Contesting Google's AdSence Fraud Claims

  Google - the company so big, so large, that the left hand doesn't know what the right mouse click is doing.

  In March 2014, the service provider who hosted a body of my written work, closed.  That body of work also included commercial ads using Google's Adsence program. In April 2014, an alternative service provider was located and a new blog was commenced. An application was made to the Google Adsence program for the inclusion of the new blog. Google's policy is that Adsence accounts cannot be added within the first six (6) months of a new blog.

  At the end of the six (6) months, I applied to have the new blog included. The application for the new blog was rejected based on fraudulent activity.

  Fraudulent activity? While the blog didn't exist and a replacement was not yet approved?  This appears to be more of a case similar to the class action suite launched in May 2014 which accuses Google of cancelling Adsence accounts just prior to paying out. I checked the balance of my account, and sure enough it's about ready to pay out my earnings on the previous blog.

  A few more searches located two interesting articles. An unidentified whistleblower reports that Google cancels Adsence accounts just prior to payout, then keeps the money already paid by the advertiser.

  I tracked down a successful civil prosecution of Google for the cancellation of an Adsence account in California from 2009, and discovered that trying to get an answer from Google, is almost next to impossible. While Google has a legal department, trying to locate a telephone number for the Adsence Department is futile. Even with telephone calls to their corporate office, I could not reach anyone who could communicate with me.

  I lodged an on line appeal against my "fraudulent activity" and added the details I considered necessary, with the appropriate legalities if the account was not reinstated.  There was no response to my emails, but this morning, Google Adsence now appears on my blog.

  I surmised that some agent at Google "reviewed" my appeal, went back and saw that their claim of fraudulent activity could not have occurred in the period allowed, as there was no blog or other site upon which any Google ads appeared.

  I wonder how much in "earnings" is left in the hands of Google when they cancel accounts for fraudulent activity, that aren't contested. 

How Fast Can It Go?

  In about 1981, my father purchased a sailing catamaran. My brother and I got together and both of us, instantly, asked the same question. "How fast can it go?" And thus we started racing that catamaran, together.

  That was not successful. My brother and I were two different types of sailors - he was a helmsman, I was the tactician. As teenagers, we argued over everything from set up to pull down. Eventually, I stepped away to another class, and he became an accomplished helmsman.

  In 1986, the Australian Championships were held at Bargara Beach, Queensland. My brother was one of the favorites to win the title.  Ten days before the start of the titles, I secured a boat on loan to go to the titles. It would be the first time that he and I had ever gone "head to head".

  He didn't win the title. In seven heats he couldn't beat me once. The driving moment was when I won a heat and eventually finished fourth outright. My brother, finished ninth. In the following years, I would go on to win a record seven titles. My brother, he never sailed again.

  After leaving Australian and being gone ten years, my father telephoned me last year. "Your brother bought a boat." My brother stripped, repaired and rebuilt that shell, turning it into one of the best presented crafts on the water.

  The Australian National Titles start tomorrow at Spears Point, on Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. Ten races, nine to count.

  I've waited 29 years to see him sail again.

  How fast can it go? Bring it home, Brother.

Merry Christmas from Chesterfield Inlet

Merry Christmas, from Chesterfield Inlet.

As Santa makes his way around the world, I give thanks that I had the opportunity to be a father to my own children.

And as their father, I wish them well, from the sidelines, where I shall always be watching.

I Wonder If This Ever Happens to Stephen King.

  Overnight, I was sleeping and had a vivid dream.  The dream was a story I was writing.

  Nearing the end of the story, and prior to morning light, I woke.  I reached for the notebook and pencil kept on the bedside table to take down notes.

  Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

  Best I can recall,  it was 1944 Germany, there was a submarine, and a typewriter being used with two sheets of carbon.  Beyond that, I've got nothing. 

  I wonder if this ever happens to Stephen King.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

  In the United States, Thanksgiving is complete, and we now move into Christmas mode. Black Friday sales began, decorations went up overnight, seasonal cards are being mailed, and I still have a refrigerator full of left over Thanksgiving food, that will last me almost, until Christmas Eve

  This is not the life I envisaged for myself, however, it is the life that I have embraced. It has come at a cost.

  In 2015, a number of great events will take place.

  In February, I will be have been an American resident for ten years. In October, I will have the honor of watching a daughter marry the man she believes in. And if luck comes my way, the trifecta, of having the book accepted.

  I would not be where I am today, without a little help from my friends.

  Anthony, Deb, CD, Judy, Adam, Donna, Kelly, Jeanette, Joe.

Lessons Learned on a Book Tour

Book tour stop, Manhattan, New York

  In the field of emergency management, at the conclusion of a exercise or disaster, there is a review of policy, procedures and opportunities. It's sometimes called an After Action Event, but in most cases, it's a "lessons learned" review. 

  Book tours are no exception to the after action review process.

  Here are 5  lessons learned from a 4 state, 2 country book tour.

1. Take someone with you and have them manage the travel arrangements. Make it their job to check, and recheck the schedule. Twice on the Christmas in Canada tour I "overlooked" items that were important . That wouldn't have happened if I had shared the plan, You can't do it all and still handle the "business" of promotion.
2. Local currency. Have some cash on hand, man cannot live on a credit card alone. There will be items you need cash for: tipping, postcards, taxis. (Memo: not all taxis in New York city accept Visa.) 
3. It will always be a journey. Some days are better than others, but they all make up the path you will travel.
4. Make time on the journey for the traveling party. Go where they want, see what they see,  eat what they eat, be with them on their journey.
5. Bring home gifts. Not everyone will get to go where you have been. Remember those that helped you get there by bringing back a piece.

  I was fortunate that I got to share this journey with my father, to take him to places he otherwise would never have seen. 

Australia Post Moves Into Oregon

  Cover story at Eugene Daily News.

  Australia Post Moves Into Oregon.