Gordon Likes to Think He Is the Most Underrated of All Mythical Heroes

Gordon was 19 when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Friends, family, and professionals have told him he’s mentally ill, but he can’t see any of the symptoms. To him, it’s all real. When he takes his prescribed medication, the apocalypse doesn’t vanish; the pills simply give him another day to prepare, and he feels like a coward for delaying the imminent confrontation.

Source: The Awl
Published: Dec 14, 2010
Length: 13 minutes (3,421 words)

Cherayla Davis, Amateur

All six of the contestants at the Apollo Amateur Night semifinals had already advanced through two rounds. Of them, only Cherayla Davis had won first place in both of her appearances. When James Brown competed in Amateur Night, he was booed. Luther Vandross and Lauryn Hill were also booed. Dave Chappelle: booed. Cherayla Davis had never been booed. And this night, she was going out first.

Source: The Awl
Published: Oct 26, 2010
Length: 9 minutes (2,477 words)

The United Church of Deliverance

“If I had the money I spent on drugs and alcohol, I would buy this building, remodel it, and then take everyone here on a cruise,” Senior Pastor Carrie McEachern told her congregation of about a dozen.

Source: The Awl
Published: Sep 16, 2010
Length: 13 minutes (3,319 words)