not sure about adsense these days ... every time I use them on a site I wait for it to get canned for some bullshit reason. i haven't had a decent check from them in over 6 months.
I just started a blog for my parents (
http://www.4wdriving.com) which we are promoting through offline channels ... we'll have some press starting soon. if they make $50 a month off it on adsense we'll be happy ;-)
Sometimes its just a case of trying something old skool & building from there ...