I’ve been feeling like crap since Tuesday. It started after I finished my usual run. Because I started out later than usual, it was blazing hot. I felt pretty dehydrated afterward, so I later attributed what ensured to heat exhaustion: fever, chills, aches, pains, restlessness. Only later did I realize the roadside enchilada I ate after my run might have prompted actual food poisoning. I’ve gotten deadly diarrhea in the past, especially in Asia, but never actual food poisoning as far as I know. In any event, the last five days have unfolded like the greatest hits of Things That Often Make Ted Feel Sick: fever, more fever, cold sweats, sore throat, ear aches, congestion, small cough.
I still have the sore throat and the fever, though the fever isn’t as bad and I’m drinking ginger tea to soothe my throat. That got me through a weekend during which I had to draw the fifth installment of my Vote Theft cartoon series (written by Greg Palast, drawn and composed by yours truly). Oh, and it hurts to hold my pen now. That’s always good when you’re a cartoonist.
Forget the suggestion to learn how to draw with my left hand! Some people might think I use my ass to draw my cartoons, but really, this is as good as I get. With my right hand.
Anyway, first thing: Comics critic Alan David Doane named me no. 2 in his answers to the Comics Reporter’s request that its readers “name five cool, patriotic things about comics”. (You have to scroll down a bit).
It’s a nice mention, and a rare one at CR, a site that largely ignores political cartooning. Thanks, Alan (and Tom).
Then there’s this suggestion for economic stimulus. If asked, I will serve. But I want 15% of the gross. This could be the biggest Pay Per View spectacular ever!
Finally, my question (sorry for being so longwinded; I’m enjoying my newfound relative sentience): many readers receive my print syndicated cartoons via the Ted Rall Subscription Service by email. The current rate is a mere $25/year. Would you pay for a weekly animated cartoon by me? How much?