Below are the 18 most recent journal entries recorded in Donald McKinney's LiveJournal:

Friday, October 10th, 2008
11:05 pm	I feel very guilty... Back in December, I had a very nasty split from my girlfriend, who had threatened to kill me and my family. I cut her off from my life completely, and I felt such a sense of relief to get her off my back and out of my life. Anyways, flash forwards to April this year, I bumped into her cousin at the bus stop, who told me she had leukemia, and she was blaming ME for getting it!! :O Her cousin told me not to listen to her, as she's been a compulsive liar all her life However, today. I was up town doing some shopping in Tesco, and I spotted my ex-girlfriend, (the one I had a nasty split from last year), and she was in a wheelchair, and GOD she looked ill!! :O :( She looked 20 years older, and in a near-vegatitive state. Now, I feel plain guilty. Was I right to have split from her?? Can splitting from someone cause them to become physically ill?? Then again, she did threaten to kill me and my whole family, so I'm confused... :| Current Mood: guilty (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Saturday, August 30th, 2008
6:13 am	It's been a while... Yeah, I haven't posted on here for a while now, I'd abandoned here in favour of the likes of MySpace and Facebook, dunno why actually, plus I have been busy, (been to Canada and all...) More as it comes... ;) Current Mood: tired (5 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, September 2nd, 2006
8:27 am	Guess who's going to work for Border Television!! Well, it's been a rough few weeks for me, but there might be light at the end of the tunnel. A few weeks back, I got a phone call from a work agency I'm associated with, and they're gonna see if they can get me a works placement with my local TV station!! :D I had the interview there last Thursday, and I'm in!! Only for two weeks though, but by golly, I'm in!! My local TV station is Border Television, part of ITV, (the channel that shows and makes Coronation Street, The Saint, The Avengers and well...you name some...) Border, on the other hand, used to make shows like Mr and Mrs, and quickly forgotten ones like line-dancing documentary series The Grape Vine, and a cookery show, A Spoon With A View. :| They really made me feel at ease there!! The interview was laid back, and I was asked about my time at college, and where I would like to go. But, I start at 9:30am, on Monday Sept 4th. They've got me working on a programme called The Way We Were, which looks at our region in the old days, they'll have me doing jobs such as transcribing any interviews, to actually going out on location and helping out with the filming. I'm absolutely thrilled to bits!! :D I will be frank, I HATE ITV, as they've made some really crap shows recently, half-hearted game shows, disasterous reality TV shows, too many soap operas on a week. But, if the meeting scheduled in a couple of weeks is successful, all that might change!! :wink: If successful, I could mould ITV in MY image!! Cartoons throughout the day, hardcore porn at night!! Slapstick comedy in place of the psychological dramas they always show. No more soap operas, only cartoons!! How could you say no to THAT!!?? :D Current Mood: excited (Comment on this)
Friday, July 7th, 2006
7:23 pm	My Grandad has Alzheimers Disease It's been one hell of a week for me. It started off with a funeral on Monday for an uncle of mine. Then I have been accused of pestering someone with emails, (which I haven't done), and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it just has. I learnt today through my Dad that my Grandad has Alzheimers Disease, although it's not for certain yet, he's going to the doctors again in a couple of weeks for further tests. He is nearly 86 years old, and for a while now, he has been showing signs of senile dementia. In 1998, my Grandmother, his wife, died from old age. It shattered us and him especially. Since then, he turned to drink, he goes to the club on Saturdays, and drinks heavily. We've had to take him to the hospital a few times, because he's fallen down drunk and hurt himself. He won't eat anything, he insists on old people food, like pies, fish fingers and chips. However, we have noticed signs of dementia, forgetfulness, mood swings, and when we go and see him on a Sunday, he sometimes goes into his room, and swigs whiskey, which he says he hates, straight from the bottle. When we ask if he has been drinking, he says no, but he reeks of alcohol. However, after research and consulting his doctor, we think that he has got Alzheimers, but it needs to be confirmed, but at the moment with the way it's looking, I think we will have to prepare for the worst. Has anyone here got any relatives with such a condition?? If so, what is the best way to go about it?? Also, he has been hard of hearing for a while, so you have to repeat things over and over again. I've found myself losing patience as a result, but if it is Alzheimers, then I think we will be more understanding. All the symptoms point to it, there are people his age who do suffer from it, and it will be heartbreaking to see him go through it. But, we will still love him all the same, he's still family, illness or no illness. Current Mood: sad (Comment on this)
Monday, June 12th, 2006
11:37 am	My last week at college... This week is my final week at Cumbria: Institute of the Arts. I have been here since September 2001, I started here on the ND Media Production Course, then in 2003, I progressed onto the BA (Hons) Media Production course. It has been quite an adventure, to quote Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Nearly all of my work has been handed in, only one more to go. However, I have not entirely completed it, as I was kept in the dark on a lot of it, (it's a Media Debates module), and I wasn't told when lectures would be, and where they would be held. I felt I have been lied to by the tutor who it's for. However, I have a cunning plan up my sleave. Instead of a huge, sprawling portfolio which he's asking for, I'm writting a 2,000 word paper on why I couldn't do it, without having to vent my spleen. I'm sure they will understand. But anyways, I'll be sad to leave this place come Friday. I was asked by a couple of the tutors in Prague whether I wanted to stay on for the Masters (MA) course, but at the moment, I feel absolutely drained of ideas and energy. As much as I like this course and the surroundings of the college. I think a break is what I need, so if I am going to return, I can recharge my batteries. Year 3 of this course has taken alot out of me, I've had to juggle 4 different projects at once, the trip to Prague was stressful enough, and there was a huge strike by the staff, which is what I believe resulted in my last piece being uncompleted. I'm relieved to have finally finished it, as for the Masters Degree, I'm not sure whether I'll do it yet. At the moment, and with how I feel at the moment, I feel as if I am ready to move on. I've been itching to break free from education, and get out into the real world and get a job. As for employment in the media, it will be hard where I come from, as there's not much around, but I will shop around, dip my toe in the water if I can find it, and see how it is. If I like it, I will stick with it. If not, I will return for the Masters Degree. Current Mood: relieved (Comment on this)
Thursday, May 25th, 2006
12:59 pm	I'm 22 today... Today is my birthday. 22 years ago, I came into this world, and I've been hanging around ever since. It's been a good day so far, I got The Brothers Grimm on DVD, some new clothes and lots of cards... :D However, I am at that age now, and I don't know whether my birthday should be something I should celebrate, or something I should dread, as I am getting older now. Today, it's just been like any other day, but I'll be going out for dinner tonight at a fancy Italian restaurant, and I'm gonna get some drink in later for a booze-up. So, I'm 22, and still I act like a teenager, so no change there then... ;) Current Mood: happy Current Music: Shock Treatment soundtrack (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, May 11th, 2006
12:40 pm	Sorted!! I think... I finally got to see someone today about what happened last week, my head tutor. He understands what's happened, and he said it shouldn't have happened, especially as I was personally asked to do this. He said I did the right thing, walking away from it, but I really should have gone straight to see him. However, he has said that two options are open to me. Number 1 is to try and get hold of him, I've been avoiding my mobile, and trying to track him down is like trying to nail jelly to a wall. Number 2, is to write about EXACTLY what happened last week in my critical appraisal, hopefully the examiners will take this into account, and it shouldn't affect my grade. However, I don't even know if the piece was completed or remains unfinished. I will soon find out, but I'm trying to wash my hands of it, it's their problem now, not mine. If they'd booked me on the RIGHT edit suite in the first place, this wouldn't have happened!! Current Mood: relieved Current Music: An air conditioning vent (Comment on this)
Friday, May 5th, 2006
10:36 am	Never again... I'm in a bit of a foul mood. Well, yesterday I was, but today, I am feeling a little better. I have been editing in an edit suite since Tuesday, editing the final project for college. I was told I would be let on set to get an idea of what it should be like, then I was told I wouldn't be required on set. Then, I am told they want £15 from me to fund the project, I said I would get it for them. When we started editing, all he could ask was, "Where's the money??" I said it was coming, then he said he would settle for £10. However, that was the least of the problems... He booked me on an editing machine that I have had VERY little experience on, and it was one which was prone to crashing. It wasn't my fault it was crashing, but the director, (his name is Thomas, btw), was looking at me as if I had no idea what I was doing. By the end of Day 1, he was starting to edit more than me. The same happened again on Day 2. My approach to editing is to get the rough cut out of the way first, and deal with sound and effects and all that later on. But, he was wanting me to tinker on with the sound and effects, as I was doing the rough cut. As a result we lost a lot of time on Day 2. By Day 3, yesterday, I had lost patience, he had more or less, taken over control on the edit suite. I didn't want to create a fuss and blow my top or get into an argument, he was so picky and indecisive. (For the record, he's never directed before!!) But, a general sense of mutual animosity was growning between us, he was starting to become more bolshie and difficult, but he didn't realise it. He wasn't listening to my ideas, he wanted it done his own way, but he had a better idea of what he wanted. By lunchtime yesterday, I walked away from it all, and went home, without telling him. So, what if it affects my grade?? It's not my fault this has happened, but either I've made an error in judgement or he has, but he had a complete lack of faith in what I was doing. I'm going to send an email to my tutor explaining what has happened, hopefully it will be sorted out. Current Mood: sad Current Music: Ohio Express - Yummy Yummy Yummy (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, May 1st, 2006
10:37 am	Spoke to someone special last night... Dear Blog I spoke to a special friend on the telephone for the first time last night, after chatting to them on the net for about 6 months now. I didn't know what to expect, to be honest, I was a bit scared, but to my surprise I was greeted with a warm and jovial Scottish voice, which belonged to a lovely person indeed. I'm hoping to go and visit them soon. Oh, and I'm spending from tomorrow until Friday, 9am til 7:30pm everyday editing. I can think of one better place I would rather be. But, I will be glad when it's all over. However, as a treat, I'll be going to see The Zutons at the end of the week. :) Current Mood: crazy Current Music: Shock Treatment soundtrack (Comment on this)
Friday, April 14th, 2006
7:54 pm	Easter Weekend It's been a quiet week, a lazy week, trying to relax after a hard few months at college. I've enjoyed sleeping in until 9am on some mornings. I've helped my Mum around the house, been out and about. Had a lazy Good Friday, watched Flash Gordon, (a sci-fi classic a TRILLION times better than Star Wars!!) Am currently waiting for My Name Is Earl to come on at 10:10pm. (Comment on this)
Friday, April 7th, 2006
11:05 am	Easter Break!! It's the last day of college today before the Easter break, I'm so relieved, it's been a stressful semester. Only 2 more months, and it's all over, no more college, forever. I look forwards to that day coming... :) (Comment on this)
Friday, March 31st, 2006
7:46 pm	Finally, I got that essay handed in today, wonderful!! Everything seemed to be in order, they also wanted a CV and letter, I did that for them. It was a little under 2,000 words, but they accept 200 words, over or under. I got 70% for my dissertation, it would have been higher, but seeing as it's a specialised subject, it was hard for the examiners to mark it. However, I am pleased with the result. Not much has happened this week, I had an editing induction for AVID machines which turned out to be frustratingly short, but I got the basics of it, I had my hair cut, not too short, just tidied up and all. My family are away this weekend, they're off to see Carlisle United play in Cardiff. I didn't want to go as I hate football!! (I'd have it banned if I had my way.) One more week until the Easter break, boy have I deserved it!! It's been a stressful semester, but the next one is the final leg. I know I can do this, and I will!! Am about to have a quiet evening in, My Name Is Earl is on later. I've become addicted to that!! Current Mood: relieved Current Music: Herb Alpert - Spanish Flea (Comment on this)
Thursday, March 30th, 2006
11:21 am	This is just a quick reminder, so if I suffer Amnesia during the Easter Break, I forget it. The editing dates for the final project are booked, it's from May 2nd to the 5th. That's Tuesday through to Friday. I'm doing one of two 2,000 word essays at the moment, I'm putting the finishing touches to the first one, due in tomorrow. Current Mood: contemplative (Comment on this)
Monday, March 27th, 2006
11:05 am	Donald McKinney's Chav Extermination Co. It was Mothers' Day yesterday, I got my Mum a card and some stuff for the bath. My brother and his friends, were picked on by a group of chavs, the police said there's nothing they can do. So, I'm gonna take matters into my own hands. I'm hereby starting up Donald McKinney's Chav Extermination Co. If there are any chavs, anywhere in the world causing you and your area grief, then fear not. As I will eliminate the problem once and for all. I own a collection of guns and samurai swords, so it shouldn't be any problem. It's like an insect extermination business, where bugs that live under the kitchen sink or under the floorboards, are killed. I do the same, but on a more wider scale. I'm sick of chavs loitering on the streets, always full of rage, picking on fights with people, and being homophobic to abusive degrees wearing burberry clothes drinking meths. Seeing as the cops are too lazy to sort this out, I'M gonna sort it out. I'm a vigilante on a mission!! Whether it be slicing their heads off, shooting them dead, or giving them a taste of their own medicine, and bugger them senseless. If YOU have a chav, or a group of chavs, in your area, and YOU want them exterminated, let me know, and I will slaughter them for you!! ;) (Comment on this)
Thursday, March 23rd, 2006
11:24 pm	Nothing much went on today, went to college, had a session getting my 2,000 word essay on employment in the media industry completed for next Friday. I also have a letter to do, and a CV to update. Saw my Grandad today, he's fine, had a cajun chicken wrap for tea, have just had a wankquilliser, and am now off to bed. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006
12:48 pm	Well, I was duped today. What a fool I am, an email from a friend came claiming MSN was shutting down, but it turned out it was a hoax, and it was forwarded to people I know. It just shows how gullerable I am. But, no harm done. At least it wasn't one where they somehow got your card and bank number. That would have been worse, this is a drop in the ocean compared to what that would have entailed. Current Mood: embarrassed (6 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, March 21st, 2006
12:07 pm	Best news of the year. I am a Terry Gilliam fanboy, so imagine my surprise today when I heard that his newest film Tideland has been given a UK release date!! It's out on June 2nd 2006!! I cum my pants in sheer excitement at the news!! If you wanna know more on this film, go here: http://www.tidelandthemovie.com It will be the best film of 2006, and Mitch Cullin's original novel is such a wonderful read!! Current Mood: jubilant Current Music: John Lee Hooker (Comment on this)
Monday, March 20th, 2006
9:30 am	Well, this is my first full day here, I hope to reply more soon, but nothing interesting is happening today. The life of a media student can be so dull and boring, and that's why I come across as that to some others. Anyways, I'll be back when something interesting happens. (Comment on this)