There's no such thing as "just a joke." Jokes are powerful. They communicate intent and mindset. They should not be dismissed lightly. If you tell me "Aw, I was just joking," it means you got caught out saying something shitty...
Hey! Are you going to be at SPX this weekend, in Bethesda, Maryland, on September 14th and 15th? I sure will! I'll be exhibiting with the Topatoco gang at tables W23-W30. Please come and say hello, I would like to meet you...
If Mars was the god of war, then we are already Martians. Ray Bradbury was an incredible writer. If you were waiting for him to finish up before you started reading his works, now is a good time to begin.