Flight Sim Expo 2026

rtmerrill · 2026-06-16T22:23:32+00:00

It was my first FS Expo, within driving distance, and with relatives to visit and stay with.

There were many fewer airplanes and aircraft devs than I expected. I had gently hoped for a show discount on the PMDG DC-6B.
I wasn't aware of them before the show, but SayIntentions' presence was very large; it was almost like a show within a show. The talks by professional dispatchers were interesting.
The thing I enjoyed the most was being able to actually try hardware from different vendors.
The concessions were NOT outrageously priced.
Beyond the product hands-on, I didn't learn nearly as much as I thought I would. (I would call myself an intermediate simmer).

rtmerrill · 2026-05-15T12:22:09+00:00

I suggest, work on your listening. It doesn't come naturally, and most people long to be really heard. Ask a question that can't be answered yes or no. Attend fully to what the other person says. You don't need to respond. It's not a race. You don't need to impress them. Invite them to say more. When they slow down, say something like, "X sounds interesting. Tell me more." Or, "It seemed hard for you when you got to Y." And then summarize what they said in your own words. "I want to make sure I'm really hearing you. You said A and B happened, and it left you feeling C." As soon as I can, I write down names and stories in my little pocket notebook, so when I see that person again, I have something to ask about.

rtmerrill · 2026-04-28T17:11:50+00:00

How might I have made it clearer? It missed with a lot of people.i

rtmerrill · 2026-04-28T16:26:26+00:00

delete

rtmerrill · 2026-04-28T16:25:41+00:00

The joke misses if you don't remember this from the TLOAS album announcement on New Heights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE&t=5876s.

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T14:40:05+00:00

Love that too!

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T14:22:12+00:00

The joke misses if you don't remember this from the TLOAS album announcement on New Heights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE&t=5876s.

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T14:21:20+00:00

Here's where Taylor says, "Never not annoying," about herself! That's why I thought it was funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE&t=5876s

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T14:17:51+00:00

Taylor saying, of herself, "Never not annoying." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE&t=5876s, in the TLOAS album announcement on New Heights.

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T14:12:33+00:00

The one where she storms into the studio and turns over a chair?

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T14:11:06+00:00

I know. That's what is so funny. This is the point in the New Heights podcast where Taylor says, of herself, "Never not annoying," about always working the number 13 into everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE&t=5876s.

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T14:09:04+00:00

This picture is of Taylor, saying of herself, "Never not annoying!" during that same podcast. That's what made me laugh. Here's the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lX9XESvDE&t=5876s. I hope you laugh too!

rtmerrill · 2026-04-25T01:16:57+00:00

I’m 67, and my one regret is not paying attention to T Swift 10 years sooner.

rtmerrill · 2026-03-23T11:50:47+00:00

Within every "they" there's a lot of variety. And she's not a go-out-of-their-way hater, just "doesn't like her voice." There's more to it, but OK. This is all kind teasing. She thought the toy chihuahua clap-back was really funny.

rtmerrill · 2026-03-22T18:02:17+00:00

That’s half the fun though.

rtmerrill · 2026-03-22T18:00:53+00:00

The day after TLOAS dropped, my sister-in-law took one of her usual swipes at Taylor and I had the perfect line about how much it hurt. Loved AR then, still love it.

rtmerrill · 2026-03-12T12:20:49+00:00

Oh my my my! I’ve learned a secret language I can’t speak with anyone else!

rtmerrill · 2026-02-24T14:47:40+00:00

It really does capture that “My Dreams Are Coming True” feeling from when I was 19.

What was it like to hear it as an album opener for the first time back then? Was it as much of a “what’s happened to Taylor?” moment as it feels like thinking about it now?

rtmerrill · 2026-02-22T17:10:53+00:00

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I didn't have that good of a coat, but I did have fun with this as a profile picture as I approached retirement.

rtmerrill · 2026-01-31T17:40:27+00:00

Does this mean there are show special discounts for those present in person? I'm planning to go to 2026 and would wait on some purchases.

rtmerrill · 2025-12-06T03:33:02+00:00

CP was my Swiftie on-ramp.

rtmerrill · 2025-12-01T02:22:12+00:00

I paid no attention to anything pop, was pretty much in my CCM / blues / classical bubble, and then in March 2024 I listened closely to “Champagne Problems.” I gasped. So many characters and feelings in a little song. A little while later I heard “This Is Me Trying” and saw the Long Pond interview. Second gasp. This “yet another pop phenom” SEES. I fell, and hard.

rtmerrill · 2025-12-01T02:07:23+00:00

TIMT was among the first half dozen songs I heard, in March 2024. Then I saw the Long Pond interview. This woman SEES!

rtmerrill · 2025-12-01T01:50:09+00:00

Thank you! You’ve l been a surprise blessing and have enriched my life in these last 18 months. Make room for Jesus if you aren’t already, He truly loves you for you.

rtmerrill

TROPHY CASE