Google recommends news, videos, web pages. Why not recommending ads?

marketingpilgrim.com/wp-conten ...

What is this screenshot showing exactly? An experiment? What kind? Is it reproducable?

I don't know. The article doesn't explain. Probably a slip-up.

A new comment from Anne H. a the blog:

<<I think we have an answer to this. I got an email from Mark Cramer at Surf Canyon indicating their software does add this section. I had their software on a test machine.

I've not seen this recommended section before which is why it caught my eye. Mark indicated the blank section was probably caused by a blank user profile and the ad inventory. He also mentioned the next version will change the heading to state the recommended links are from Surf Canyon.>>