Boomkin
A boomkin is a short spar that may project either fore or aft on a sailing vessel, depending on its function. Traditionally, it was a strong, usually wooden spar extending forward over the bow of a Western sailing ship holding a block through which a headsail's sheet passed; on some modern sailing yachts with long main booms it is a short spar extending aft from the stern anchoring a central backstay.
Historically, boomkins were employed in pairs, one on either side of the vessel, often canted downwards over the main head-rail. Originally butted at their inboard ends against a knighthead, bolting prevailed since the end of the 18th century.
They are not to be confused with catheads, heavy wooden beams on either side of a traditional vessel's bow angled forward at roughly 45 degrees which support the ship's anchors when being raised or lowered.
History
Traditional boomkins found on English sailing vessels gradually evolved from 1710 until around 1850.
Podcasts:
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by Barenaked Ladies
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by Duran Duran
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by November Blessing
Be My Yoko Ono
by: Barenaked LadiesIf there's someone you can live without,
then do so.
And if there's someone you can just shove out;
do so.
You can be my Yoko Ono
You can follow me wherever I go
Be my, be my,
Be my Yoko Ono.
Isn't it beautiful to see two people so much in love?
Barenaked as two virgins hand in hand and hand and hand in glove.
Now that I'm far away it doesn't seem to me to be such a pain.
To have you hanging off my ankle like some kind of ball and chain.
Oh no, here we go, our life is just one big pun.
Oh no, here we go as Yoko sings
Aieee!
I know that when I say this,
I may be stepping on pins and needles;
But I don't like all these people
slagging her for breaking up the Beatles.
(Don't blame it on Yokey)
if I was John and you were Yoko,
I would gladly give up musical genius,
just to have you as my very own, personal Venus.