El primer día el tiempo fue un poco lluvioso. El resto de días el tiempo mejoró un poco aunque estuvimos bastante fresquitos, cosa que tanto a Rotry como a Murray les fue muy bien. Cada día hacíamos una excursión. Los paisajes son preciosos y todos disfrutamos mucho, nosotros por los paseos tranquilos por la montaña y los bichos lo pasaron en grande correteando, jugando, bañándose en los ríos y oliendo todo lo que encontraban a su paso.

Sin duda un lugar muy recomendable para pasar unos días, rodeados de montañas y pequeños pueblos llenos de encanto, con muchas excursiones que realizar, muchas actividades deportivas organizadas y buena gastronomía.

Volveremos!

Went to another great gig on Tribute Island, this time it was Joaquin Gustav's tribute to Astor Piazzolla, a tango composer of the late 20th Century.  As you can see, me and Hibiscus looked a bit worried again, sitting in the same seats as last time, either the seats were uncomfortable or we don't really dig the tango, but as it turned out Joaquin played some of the most beautiful guitar music we had ever heard, it was a wonderful gig.

Nikk got up to dance with Saffia Widdershins, the owner and editor of the Prim Perfect Magazine, and true to style she had one of the most lovely dresses on that I've seen in SL, the designers are so clever now that you can tell classy, expensive outfits just like in real life.

After the gig, Riel Radio played a great selection of music and I danced with Nikk and caught up with some news, it was a really good event and we will try to catch the other live gigs at Tribute Island in the future.

Well it was still quite early, so I went over to Murray after the gig and Treasure, Saab and Stef were there.   I was asking Treasure about her 'furniture making' and she rezzed a settee and a chair for us to see.  She is making some really nice stuff now.  I sat in the middle with Saab and Stef on either side and then Drax joined us. 

We had the regular flow of newbies or alts, some of which make out they are newbies, so Murray was having a normal evening.  We chatted until the inevitable happened, one of the 'rent-an-alts' started griefing.  The alt had started to IM me with newbie type questions just like before, so I knew what to expect, as he had singled me out from the others as usual, what is this fascination with me, lol, it must be love!!  Then the alt trotted off and the tired old boring wooden blocks filled the area, a bit like kids building blocks, suppose the griefer got the idea from the blocks his real life Mum got him for his birthday!

Drax, being my hero, did IM the alt to try to reason with him, but alas, it's like talking to one of the blocks, only the blocks have better communication skills.  At the end of the day the people who are being paid to grief Murray are too thick to work out why they are being paid, because they are the ones risking being banned for life, the people doing the paying would not part with money if they could get away with doing the griefing themselves, because they know, with their track record, they will be banned for life (again! and this time not be able to come back as an alt), so let the stupid ones take the risks for them for a few lindens.  The whole thing makes me giggle I'm afraid, it's not something you can take remotely seriously and its quite good bantering with them, gives me a laugh anyway.  It's only a matter of time before one of the paid griefers spills the beans on who is paying them to the Lindens, when they think they have been unfairly banned, so it's quite an interesting thing to witness.

El otro día volví a ver esta gran película y hoy me animo a poner el post aquí.

La película trata sobre dos personas que no encajan en la socidedad Japonesa y sus complicados protocolos.

El escenario principal es el Hyatt Park Hotel de Tokyo. Sin duda uno de los más lujosos de la ciudad y del país.

Este largometraje protagonizado por Bill Murray y Scarlett Johansson ha recibido numerosos premios y nominaciones.

- Justin from Brooklyn

A: First, I would like to thank me for bringing such a burning pop culture question to the forefront. The truth ,as you expected Justin, is simply litigious, but not how you may think.

In the l975, the Filmmation Company (the people who brought you He-Man) were still in the live action business. They came to CBS with an idea about a group of paranormal investigators led by F-Troop’s Larry Storch and a man in a Gorilla costume. Unfortunately for the world, Ghost Busters (notice the separation of words) lasted 15 episodes and faded into oblivion.

In 1983, Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis began writing a sci-fi comic vehicle for Jon Belushi and Eddie Murphy. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the great pop culture nugget spelunkers IMDB and Youtube, like we do here in the future. They had to rely on someone within their immediate calling circle to remember that Storch’s small screen shit pile actually existed.

When Ghostbusters (nouns together) became an uberhit in 1985, Filmmation did the American thing and sued. Unfortunately, all Filmmation got was Columbia to get to stop using just the name Ghostbusters without their permission. Of course, Columbia got clever and added the word Real to their version, subbed Lorenzo Music for Bill Murray and Filmmation countered with monkies and a bad guy who is a little too close to Skeletor. And the rest is crappy animation history.

But just to prove that you're not missing anything. Here's some spelunking from Youtube...

Murray, 41, becomes the ninth head coach in Providence history after serving as the team’s assistant for the past five seasons,during which time the P-Bruins compiled a 221-141-20-27 (W-L-T-OT/SOL) record. His promotion comes nearly five years to the day from when he was named an assistant on Aug. 22, 2003.

A native of Toronto, Ont., Murray has been coaching since retiring at the end of the 2002-03 season after a 16-year playing career. Regarded as one of the true greats in the history of the AHL, Murray and longtime Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore are the only two men to have had their numbers retired by teams in Springfield. Murray’s number 23 was raised to the rafters by the Falcons in a pre-game ceremony in Springfield on Feb. 10, 2007.

Among Murray’s accomplishments, he became just the sixth player in AHL history to play 1,000 games on Feb. 23, 2003. He retired ranking sixth in the league with 1,018 games played. Murray also ranks second in AHL history with 2,940 PIM.

He is the Falcons' career leader in games played (501) and penalty minutes (1,529), and ranks first in assists (157), second in points (218) and fifth in goals (61).

Murray was known throughout his career as a leader, serving as the captain of four different clubs, beginning with the Moncton Hawks for two seasons from 1992-94. He was the Falcons’ captain from the 1994-95 season until his trade to the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 30, 1999. He became the captain of the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, for the remainder of that season. He also served as the Philadelphia Phantoms’ captain in 2000-01 and then again for the Falcons during the 2002-03 season. Murray also served as captain of the Canadian team at the 1997 AHL All-Star Classic in Saint John, N.B.

Murray reached the 1994 Calder Cup Finals with Moncton and becomes the third member of that team to hold a current AHL head coaching post, joining Hartford's Ken Gernander and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's Dan Bylsma.

In addition to his lengthy AHL tenure, Murray skated in 107 career NHL contests with the Phoenix Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets, and Washington Capitals. Overall, Murray appeared in 1,205 games as a pro, registering 177 goals, 348 assists, 525 points and 3,190 penalty minutes.

Murray and his wife Carolyn reside year-round in South Kingstown, R.I., with their daughters Taylor and Quinn, and sons Zachary and Brendan.

Rivermen’s Payne promoted to head coach
Boston buyout long-time Bruin Murray

Nadal heads seedings for US Open

Nadal has won two Grand Slams this year

Rafael Nadal will be the top seed at a Grand Slam for the first time in his career at next week's US Open following his elevation to world number one.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic follow him, with Scot Andy Murray seeded sixth. Ex-world number one Lleyton Hewitt has pulled out with injury.

Ana Ivanovic is women's top seed, with Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Serena Williams next.

The singles draws for the tournament will be announced on Thursday.

Nadal officially became the new world number one on Monday, ending Federer's record reign of 237 successive weeks.

Federer was the top seed at the last 18 majors.

Murray will be looking to overcome his disappointing early exit from the Beijing Olympics and rediscover the form that took him to success at the Cincinnati Masters.

The British number one's best effort in New York was in 2006 when he reached the fourth round.

Hewitt will miss the rest of the season after having arthroscopic surgery on a long-term hip problem.

"Surgery was always the last resort, but unfortunately that's what it came down to," the 27-year-old Australian said.

"I am also shattered that I can't lead the Australian Davis Cup team in Chile (in Santiago from 19-21 September) in our bid to rejoin the world group, and hope that the boys can still come through with a great win.

"I am looking forward to playing again in January in my home country, and using that as a springboard to compete at my best again on the world stage for at least a couple of more years."

The most notable absence on the women's side is world number six and 2006 champion Maria Sharapova, who announced earlier this month that she is missing the event to recover from a shoulder injury.

ckground story, or if you just want to catch up before Season 6 starts in the fall.

An excerpt from Amazon:

"Goodbye Tree Hill High. Graduation nears. And with its approach comes the realization that for students and parents alike life is changing forever. There are new loves to nurture old scores still to settle. The longtime triangle of Lucas Peyton and Brooke finally comes down to two. The memory of Keith - or is it his spirit? - inspires Lucas and Nathan and haunts Dan. Peyton is terrorized by a stalker. Two expectant mothers are about to raise Tree Hill's population stats. Lucas begins to wonder what really happened the terrifying day Keith died. And the Ravens - led by Coach Whitey Durham - have one last chance for hoops glory and the state championship. Live for now. Make way for what's to come. Hello future..."

Highlights of the season include Lucas and Peyton finally getting together! (we all breathed a sigh of relief).

The characters are all finally getting ready to leave high school for the real world having all grown as people.
Dvd includes Commentaries, Featurettes and all the episodes.

Can this show get any better? Of course and it does in Season 5.e Hill Season 5 Dvd. Jump on Amazon and have yours in the mail today.

Grab all the seasons 1 - 5 on dvd.

Well it turned out to be a really good night and Bubba who took Elvis off was really good, the audience were all up on their feet dancing and me and Hib decided to join them.

Great night again Nikk, it's certainly a good idea to have live tribute shows, it's an amazing atmosphere, just like being at a real life gig.  The picture below is of Nazna in Murray, no other reason to add this except that she looked really cute, awwww!

Changing the subject, I headed over to Murray last night and there was a group of people sitting and chatting in some comfortable armchairs rezzed by Cher (who had a really nice sleek new hairdo).  Well I joined Treasure, Cher, Roach, Ruskin and a few others and we sat putting the world to rights.  For some reason Cher rezzed a lamp and put it on Roach's head, perhaps he lights up Cher's life, hehe, trouble is if it had been a highwayman's hat (which the base was shaped like)  it would have suited Roach who had his lady av outfit on.   As usual an alternative avatar griefer arrived and he dropped some little weapon things that made screaming noises all around us. Shame really that the griefers waste so much time watching Murray and taking so much trouble trying to upset people there, you have to feel sorry for such lonely people really, they would probably like to be loved by everyone, if only they knew how, perhaps they would like to talk things through one day, see if they can sort themselves out.  Can you imagine it if they continue through life like this, 80 year old griefers throwing their walking frames at people!  All we did was switch off the sound and carry on, as we hadn't been using voice it really didn't matter at all.  Well I said goodbye to Treasure, Ruskin, Cher and Roach and headed off for the night, it's always nice having a get together in Murray.

The premier said he was very concerned about allegations raised in the national media about illegal diversions of Murray-Darling water in other states.

"While I'm not going to comment about those specific allegations, it's my view that anyone who is illegally involved in diverting water in the Murray-Darling system during this crisis is engaging in an act of terrorism against the people of Australia," Mr Rann said. (news)

Let me now digress from my writings to look up the word "drought" on the acclaimed internet resource Dictionary.com

dought [drout]

1. a long period of abnormally low rainfall, especially one that adversely affects living conditions

Oh really? You would think that with all our swimming pools, front lawns, mammoth gardens and hour-long showers that we were living permanently in the middle of the monsoon season. Unfortunately, the truth must be told: Australia is, in reality, a pretty dry place.

For those who cannot understand the big large words (such as abnormally: 4 syllables!), the word "drought" simply means that there is NO WATER. Yes that's right, that strange clear liquidly stuff that comes out of taps does not appear because of magic (I can see you crying now). It is, in fact, running out and when it's gone, you're going to die.

Of course something as critical and urgent as water will without a doubt be practically completely ignored by politicians. Sure, they talk about and show off their grand scheme to save the Murray but when it comes down to crunch time, we'll all be down here fighting over that last cup of fresh water (which is actually just a liquefied form of the excess ego politicians excrete every week or so)

But let us not blame the politicians; they're obviously doing the best job they can. Let's have a look at the people eating up water like a sponge (a very large and yellow sponge). There's your neighbour with that garden that takes 2 Olympic sized swimming pools to water (yours, of course, would be just as good except you are a good water-conserving citizen), that guy down the street who washes his car with a hose every Sunday morning, your sister whose showers take an eternity to end and those large cities to the North who think that Adelaide is a backwater not worthy of some H20.

Or it could be those large farms that seem to need three times as much water as an entire city does. Such a smart decision it was to grow cotton, rice and grapes in the world's second driest continent: when we're all shrivelling up like prunes in the sun, at least we'll have those cotton underpants to wear.

However, even with all this throwing of the blame, one fact remains: if we do not fix this problem fast, we're stuffed.

And so, as we sit on the shower floor during our hour long deluge, slowly draining the Murray, we remember this one thing:

It's always the other guys fault.

Murray returns to the Monarchs following one year in Switzerland with HC Lugano. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound native of Deloraine, Man., wore the Monarchs jersey for 34 games during the 2006-07 season and collected 40 points (12 goals, 28 assists) and 24 penalty minutes. Murray had begun the 2006-07 season with the Philadelphia Phantoms, recording 15 points (2g, 13a) in 11 games, before being claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Kings.

The 33-year-old Murray has 31 goals and 42 assists for 73 points in 261 career NHL regular-season games with the Kings, Philadelphia, Carolina and Calgary. He also has appeared in 270 AHL games with Manchester, Philadelphia and Saint John, compiling 92 goals and 196 assists for 288 points. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Murray has totaled 65 points in 75 games, winning a championship with the Flames in 2001, reaching the Finals in 1998 and advancing to the conference finals in 1996 and 2007.

Originally drafted by Calgary in 1993, Murray played in the AHL All-Star Game in 1996 and 1997.

Werner, 25, appeared in a total of 74 games with the Monarchs during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, collecting five goals and 31 assists for 36 points. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound native of Gross Pointe Woods, Mich., split last season with Ilves Tampere in Finland and the DEG Metro Stars in Germany.

Werner spent four seasons (2001-05) at the University of Michigan before turning pro.

Flames trade for Flyers Kyle Greentree
Kings, Flyers make a swap
Flyers acquire Ramholt, send Greentree to Flames

We all went in for a look round, and the place is totally Gothic to suit Kas's own style.  He played the organ which added to the slightly sinister atmosphere to the stony halls.

Kas even has a dungeon in the basement and we all went down there, don't know how he did it, but Roach (dressed as a girl av) got locked in the cell, he looked quite sorry for himself but managed to escape shortly after.  The seating area upstairs is very lush with a large open fire to take the chill away.  Kas also has a new pet, he's got a sweet little bat who, not only follows Kas around, but also speaks to them, although he is a bit cheeky with his answers, typical bat!! little bit fruity!

Quite a bit later that evening I met up with Drax and we thought we would have a ride round Murray with the horses.  It was strangely deserted and as it was a beautiful evening we couldn't make out why.  We were soon joined by some of our friends though and stood chatting.  Someone rezzed a rubber dinghy and Maya sat on board as they discussed scripting and stuff.

It had been a good day for me travelling around and I'd even managed to do a bit of writing for Virtually London (Lite), so that was quite good.  As we stood talking at the end though, I realised why the sim had been empty when we arrived, it seems like people have started griefing again, still suppose it adds a bit of colour, gave me a good chance to get a picture of thier pretty little particle cloud.  Wonder if the pictures on the objects is the real life picture of the av who sent it over, could be, bet he does look all goggle eyed and daft.

Whenever I feel a bit of jealousy coming on, I remember what a co-worker once told me. "I am always happy for people when they have great fortune, even if nothing good seems to be happening in my life at the moment. Because I know one day when it's 'my turn', that person will be happy for me."

I think that's a pretty good philosophy to live by. And it helps me be less of a jealous person.

So lately, while not really feeling jealous (because I am genuinely HAPPY for these people and I wish them the very best), I've been feeling a little down when I talk to engaged couples or read blogs where people talk about their upcoming weddings, recent engagements, or even just their awesome relationships.

Because I couldn't be farther from any of those things.

I do enjoy being single and having my independence. But it can get lonely. I see myself fitting the cliche -- sitting on my couch with a frozen dinner while watching 90210 with my cat (NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT) -- and my "girl instinct" tells me, "Wow, LRC. You really are pathetic."

Because when Murray was around, I relished my alone time. I would do whatever I wanted when he wasn't there, and it was glorious. Because when he was there, we had to always agree on what we were doing. Which, at the time, seemed suffocating.

But now, I don't even have that option.

I don't have the OPTION, let alone the obligation, of coming home to anyone. Because I'm all alone.

I don't know what happened to my independence. I used to be the standoffish one. The one who pushed people away when they got too close. Now I'm reduced to the "Why hasn't he called? Am I ever going to have sex again? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?" blubbering idiot woman I never thought I'd be.

And during the commercials between the episode when Donna finds out Gina is actually her half-sister, when those happy couples come on TV talking about how they've found true love on eHarmony.com, I'm tempted to hurl my blackened chicken primavera Lean Cuisine at the TV and scream, "NOT FAIR!"

But one day, it will be my turn. I will find the person I want to come home to every night, and wake up beside every morning. The person who makes living life immensely more satisfying. And the people who care about me will be happy for me.

But maybe not those people on the eHarmony commercials. They may still be bitter about the alfredo sauce.

So, in other news, the Dollar General Store here in Marion, KY has started to move into its new building across town. And let me tell you, it is so much nicer than the old store! Tons of space, room to move around, store things, and the stock room is now level with the floor! No more pushing heavy carts up ramps to the show floor! No more being in the way of customers when trying to stock stuff! It is going to be great for those who will be working there. Unfortunately, I will be leaving for Murray State University the day after the store opens, but I'm glad that I got to help build the new store. It has been a great experience, and a lot of hard work!

Speaking of MSU. I will be leaving soon for Murray. (I get to move in early thanks to Racer Band!) I'm kinda scared and excited at the same time. I'm afraid of kinda being alone, (sorta) and having to take care of myself. I know that there are a lot of things that I do not know yet, but I guess I shall learn them. I am really going to miss my Mom, and my dog Max. On the other hand though, I know this is going to be a wonderful experience and I will learn a lot. And I know that my family and friends are proud of me, and that helps give me the drive I am going to need to be successful.

In December of '06, I acted on that desire by visiting Scotland for two weeks. My best friend Erin went over with me, and we had a wonderful time. I fell in love with the country of Scotland, and was loath to leave when the two weeks were over. At the time, I wondered why I couldn't simply move there, and carve out a place for myself among my friends who had become like family. I went home in tears, wondering when I would next see my friends.

Shortly after I returned home, a friend of mine over there named Colin introduced me to another friend of his using MSN instant messenger. This friend's name was Murray. Murray and I struck up an immediate friendship, talking for hours nearly everyday. I encouraged honesty between us and we became very close just through typing and sharing our lives. This went on for a year and a half. Sometime in that year and a half, I lost control of my heart (not unusual for me), and began to like Murray as more than a friend. It took him longer to come to feel the same for me, a wise thing on his behalf I believe. When my church finalized the details of our own mission trip to Scotland, Murray and I agreed to meet up with each other and have a "date" of sorts.

I arrived in Scotland on June 9th of this year feeling excited, nervous, and full of butterflies. I finally got up the courage to call Murray that day and we arranged a time and day to meet. I'd seen pictures of him, but I will always remember that first time I saw him in person. He was walking toward me in a hoodie with dinosaur teeth and eyes (no, I'm not lying). When he saw me, he grinned self-consciously and walked over to us (Erin was with me). I felt a leap of happiness and nerves when I met his eyes. We spent that afternoon walking around the East Kilbride mall, talking and dealing with Close Encounters of the Georgia Kind. Murray dealt with the interest and teasing from my fellow church members well.

I won't tell the details of those two weeks here, they are too private, and would take too long. By the end of those two perfect weeks, I had a boyfriend who had spoken those cherished words, "I love you." I'm pretty sure I was able to say them back, I may have been overcome by shock. Here I was 29, and thinking I'd never hear those words. But I did hear them, and I still do. Leaving Murray was the hardest thing I have ever done. We were both crying, and if Erin hadn't been there to lead me away, I don't think I would have left him.

Almost two months later, I am in the midst of planning to get a work visa and spend six months or so over in Scotland. I know that's a very big step, but I am anxious to get back to my friends, experience life away from home, take my life into my own hands, have a change of scenery, and, of course, get back to Murray. Getting a visa is not proving an easy process, the websites are confusing, and the process does not appear to be straightforward at all. The stubbornness in me will not allow my frustrations to keep me from my goal. I regret to say that Murray has taking the brunt of my frustration and annoyance with this process that he has no control over. He has been amazingly patient with me, encouraging me to keep working at it, and providing me with a steadiness that has kept my balance. He is most definitely an acceptable change.

All these words that I have written above boil down to this: I love you Murray, with every piece of my heart.

It was marvellous, apart from idiot Easyjet passengers who push, who really can only be described as cunts. WHY does everyone push? WHY? Particularly people travelling alone and therefore should not care where they sit or who they sit with. It makes no sense. Sigh.

Marvellous - and quite hot.

We stayed in an excellent hotel where the breakfast involved selecting one's tea from an elegant wooden case, which would be presented Every Single Day by a charmingly camp host. Every day the English Breakfast (how illicit I am, having a morning cuppa whilst pregnant - oh yes, still pregnant by the way) would be in a slightly different location in the (velvet-lined) case and I would gleefully search it out. I am waiting for Bill to perfect this art form, as hiding one PG Tips in my sewing case is not QUITE THE SAME. Pah. A gay hotelier, he will never make.

Now je suis back in the south of England, which is more than a little bit merde because I can't actually be bothered to keep going to work every bloody day for another 10 weeks. And 2 days. But, oh well. 10 weeks and 2 days and then I will have a nice rest.

By "rest", I mean, labour & birth* and then caring for a small infant who will exhaust me. Hurrah. So, yes, been away from my blog (and your blog, for I have a million-and-one entries on my Google Reader) in France. And before that I was away from my blog too - I was v. busy indeed what with going to "work" reviewing a hotel-spa, prodding my belly to make it move, and practicing my parenting skills by toilet-training the cat:

He has come a long way since this photo was taken. NOW there is a hole in the middle of that litter tray and he (sometimes) successfully poos INTO the hole. So we just flush it away. I hope you are proud of Murray and his toilet related achievements.

This bodes well for November, oui?

*12 weeks. 2 days. Perhaps, if someone shows up on time which someone won't because they never ever do and I will probably be sitting here at Christmas the size of a small rowing boat waiting and wondering why I left work as early as 38 weeks preggers.

Courtesy BBC

Murray repeated his defeat of the Serb at last week's Toronto Masters, beating his fellow 21-year-old 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) in two hours and 23 minutes.

He needed six match points to seal victory after failing to serve out the match at the first attempt.

The win will see Murray ranked at a career high six in the world on Monday.

"It's huge because to win these tournaments is tough nowadays," said Murray afterwards.

"I've played five days in these conditions and had eight or nine matches in the last couple of weeks. But I've put in the physical work and it's paid off."

Djokovic enjoyed a fantastic win over world number one in waiting Rafael Nadal in the semis and went into the final with a 4-1 record against Murray.

I got very nervous and he was hitting the ball really big but I hung in well Andy Murray

But that solitary win for the Scot came only nine days ago and was evidence of the significant leap he has made in recent months.

It was the Briton who started the better and he cranked up the pressure in game five, forcing a break point, before earning another chance two games later.

The Serb held him off but as the set progressed it seemed a matter of when, rather than if, Murray would force the break, all the while holding his own serve with ease.

Despite not being taken past 30 on serve the Scot still required a tie-break but he remained ice cool, breaking immediately and consolidating with a huge ace.

A couple of wild Djokovic forehand errors saw Murray reach the changeover at 5-1 and he wrapped up a commanding set when the Serb sent a backhand long.

Murray finally let his level slip at 1-1 in the second set and, after two crunching forehand winners saw off the immediate danger, he went long with a backhand on the third break point to hand Djokovic the lead.

It did not last long.

The Australian Open champion double-faulted on the first point of the following game and immediately handed back the break, looking suitably disgusted with himself.

606: DEBATE It may not be long before the 'big three' of men's tennis becomes the 'big four' BBC Sport's Piers Newbery

Murray stepped up a gear in game eight, moving to break point with a forehand winner and taking it when Djokovic netted a smash after some breathtaking scrambling from the Scot.

But with the title in his sights, Murray played his first edgy game of the day, throwing in two double-faults and missing four match points before Djokovic broke back.

It could have been a shattering blow for the Briton but he held on as the confidence flowed through Djokovic and managed to force a second tie-break.

Murray led 4-2 at the changeover after Djokovic double-faulted but was pegged back to 4-4, at which point the Scot won an epic rally with a fizzing backhand winner.

He finally earned a fifth match point with following another Djokovic double-fault but failed to make a return.

The sixth chance to seal victory came on his own serve and, finally, Murray secured a landmark win with a thumping volley.

"I got very nervous and he was hitting the ball really big but I hung in well," said Murray.

"It was tough for both of us and there were a lot of long rallies. Your legs really burn out there and they were some of the hardest conditions of the year.

"But I stayed calm throughout and didn't waste any energy - especially when I went behind in a couple of matches.

"In the past maybe I'd have let that get to me but now I'm playing top players on a regular basis and I'm better equipped."

The Scot now heads to Beijing to represent Great Britain in the Olympic Games before moving on to the US Open.

Holy crap. I got the most freaking insane creepy WTF text.

--BACKSTORY--

A month or so ago, I was out with Adam. This random guy started flirting with me (despite the fact that I was, you know, WITH SOMEONE), and it turns I went on a blind date with his brother in high school that was the worst date I have ever been on. So the guy (let's call him WEIRDO) knows who I am (and incidentally, Weirdo's brother Facebook messaged me a week or so after this incident asking me on a date. Um, seeing as how the first and only date we went on did not go swimmingly, I THINK I'LL PASS). Weirdo is drunk and tells me creepy things like, "I want you to run your fingers through my hair" (PLEASE EXCUSE ME WHILE I GAG) and other random bullshit.

So anyway, he asks for my number (again, despite the fact that I am WITH SOMEONE), and I, being the sweet person that I am, give him my number ONLY so I will not humiliate him in front of his friends and everyone else in the vicinity. I knew I couldn't give him a fake because I could tell this was the type of guy that was going to call me right when I gave him the number to make sure it was NOT a fake.

--END BACKSTORY--

So the other night I am out at the same bar where the aforementioned incident occurred. Weirdo was there, and spoke to me briefly, drunk as a skunk, and I did my best to be polite and then be on my merry way. Our encounter never even crossed my mind again until I got this weird ass text.

Hey [LRC] im sorry i was calln ya heather lastnight, u still look like marla tho. Anyway i like you, not because of how you look. Its because of the vib3 i get from u, like u kno stuff i don't kno that possibly could b something that i dig, but im not sure because ure kinda intimidating. I would like 2 talk 2 u more so i wont feel that way. One of my friends totaled his truck last night & bout died, this morning i realized alot of shit like i walk around life w/o care, but ure realy not even promised 2morrow; right. So look i kno its quite possible u find me obnoxious (Editor's Note: YES), but if u wanna talk 2 me more u might find me 2 be a desent guy if not then i apologize 4 even bothering u & liking u, but i will always like u & ure vibe & b4 i forget i think u are super cute & super beautiful & uber sexy!xoxo!
Sincerely (Editor's Note: WTF? Sincerely? Are we writing inter-office memos here?) [Weirdo]

First of all, I did not even know it was possible to send a text that FREAKING LONG.

Along with the fact that I can barely comprehend the third sentence, this text is just all kinds of wrong. Before you go judging me as some cold-hearted man-hammering bitch, just take this into consideration: this is a very excessive, detailed, heart-pouring text coming from someone I DO NOT EVEN KNOW. Whatever happened to keeping it short and sweet? Do you think writing a book to me is going to get you anywhere? No. It is not.

I saved his number under my contacts. With the name DO NOT ANSWER.

If this guy were even my type (read: NOT CRAZY), I would not date him because his brother was an absolute jerk-off to me when we went on our blind date in high school when I did not immediately profess my love for him and my desire to have his babies after our dinky ass date that involved an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. How much of an ass do you think he would be to me after he found out I was dating his brother?

Yeah, not too good.

IN OTHER LRC-RELATED NEWS.

BrownEyes is back in town this weekend. He had his job interview, and they offered him the position. So the chances of him moving back here are very, very good. We went out last night, to a restaurant/bar where a local band was playing (both BrownEyes and I are friends with all members of the band so I always try to support them. Remember, I live in a small town). OF COURSE, Murray was there. Drunk. Had been drinking for twelve hours straight. So NATURALLY he came up to me and gave me a big, inappropriate-for-two-exes-to-be-hugging-like-this-especially-in-front-of-people hug. Right in front of BrownEyes.

I think BrownEyes was none too thrilled about this.

Anyhoodle, the rest of the night was great. BrownEyes and I are connecting very well, but he can be sometimes hard to read. He is a VERY outgoing, fun-loving type person (opposite of Murray!!!) and I can't tell if sometimes he's just being his nice, funny self or if he really IS as into me as he lets on. He has made a few joking comments about how I don't like him (but not in as many words), so I guess I'll have to keep him reassured. Coming off the whole Adam situation, I'm apprehensive to put myself completely out there, but I don't want him to think that I'm not into him. Because whoa baby. I AM INDEED, into him. I'm just not putting my heart on my sleeve like I was before.

I'll keep you posted. Back to the grind tomorrow. Ugh.