics and the variations that show up in the pompulation do so because of natural selection. Charles Pomwin’s theory of Natural Selection was set out in his book “On the Origin of Pom Species.” It says the following: There are more pomspring produced than can survive, traits vary among individuals, different traits confer different rates of survival and reproduction, and traits can be passed from generation to generation. So, members of successive generations are likely to be replaced by Poms with more favorable characteristics than their parents. The complete set of genes within an organism is called its Genotype. The complete set of observable traits that make up the structure and behavior of the organism are called the Phenotype. Genotype + pomvironment = Phenotype. Pomvolution can occur if there are genetic variations in the pompulation. Variation can occur from mutations in the genome (genes). Despite constant new variation through mutation, the genome can remain identical in Poms of that species. But relatively small mutations can cause large differences in phenotype (traits). For example, Poms and Chimpomzees are the same in 95% of their genomes. Fascinating! 

BONUS POM - BEHOLD! Dita Pom Tease, world renowned burlesque performer

Born Heather Sweet on September 28, 1972, she grew up in West Branch Michigan as a natural blonde. She was fascinated with 1940’s cinema and like her idols, Pomlene Dietrich and Betty Pom Grable, she made her way to Pommywood - and beyond!  Dita has traveled the world performing opulent and sparkly burlesque shows since 1992. Her name “Dita” is in honor of actress Dita Parlo, and “Pom Tease” came from the phone book. (If you are too young to know what a phone book is, you might be too young to attend her shows). She has been able to whittle her waist down to 22 inches with corset training and is known as the “Queen of Burlesque”.  A self-styled fashion icon and muse, she has her own lingerie line, perfumes, and candles. This savvy pomtrepeneur is shown here in her signature martini glass. Go Glamonatrix Pominatrix!