I think songs provide motivation to get ourselves in gear...

I need to be careful how I get this point across, or else people will be saying his head is up his arse...Some probably are already. But there's one song, that everytime I hear it I imagine my flight landing at JFK, seeing the bright lights and letting this new chapter of my life begin. It might sound too cliche, but I don't care it really is the truth...

The song is, 'Tom Baxter - This Boy' (some of you may have noticed it's the title of the blog'. Everytime I hear it there are some things that pop into my head, the lyrics symbolise a story about someone that gets knocked down, and then gets back on track. A philosophy that I believe in one hundred percent, if you want to do something - then do all in your power to get there. The song is also a reminder that life will mess you up sometimes, and that no matter how low you might feel you 'have to stand up'. I'm prepared for a tough time in New York, apparently its expensive, and the work is very challenging but I'll do my best to stay on my feet. If something throws me into a state of doubt I listen to that track and almost instantly the hunger to succeed comes back...Especially with the piano solo. Sweet work.

Click on the track to hear:

Tom Baxter - This Boy

My Guitar signed by Tom.

The obvious link to my thoughts on 'This Boy', is the artist. Tom Baxter, a truly inspirational character, a man that I have had a friendship with for about two years now and a musician that I respect so much. He's definitely had his ups and downs and he has chatted to me about this and how hard it can be sometimes to get yourself noticed. But, Tom is a grafter who knows that what you put in you can expect out. He know's the importance of family values and keeping loved ones around you or at least in your thoughts, and what I like most: is his down to earth nature, something that the music industry lacks in areas! For those of you that haven't heard of Tom, he is a singer-songwriter based in London and is responsible for 'penning' some great tracks such as 'Verona', 'Girl from the Hills' and more well known tracks like 'Miracle', 'Tell her today' and 'Better'. 

My Parents with Tom Baxter.

I know I said that the incoming weeks can only 'Better' things happening, and in theory they will with the Consulate interview etc... But, yesterday I pulled ligaments in my left foot which is a complete shambles, as I've lost clutch control for the car -not good!. It's providing me with late nights that I don't want, aching hands from the crutches, and the really annoying sensation of when you try to run or walk, you take three steps and then the pain strikes...Absolute nightmare!

A highlight to the start of this week is that, Kelly Cutrone founder of People's Revolution in New York has signed a book deal, which should be a great read. And, on a more local scale the new edition of DrinkNI is being printed and will be in pubs and clubs up and down the country. It features stories of drinking, facts about our beloved poisons, reviews of our favorite bars, whacky trivia, and an interview with some up and coming journalist... I've said enough ;).

I'm thinking of publishing an edition of the limelight this week for the Northern Newspaper Group, and ideas or thoughts then, please get in touch as usual: tim.c.ferris@gmail.com or alternatively editor@northernconstitution.co.uk.

I'll speak to some of you soon.

An in-agony Tim Ferris.

Peace.

The Season I've been waiting for...

I guess today is the start of Spring, well we lost an hour in bed giving us a 'stretch in the evenings', it's shame that when I woke up today and looked out of the window there was no sunshine, and no birds chirping it'll probably take our great climate about 3 months to deliver any consistent good weather... Probably the week I leave. But at least I've got New York to look forward to in the better weather...

New York, In Spring.

Last week, as weeks go I'd definitely experienced better. But, things could only get better and they did. I got a date for my meeting at the US Consulate in Belfast.  That's when a visa applicant has to meet face-to-face with someone from the US government, to ensure they are the type of person that they want to let into the US. I'm looking forward to this, as when I get my passport stamped thats the final phase of the move slotted into place. This time 6 months ago I hadn't even thought about moving out, I may have dreamed but to be honest never saw it as a reality. It really is amazing how things change.

The story so far:

December: 

I got the bug for moving away, plain and simple - I wanted out of Limavady. I applied for jobs with publishing group, magazines and other media organisation all over the states, not just New York. Some of them came back promising, others... Well I'm still waiting. I've been writing for print for over two years now, and I really like it, meeting new people and having challenges e.g. setting up interviews... It then dawned on me, why not apply for some PR work. That thought has shaped my move to the states.

January: 

I started applying for jobs around week 2. I searched PR on google, there are alot of companies out there to be fair, too many to start mailing resume's/cv's to. So then I narrowed it down, it was either fashion or music public relations that would suit me down to ground. It's not that I know everything there is to know about fashion, and I don't know every new band coming out, or the freshest sound. What I mean is that I have a passion for these two things, and If I'm interested in them I know I'll do my best to progress.

Booked flights: June 30 (JFK) - November 18 (Heathrow). 

February: 

February 'revolutionized' my hunt for the perfect job in the 'City'. Most of you know who I'll be working for, and the news about an 'internship' came through to me in February and I had it in my sights from then on. I spruced up my CV, tweaked the odd thing to make it more appealing to the American audience, and made contact with the company. I got put through to guy at people's and we talked over a few weeks, and I learned more about the position offered and he obviously learned more about me, It wasn't his position to offer me a place there, but he did all he could by passing info on to the management.

Started seriously looking into appartments/rooms in the city. Nothing is finalised but the view from the window of this place nearly has it sold to me: 

March:

March 5, 6.14p.m: I received an e-mail from the office. They offered me the job, and I can still remember the feeling I got when reading the e-mail. It was only 6 lines long, but I read it in depth over-and-over, I had a mixture of feelings, butterflies and a sense of great accomplishment. It was in black and white that I would be working at one of New York's most successful and well know PR companies. I had previously looked at accommodation in New Jersey and had contemplated the commute every morning to work, but now I really want to live in Manhattan or somewhere closer to the buzz and importantly the office, I guess I'll just have to wait and see how the finances progress over the next few weeks before sending a deposit.

I got a date for my interview at the US Consulate, April 23 2009.

Also, I've joined the NY network on facebook, just to build up a list of contacts, some famous and some not so. It's funny that in Northern Ireland seeing a celebrity can be a massive thing, and meeting some musicians and artists have been highlights of previous years for me. But, what strikes me about New York is that some stars mix in with the 'norms' of society- something that I think is really great. I was reading someone's comments and Kid Rock was sitting at the table next to them at dinner, how cool is that? Add me if you like:

Something else great happened this week, not in a materialistic way though. This used to happen to me all the time, you discover an artist online and then about a month later you hear them on Radio One. This happened to me this week! The artist in question is La Roux.

I recommend you check her out, there's a real electro feel to her music, and If I'm publishing a limelight she'll definitely be gracing the pages.

Well, I must head on. Playing football today, or should I say soccer. Either way, I'll be re-blogging later this week. Remember to get in touch: tim.c.ferris@gmail.com.

The New York Move :  93 days...and counting.

Peace.

So Jade Goody is gone, died on Mothers day and is still leaving a trail of tabloids featuring her story and a celebration of her life, and lets be honest it was a controversial one. She left a 'secret will' with £2 million for each of her sons, £100,000 for kids in India and money towards cancer research...In my opinion the money for the Indian children in the slums was a safe bet as it gives some closure to her 'racism row', but what I can't believe is that Jack got nothing? If I was in

in his position I'd be a bit pissed off. I think he gets a pretty rough time in the press, he's branded a thug and maybe that's for fair reasons... And now he's branded a money grabber for giving tabloids an insight into his and Jade's final hours. Hardly a fair branding considering he got none of her money and rejected her offer of their Essex home. I'm sure he is heartbroken and times our tough. But the papers see it differently, I think its typical of the dicks lining the walls of newspapers up and down the British Isles...

23rd of April is the date I long to get to. It's the one I have in my sights, as in theory it holds the key to my passport to the US.

Not a great week...

It has been a week since I last 'blogged', and it's not because I haven't bothered or wanted to keep things up to date. I have had a bit of a backward week, things which have appeared to be sorted for months have now popped up and new paper work has had to be filed, and I'm sure I have significantly damaged my phone bill with calls to and from the U.S... Thrown into the mix is  a registration cock-up by the university that has added to the rubbish I have had to contend with in order to get a decent nights sleep.

My mobile phone is another 'low-light' of this  week, its only about four months old and the screen has lost life...How bad is that? Took it back to where I purchased and they couldn't help me out at all, typical of many businesses today, you are their best mate when you are taking the contract out but where you have a query or a problem, they are simply disinterested or refer you to someone else. Something that I am not a fan of, I'd love a friendly approach or some advice from someone not looking for their pocket to be lined!

St Patrick's Day was on Tuesday last week, and to be honest I would have loved to be in New York as I had contemplated it for a couple of weeks in February. But I settled for Belfast with some friends that are studying at Queens University. Belfast is such a strange city, there was a lot happening, but I wasn't aware of it until the next day. Some of you who may have witnessed the news reports from the Holy Lands would have saw the rioting between students and the police, just to clear this up, I was not involved - I was enjoying the weather around the back of Elms. People were bar-be-queing, shorts and tees were out, music was pumping and the craic was generally super. 

Students look out at Police, before the trouble 'kicked off'

There isn't very much I can stick in the blog this week, as I have just been doing the 'boring stuff' that will make everything about my stay in the US legal, Although I have stumbled across quite a few blogs that I think people will enjoy. Not one genre in particular just good topical issues, with some fashion and personal views thrown into the mix:

www.thisislimavady.co.uk - This site is written and maintained by a friend of mine. A free lance photographer/ java king, Jason Bell. It may answer any queries as to why you may want to leave Limavady. I'm not talking about the fighting on a Saturday night, this features job updates, and some shock figures about how little there is in the Roe Valley.

www.dianepernet.typepad.com - A shaded view on fashion. This is the type of thing I'll be keeping up to date whilst being in Manhattan. Diane Pernet is a french fashion designer, I don't know whether to just call it a blog because it is much more 'full bodied' than mine. It features Diane writing to her shaded readers, accompanied by great pictures, video and a lot of great links. Definitely check it out.

Diane Pernet - A shaded view on fashion

www.onesentence.org - Most of you that know me, know that I am fan of the thought 'it's the simple things that work so well', this is the case with onesentence.org, it is a blog where people can submit true stories in one sentence. Fair enough some of them you just can't appreciate, but I like the thought of this. 

This is a complexed time to be leaving Northern Ireland, I'm not just talking about the 'credit-crunch' or 'recession' - even though the dollar rate is continuing to disappoint me. I am referring to the current political climate, with members of the armed forces being targeted by the terrorists that should be yesterdays news, people are saying to me 'You're lucky to be getting out now, if all this is going to start again', don't get me wrong I am really looking forward to moving but not for the want of turning my back on what's happening. I have friends and family here too.

To sum up this week, I should have more to write about this week. The weather is great at the minute, so lets pray it stays that way for a while longer! On a sadder note, Jade Goody passed away today, she was someone that we loved to hate - She has left behind two kids, a husband and a good group of friends, my thoughts go out to them.

Jade Goody, God Bless.

I Should have an edition of 'the Limelight' published this week in the Northern News Group papers, if you want to get in touch, simply e-mail me to: tim.c.ferris@gmail.com or alternatively editor@northernconstitution.co.uk.

Thanks.

Peace.

I think I'm having the worst week of my life. I'm not talking about the type of week that consists of you waking up and thinking your hair isn't right, or you think it'll be another week until I get paid... I'm actually talking a 'bollox' week (so far).

I mean, It started off badly with some mess up at University that is still unsolved  but I'm sure it'll all be okay. Some registration farce that sees turning up to class every week and they question if I study there, confusing. 

Then came St.Patrick day,  a few care free beers in Belfast and some craic with friends, right? WRONG, Went to get into my car not only to notice that I left the lights on, therefore the battery was dead. Got that sorted with some jump leads and thought that I was plain sailing for the rest of the night...If only.

Just about to head out the door, put my hand in my right pocket to get my phone. Only to notice a massive black score up the screen, how angry was I?

How cool is Coca-Cola? Especially diet. There advertising campaigns really do fill me with  a sense of - 'If I drink this, how cool will I be', like buying a cool image. 

I wish I could make a bike, be a cool essential in my life. I have a bike, well my garage has a bike, one shared by eve

Music can change your life, if not life, then your opinions.

Who else has moved out?...

I think it's worth taking the plunge and getting the hell out of Limavady! and I've been thinking do I know anyone involved in the music industry who's moved somewhere in search of something worth while. Besides people saying 'what about the wombat's', for those of you who don't know, they recorded a song featuring lyrics along the lines of; 'I'm moving to New York, cos I've got problems with my sleep'... Just a song, and they havn't actually moved!

The artist that sprung to mind is neither main-stream or bedroom bound with their music, his name is Julian Velard. He has a record deal but he isn't the type of artist that you turn of Radio 1 and instantly recognise. I saw him play live last March in Belfast's spring and airbreak. I was instantly attracted to his care-free appearence

 and the control that he had over his piano skills...He was so impressive, a definite crowd pleaser. I can remember thinking, I bet somewhere down the line He'll make a big break and I'll be seeing him on TV.

A few weeks passed and I still remember the morning when my Mum called me into the kitchen and said look who it is on T.V. It was Velard being interviewed by Fern and Philip on 'This Morning', I just sat in awe and listened to the familiar lyrics of 'Jimmy Dean and Steve McQueen', and thought well done man, you f**king deserve it.

Anyways, I got to speak to him after the gig and he explained how he came from Brooklyn, NY and that he had moved to London in search of recognition, and a chance of a big break. And, I have to admit at the time I thought- 'Is New York not the place where musicians travel to make it big?'. Then it dawned on me, people like to move away in search of making it.

I know that Brooklyn is no comparison to Limavady, but maybe our thoughts are similar. Someone might be walking around there now, thinking to themselves "I'd love to move to Ireland, abandon the big smoke, and see some fields with sheep and some Irish bars"...Just a thought. I'm looking forward to getting out to do my own thing, and not care what people are saying, or what they think about you.  Maybe the attraction to somewhere new,is the thought that you'll have no distractions! Living somewhere new will make you image conscious but not on the same level as your home town.

I know that when I start work with People's Revolution I will be 101% focused on what I'm meant to be doing, which is maybe why I've been successful... Lets just pray that I dont fall in love or something lol. In all seriousness I am really looking forward to moving out now, its around 100 days to go, I chat to the guys in NYC as much as I can, and we're all looking forward to my change of scenery...

My next blog will probs be after St.Patricks day, everyone have a great time off...  I wish I was in New York :(.

Peace.

New York. New York.

I have come to the conclusion, anyone that says 'I don't know why you'd leave home', or anyone that makes a comment like 'You'll be homesick' or 'You'll want to come back'... is crazy!

There are so many 'pull factors' to a city such as New York. It's the most populous city in the world, and it's the central location to all major businesses, including finance and entertainment... Two of which I hope I can combine. This might sound a bit rare, but I'm looking forward to the free things in NYC - Taking a look at the manhattan skyline, saying 'Look at the amount of yellow taxis', heading over on the Staten Island ferry and taking a stroll around central park. I know for a fact I'm going to feel so culchie, I can't wait.

Music is the area in publishing that I'm involved in now, and I've enjoyed my time so much, blagging my ways into gigs and getting the opportunity to get interviews/photos with some major stars. Heading to the other side of the pond is seeing me involved with the fashion industry and 'major stars' of the catwalk. I know for a fact some people who hear that ''Timmy's going to work for a fashion company'' will question 'is he gay?'. Well, to clear this up now: ''NO, definitely not, and apparently American ladies love the Limavady accent'' so, while I'm out in the city, enjoy the Corner on a Saturday night...I know what I'd prefer. :)

I'm thinking besides being in the office what will I do when I land?, well it'll be the start of the summer and I'm sure I'll be sight seeing for the first while... 4th of July will also be something that I'm really looking forward to experiencing. Music events are popping up now for July too, so I'll see about gigs nearer the time. I'd love it if Moby threw a show or something...Joke.

Well, I'm going to try and recover from the last 2 days events, and prepare for Monday, another night out in Belfast perhaps... If I can stick the pace.

Peace.

Sometimes the simple things work so well...

Well, this is definitely true with the guitar and other music I'm sure. I love listening back to tracks that I enjoyed before starting to play, and now I can online and give it an effort. The song in question is one by Ryan Adams - titled 'When the stars go blue', fair enough I have no where near his vocal capabilities... But it's good to have it down and hear the similarities between the basic Am, C, D and G.  Other simple things that work so well are drawings, just a pen and paper - no canvas, water-colour or picassoness involved, on a more modern basis, a MacBook is so simple and so superb.

- Another simple philosophy in life is, 'If you don't ask, you don't get'. Last night I got news that my time in NYC will be shared with many at a very well established company in the City.  I don't mean to sound cliche, but this could be life changing  , I'll keep you posted.

What I've learned is no matter how many efforts  you have experienced to try and get where you want, just don't give up. Take a look at yourself, and if you know you have the best personality or attitude things will work out. Don't let things get you down, It's what I've learned, people might take the piss, throw you a dirty look, insult you, or try make you feel inadequate. Number one rule - If you have a dream... Pursue it to the max! 

Peace.

A new Mac, A new start?

Bought a new MacBook yesterday, and things instantly started to pick up...I kid you not, first e-mail I received was from a fashion company in NY that has some available work for the summer ;). I bought the Mac for heading away to New York, to keep in touch with family, friends and obviously to use at work. The simplistic design, and way that it 'just works' is really impressive, feel like I belong on MTVs 'The Hills' or some bollocks. 

It's around 3 months until I head away now, and things are coming along well. With the economy continuing to 'soil' itself, it's the only thing worrying me. It is hard to believe that this time last year you were getting $2 for a quid... sickening to be honest. But, what can you do? Fix up. Look sharp- and get on with it.

Some of you know that I'm moving out to New York City, and for those who don't; I'm travelling out on June 30, and will be returning home at the end of November, in time for the Christmas build up- Limavady Style! The work I will be carrying out is all fashion orientated for various publications and companies... and I'm currently working my balls off to get in with a MASSIVE P.R. company that represents some of the biggest names in the game. 

Until then, I'm going to finish up with university in Coleraine and  I'll still be writing my entertainment column for the Northern News Group,  I'm going to try and get it uploaded via this on downloadable PDFs. If you want to get in touch send me an e-mail to tim.c.ferris@gmail.com, or add me on facebook, you can learn a lot more about me there ;).

Peace.