In an Earth-shatteringly perfect example of irony, my Google stunt (see below posts) has resulted in much more traffic to this site, but has also taken away my only means of profiting from it. It's so beautiful it hurts.

Screw the Beatles. All you need is irony.

It worked!!!! And much faster than I could have anticipated. Check this out:

Hello Michael Solomon,

It has come to our attention that invalid clicks have been generated on the Google ads on your site(s). We have therefore disabled your Google AdSense account. Please understand that this step was taken in an effort to protect the interest of the AdWords advertisers.

A publisher's site may not have invalid clicks on any ad(s), including but not limited to clicks generated by:

- a publisher on his own web pages - a publisher encouraging others to click on his ads - automated clicking programs or any other deceptive software - a publisher altering any portion of the ad code or changing the layout, behavior, targeting, or delivery of ads for any reason

Practices such as these are in violation of the Google AdSense Terms and Conditions and program polices, which can be viewed at:

https://www.google.com/adsense/localized-terms?hl=en_US https://www.google.com/adsense/policies?hl=en_US

Publishers disabled for invalid click activity are not allowed further participation in AdSense and do not receive any further payment. The earnings on your account will be properly returned to the affected advertisers.

Sincerely,

The Google AdSense Team

Hi everyone - I'd like to try a little experiment. Right now, I want you to click over there on the Google-sponsored link (it's up and to the right - directly underneath the "Help the economy" header). No excuses - if you're reading this now you're obligated to click, or there'll be big trouble. (And of course, because I'm under legal obligation to say so, please seriously consider purchasing the product or service that you are directed to.) I'm curious to try this because even after my diatribe requesting that people click the link (see previous entry), I've only received 5 clicks. I'll post the results of this experiment in a few days, and any profit I receive (it's only a few cents per click) will go directly toward getting YOU drunk the next time we hang out.

(Click...)

Anyone who sends text messages on their phone knows the value of pre-programed generic responses. The default set includes "Thanks", "On my way", and "Where are you?" but I've added a few more out of necessity. To the comments!

This Friday, in addition to being St. Paddy's Day, will mark the most rockingist day in all of history, as I'll be back behind a drumset playing Irish/folk/rock tunes in Brooklyn. The unstoppable duo of Mishti and Danielle (formerly of "Muddy Daughters" fame) will be leading the group, while the endlessly talented Paul JM lays down a bass groove so solid you might as well cancel your colon cleansing appointment for Monday morning.

We'll be at the Jam for Bread Cafe, at 333 Henry Street (corner of Pacific) in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn from 8 to 10 PM. I can't vouch for the place but I know they serve beer and wine, so how bad could it be? Moderately bad? Horrible? Let's find out!

All credit goes to Jordan for this gem:

So the gallery opening went well last night. Comments on my photographic retrospective of Gabe Silva entitled "Cry Me A Liver" ranged from "thought-provoking" to "definitely right up there on the walls." Click on the thumbnail to see more.

Mr. President!