Page 46 - Twin & Turbine May 2017

44 • TWIN & TURBINE
May 2017
From the Flight Deck
by Kevin R. Dingman
When it Rains
Proverb: It never rains, but it pours.
Misfortunes or difficult situations tend to follow each other in rapid succession or to arrive all at the same time. We sometimes cite proverbs, myths, nursery rhymes, even superstitions in our search for excuses, explanations and sometimes inspiration. Singer songwriter Albert Hammond
used the proverb in his hit song.
Colloquially, we say that if something bad happens, it’s likely that more bad things will happen: it will really “pour” bad things once they start to rain down on us. Bad things come in threes, for example. Of course, it’s not the proverb coming true. When several bad things have happened consecutively, we’re simply reminded of the proverb.
And so, it has been for me this spring. A run-in with pneumonia caused two consecutive back strains from coughing. That was followed by a bout with the famed Norovirus. And just recently, three critical letters from readers. Judging by health and creativity, you’d think I’m falling apart! Darned proverb.
Have you ever wondered why the paper canister of Morton Salt shows a girl holding an umbrella? The proverb gained popularity in modern society because of her and a slogan. In the olden days, there was an issue with moisture getting into everything. Metal rusted more easily, clothing would develop a musty smell if not hung on the clothesline promptly and our food stuffs were problematic. Baking materials and spices were subject to clotting in their containers, including salt.
In 1911, Morton Salt Company started adding magnesium carbonate, an anti-caking agent, to their salt; this allowed it to pour freely. Today, they use calcium silicate. The original pitch was “Even in rainy weather, it flows freely.” A bit too wordy. Then they tried the proverb, “It never rains, but it pours.” Better, but not specific to the product. Finally, they settled on “When it rains, it pours.” The “it” being their now iconic and enduring brand of table salt. While the slogan is no longer printed next to the umbrella girl, your Morton Salt will still pour smoothly from its canister. No clumps, clots or clogged salt shakers
Coffee Please
Occasionally, my Twin & Turbine articles fail to flow freely. And calcium carbonate sprinkled on the keypad only makes the computer fix-it guy scowl. Not to get all artsy-fartsy, but writing creative nonfiction often requires inspiration. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. Picture me at a small oak desk in a converted warehouse loft, wearing pointy, lavender shoes. And like Papa Hemingway, an ice-cold gin martini at the ready.
It never rains in California, it pours, man it pours. – Albert Hammond, 1973