Take a quick gander at the sidebar to this article.

Over there, on the right, and possibly beneath the text—look there, as well.

What is Google advertising, hoping you’ll click on?

Funeral homes? Motorboats? Kitty litter?

I swear, it’s possible, because recently I’ve found the oddest ads running next to my pieces.

One of today’s articles, for instance, is accompanied by ads for foreclosure properties.

What is their connection to my essay that suggests to writers that they compose a little bit of text at a time, if that’s all they’re capable of doing?

Okay, maybe Google, in its algorithmic wisdom believes writers are mostly POOR, so all we can afford are foreclosure properties. It’s a stretch, but possible.

How about this one…

I looked up a few of my articles on the topic of the martial arts, and what was being advertised?

Picnic supplies.

I don’t get that one, do you?

Hey, the next time you’re going to kick butt, first, invite your adversary to break bread (or chips) with you in a scenic setting. Discuss the finer things in life, pausing here and there to comment on fine art, antiques, and the interesting differences between the various Russian ballet companies.

Then, send him to his maker on a full tummy.

Today, Google’s stock went up again.

Some mysteries might never be solved!