When you're constantly lurking in the woods, ready to ambush the next woman in a muslin dress.

Your walk is more a scurrying, with askance looks for askew windows.

You're becoming a "computato" (tekkie version of a couch potato) whose laundry piles up, meals from cans or freezer increase, and conversations with family dwindle in favor of your "preferred" keyboarded chats at all hours. (This happens sometimes, so then I back off and promise my family I won't go near the keyboard for, oh, half a day or more. Then I just compensate by eating more chocolate. Sad, really sad.) And my poor spouse, who got hooked on the Net a year ago, just looks hurt but sympathetic when I carefully approach him at the end of self-imposed withdrwal period and inform him he has to let me use the computer again. Does this hit home, anyone? I'm actually sitting here laughing myself to tears telling you all this. "A breakthrough," in group therapy terms, I think. Now I'll just go visit each thread here one more time, then go back to Alicia's site,!@#$%&*! Thank god my daughter just told me she has a science project to do today; that'll keep me away awhile %-}

Yes, Cecily, all you say about our sickness is true, too true for me too. What shall we do?

Oh Cecily, I'm right here with you, baby! My housekeeping, which has always been feeble at best has become practically nonexistant! My family complain of never seeing me, my friends tell me they can never reach me (I have not yet installed a second phone line!). I may have gone beyond the obsession stage- what lies beyond- compulsion? In my sickness, I have even wondered to myself if I will be able to get to the computer on Thanksgiving and if I do, will anyone else be in the chat room? This morning am getting ready for church and found that I have an extra 15 minutes before I have to leave- so here I am! On the up side- my typing skills have vastly improved!

OK, my daughter and hubby just walked out the door; I went to church since the last message here where, I'm sorry to say, the sermon was about "Is Christ the King the center of YOUR life?" I actually shuddered on that one, rationalizing that yes He is (but then so is Darcy at the odd moment so...); I came home and consoled myself with a cognac-flavored chocolate. I dutifully did some delayed paperwork and started sorting the laundry while creating the only real dinner menu of the week- baked chicken, th works. So...I just had to take a quick peek at what ya'll are up to! Glad to know I'm not the only fizzling supermom and that we're all terribly sympathetic with one another here in Cyberley with the immortal Mr. D. (I think we all need clones to help us do it all) :-)

OK -- Here's another. Have you ever called in work sick, just so you can be alone to watch your tapes again?

Candace, I haven't, but I have seriously considered it in times (calling sick so I can indulge myself with p&p2 related stuff) and managed to fight it off partly to prove to myself that I'm not completely insane. Zimei

Ladies, we are far, far gone indeed!

My husband works in the evening, so everything I do as soon as he's gone is watching and watching the tapes. But these last two weeks I've started to push tables and chairs aside and then I try to dance the dances (esp. B's Maggot) along! Thursday I was all sweat and excitement. My husband asked (anxiously): "What have you been doing?" and I didn't dare to confess the truth!

Saskia, that is too funny. But pray tell us, do you imagine you are Lizzy, donning her posture and expressions as well as her movements?

Well, I try to, Amy. But I fear my posture/expressions and especially movements more to be... like Mr. Collins's! I wish I had someone to practice with...

saskia, you made me ROFLOL ! Zimei

This reflects more of a P&P obsession than specifically P&P2, but when my friend recently told me that she and her fiance hd blown their budget on a new lounge suite my immediate reaction was "What a lovely picture of domestic felicity you preent" And I didn't even realise I'd said something strange until I noticed the shocked silence on the other end of the line! Saman

This is a phenomenon known as "Austenspeak." It is a condition which is running rampant within these confines. I know that in myself, I have taken to saying that I am "vexed" instead of annoyed, I greet people by asking if thier family is in good health, I find situations "insupportable," sarcastic people are likely to hear "Oh! Abominable reply!" from me, I find that I am "excessively attentive to all these things," good news is greeted with "happy thought indeed!" and leave friends with the "hope that we shall meet again soon." I have found no cure for this condition, nor have I sought one. It would be insupportable!

Not only I have been "Austenspeaking", I've also been infactuated with Britissh accent. When I drive alone, I often mumbling after my P&P2 tapes or the BBC news I get from my local public radio station. A sure way to drive my husband nuts is to follow him around with my still shaky "brit-speaking" :) Zimei

Not only I have been "Austenspeaking", I've also been infactuated with Britissh accent. When I drive alone, I often mumble after my P&P2 tapes or the BBC news I get from my local public radio station. A sure way to drive my husband nuts is to follow him around with my still shaky "brit-speaking" :) Zimei

Zimei, after 35 years in the U.S. I not only drive my husband nuts but also my friends - especially when I miss a shot in tennis and come out with "Oh bother" they all double up laughing. Of course, I also use stronger language which means nothing here, like "bloody" - a very useful cuss word!

Today I told one of the Partner's in the firm that I work for that I wouldn't be available on a certain date for a meeting because I was planning to be in "Town" (San Francisco). He looked at me so puzzled and said "Town"?

(This is sounds even more off the wall to her colleague if you are aware that throughout the SF Bay area, SF is referred to as "The City" - in the same way JA's characters referred to London as "Town".)

Saskia or any one else, if I was pretending , I can think of something more pleasant to do with Darcy than dancing. How about the rest of you?

Umm. I can't think what you mean.

You get irritated when A&E broadcasts a hour of P&P - no comercial breaks - scenes you haven't seen before - and do not broadcast the closed caption signal. Because sometimes you like to read along as the actors deliver their lines!!

What do you mean, Kim, would you like to go to the Zoo with Darcy maybe? I dare not think further than dancing with him at the moment. Imagine you're married to him... what would you do? Imagine the two of you sitting in the drawing room at Pemberley by the fire place. What would you talk about? Would you snuggle close to him or keep a *decent* distance because of the servants? What would you tease him with? I fear I would only be able to stare at him in complete bewilderment, unable to speak, eat or brea he (esp. if he would "look" at me over the white soup!). Sometimes I think, and I know it's terrible to utter such a thought, but I wondered if I was the only one thinking this, sometimes I think I'd rather marry Bingley. I can perfectly imagine a happy, peaceful life with him. I can even imagine going to the Zoo with him! Meanwhile I'm perfectly happy to dance with Darcy. Once I do this without hesitation ("Other way, Mr. Collins!" still suits me, I'm afraid), I will think further of things to do with Darcy. And I'll try to get rid of my obsession about platonic passions by then.

I think Darcy would be fun to take to the zoo, even if only because he'd pretend to hate it! ;) - K

Another sign of addiction: When asked to babysit: "I'm in no humor to give consequence to children slighted by their own parents".

Tay, I love your sign of addiction, but I'm glad no potential babysitter every gave me that for an excuse. Parents do need an occasional night out!

You are too good, the lot of you, but there it is; I wonder at your knowing so many signs of addiction. But I do not think they are all out yet, so I chuse to relate another... Firthive Movements and Ehlish Responthes: 1) Someone approaches you outdoors in a deplorably muddy attire, enquiring if you will be so good as to show the way to _____; you merely beckon with a synchronized shrug/neck twist and mutely mirthful eye/lip as you gesture restrainedly in the proper direction; 2) or, you have the ill luck to overhear your future husband's arrogant comments about your not being handsome enough to tempt him, which simultaneously wounds your pride and makes you want to expl de with jeering ridicule at his antisocial hauteur, but all you do is rise and sidle coyly past him with a look of scarcely repressed hilarity twitching behind your silken smile- and then entirely irk him with archly convulsed laughter and glances his way from you and your best friend. Practice the Firthive and the Ehlish exercises 5 times per day in order to attain The Pemberley Effect.

Further signs of Addiction....... 1.You scream "Abominable! Hateful man!" at your husband when he recofigures the computer for the third time in as many weeks and loses all your bookmarks AGAIN. 2.You find that all the summer dresses you are making for yourself(yes, I know it's notthe right season) seem to be long, highwaisted floral prints with scooped necks and puffy sleeves, even though you didn't intend them to be. 3.Your second-best set of tapes is in it's own box, and the BEST on is kept in a locked cabinet labelled "Private" and the key is kept on a chain around your neck. 4.You sit through two hours of "Orgueil et Prejuges" trnslating to yourself, just to see if it's any different in French. Well?

Indeed, Caroline! I have one dress already (Indian muslin!) and though my hair is still short, I'm letting it grow now, because my husband, who does the make-up and the wigs (!) at the Brussels opera promised to spend an hour each morning to "do my hair" just like Lizzy's as soon as it's long enough! An other sign of addiction: - when a friend tells you: "gosh, you are really extremely fond of Pride & Prejudice, aren't you?" and you look at her in astonishment, because you don't remember to have talked about it, or maybe just a few words...

signs that you are addicted to P&P2 - the BB you've neither watched nor read JA for 3 weeks because you've spent all your free time (and much of your very expensive time) on the net.

Anna Couldn't agree with you more. I think I am becoming more addicted to you all than to JA

Saskia - the other day, when I entered my tennis club, a couple of friends were talking about books; one saw me and said "Oh, it's all right, we're not talking about P&P!" I didn't realize she knew anything about my addiction. And Anna, yes your're right. I spend so much time on the net and with all of you that I only watch parts of the tapes at bedtime - it's so nice to go to sleep with that last image floating in my head!

"Secondhand addiction" (like secondhand smoke inhalation) signs: you're a man who admires JA, especially P&P you agree that CF was a perfect Darcy, but JE also a great Elizabeth you enjoy reading the feminine viewpoint on all these BB threads P.S. you are amazed at the # of P&P addicts in the sciences (reminiscent of MDs who read mysteries)

You spend a fortune to redecorate your house in the Georgian/Regency style, which I am doing on a limited budget. You go and buy a ruby cross like the one Eliza wears You ask your daughter if you can read her P&P as her bedtime story, and yes I agree with you ladies that you want to wear the "dresses"

A REALLY serious sign of Addiction You add up allthe people that you have succeeded in converting to JA/P&P2/COLIN/ long,empire-line dresses,and the total comes to more than 10, and what's more you feel proud to have made the world just a little better!

There is a catalog called Past Times (Fine gifts & Accessories from Great Britian inspired from the past) They sell Regency gowns (for sleeping, not balls). They also have a JA Diary, and various other interesting things. There number is 1-800-621-6020. Happy shopping!

Edited from "Topic 21: Signs you are seriously addicted to P&P2" From Amy Bellinger (Amy) * Sat, Nov 23, 1996 (23:00) * 5 lines Here is a real one. My 12-year old said, "Mom, please, when you call me in from outside, don't say 'Make haste!' when I am with my friends." ======================================================================== From Zimei Sun (Zimei) * Sat, Nov 23, 1996 (23:38) * 10 lines Hey Amy that is REALLY cute, I will add that one in the list. I guess those tags I have in the text really screwed things up. I created this as an html file and just did a cut-and-paste when I posted here, aaaahhhh! next time I'll know. Zimei ========================================================================== From Amy Bellinger (Amy) * Sat, Nov 23, 1996 (23:51) * 8 lines ] those tags I have in the text really screwed things up. I created this as an html file and just did a cut-and-paste when I posted here, aaaahhhh! __________ Not so bad. If this is like our old board script, one return character in the message field window is interrepted as a [br], two returns as a [p] Amy =============================================== From Katy Kendall (kendall) * Sun, Nov 24, 1996 (20:49) * 1 lines My husband counted all my copies of JA's novels - a total of 34 at the time - and asked "okay, where did you hide the rest of them?" ===================================================== From Caroline (Carolineevans) * Fri, Nov 29, 1996 (16:27) * 1 lines Well, Where DID you hide them? ====================================================== From Caroline Evans (Carolineevans) * Fri, Nov 29, 1996 (16:37) * 5 lines Seriously,I found a thick paperback in my corner store the other day purporting to be the difinitive guide to Videos presently available in Canada. I immediately turned to the entry for P&P2 and read........... *****(out of 6) "Positively addictive.........You may find yourself watching all six hours straight through............." Alright, nothing we don't relate to.But what I really want to know, is WHICH OF US wrote the guide, dammit, and HOW MUCH MONEY DID YOU HAVE TO LAY OUT IN ORDER TO BRING THIS ABOUT? And how am I ever going to repay you? ==============================================================

In reply to the statement above regarding staying home from work to watch P&P2. I have been out of pocket for over a week and when I've tried to get on since, the response has been abominable. This is the first good response I've had since Wednesday. How about staying home from work to catch up on all of the posts that have been missed. (Sorely missed!) I can't believe the traffic since I've been gone. Alicia is sending the email posts so I can print them off and read offline.

Well, Pat, the good news is that here the posts don't expire every day or two! If we lose our ability to connect for some reason, we may have to catch up, but we will not have to miss out. :-)

Posts here live long and prosper.

I am still "all astonishment!" I can't believe how much A&E's production of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has influenced me; during my University years, I avoided Austen's work, judging it to be shallow, categorizing Pride and Prejudice as a typical Nineteenth Century romance novel. Indeed, the high-society setting and matrimonial subject matter are normally very big turn-offs for me, yet I must admit that I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice. It seems that Austen's work translates to the screen extremely well, enhancing at least my comp ehension of the larger themes she is trying to express-- something I just didn't obtain when I first read this piece in school. This newly acquired influence has led me to purchase a collection of Jane Austen's work (and discover this conference). The second reading confirmed my change of heart, from "all dreariness" to "all astonishment!" Regards, Trenton.

OK, here's a public confession for you - yesterday, I received two packages: 1) Shipment of A&E "official" P&P tapes 2) "Making of P&P" from Jane Austen Books. Help me somebody! Is there an Austen equivalent of methadone?!

BRAVO!!! How delightful Amy2. Happy reading, and viewing. I don't want relief. Keep me addicted.

Amy2 The making of P&P2 is a wonderful source of delight *and* to deepened insight in the film process. As I suppose you'll have daily proof now you can alternativelly read and watch and pause and rewind.. *If* you really want my medical advice, back on the old board we had the drug priprejudin, though I must admit it does not really cure you. It just helps to ease the symptoms.. Ann2(Yes, that is my name here)

Amy2 - Please tell us if the official tapoes are worth the price. I want them. What did you end up paying (if you don't mind myu asking)? Katy

What are the A&E official tapes?

They are the uncut version of P&P2 that can be bought in most Video stores and ordered directly from A&E http://www.aetv.com/indrx.html

It's a 6 video cassettes set of each close to 1 hour episode. Here is the link to A&E store with all details and photo of the set (with CF and JE) : http://www.aetv.com/store/viddocs/AAE15407.html It is also available in a 2 cassettes version, but not know where.

They are the uncut version of P&P2 that can be bought in most Video stores and ordered directly from A&E http://www.aetv.com/indrx.html

Donna, take about symmetry.

I don not know how that happen. Thanks Johanne Oh should we keep going.Ha

But if you can find them at a video store (or some have found it at Price-Costco), it will cost you less!

New Austen-speak addiction alert: During a children's choir rehearsal this afternoon, a boy let out an enormous belch (on purpose, of course, the little dear!) I said to him "What ungentleman-like behaviour!" The completely blank look was something to behold, but he was quiet.

I just saw them at Price-Costco this week for $59.95. Unfortunately I had already bught mine from A&E for 99.95+. If anyone is desperate I could pick up a set and mail it. Carol

I found the A&E pictures of the uncut tapes somewhat amusing--three large pictures of Colin Firth and an itty-bitty sideways picture of the lead, Jennifer Ehle.

When aired on A&E, at the commercial breaks several times they said "P&P, starring Colin Firth", but not once did the mention Ehle!

Interesting, the tangents topic threads veer toward!

So...what's your point...?

" but not once did the mention Ehle!" Yes, they did. Once. And pronounced it like the fish - eel.

It's all rather transparent, isn't it? Jennifer Ehle must think were a borish lot, but then if I've read her history correctly, she probably understands.

] Jennifer Ehle must think were a borish lot, but then if I've read her history correctly, she probably understands. __ I bet if any of the crew or cast know about us, they are flattered. I think we (usually) conduct ourselves with dignity. Amy

" I think we (usually) conduct ourselves with dignity. " Would that include the infamous "daggy thread" and the line of supplemental electrical appliances and leather goods? ;-)

May I venture to discuss the topic of this thread? Would getting my signifcant other a pinky ring like Darcy's, do you think, be considered a sign of addiction? He'd never know....

Mich, only if you could somehow teach him to twist and fiddle with it!

I missed the supplemental electrical appliances and leather goods discussion. Was that under "Solving disorientation in the Netherfield drawing room or "Roger's pictures from Lyme"?

You ask your husband to grow sideburns. You complement the bank teller (young)on his sideburns and ask if he got this fashion idea from P. & P.. You ask everybody you meet this Christmas season if they've ever watched P. & P. for lack of knowing what else to talk about, and not really wanting to talk about anything else. Nicole

Re22:67 That last one, Nicole, is Oh, so true!And not just at Christmas!

You irrationally half-expect to see Colin show up any day in your hometown, doing a new movie that has him again in regency clothes and darcydark locks AND you hope he'll be in a girlfriendless phase when he does AND...

"You irrationally half-expect to see...." Irratioanl? Say it is not so!Obsessional, I agree.Well, they make movies all over the place, these days.

If Colin does this "Seven little Australians" film, I suppose us Aussie austenites will have a chance to see him in britches and ruffled shirts, in the FLESH (if we try hard). Ah, happy thought indeed. By the way, I just got home from a clothes shopping expedition (not a happy thought, after too many hours on the Spring - I've not been taking enough walks ...)and have come home with two frocks I now realise are straight out of P&P ... entirely unaware of this bias while purchasing them. Oh dear.

Belinda, pray tell; where did you get them? Most of my shopping expeditions this summer have revealed nothing more inspiring than tangerine lycra, a very unhappy thougt indeed!

Another sign: you feel as the most sad, pathetic person anyone could ever imagine when you dicover to your great horror that your mother, by mistakew, recorded a silly tv show for your little brother (and I mean silly) on the holy tape of your P&P2!!!!!!!!!!!! what a disaster!!!!!!

I know it is to late now ayelet, but you could of put tape or break the tab off so no one can copy over it. That is very sad:'-{ Donna

The same thing happened to Bernie, Ayelet. A firiend's kid taped Power Rangers over it. Imagine.

I must be addicted too since I don't mind seeing the show over and over. I am only 9.

My colleagues have now become enablers to my addiction -- they tell me where I can find articles/tv shows/mentions of Jane Austen-related items. (Of course, the poor, dear people do not realize that my fellow addicts are generally on the leading edge, information-wise!) My addiction has now become public.

Kathleen: " My addiction has now become public." Oh, Kathleen is out of the closet! Tell us dear, is it scary out there? ;-)

Cheryl -- it is only scary when you think people are talking about your addiction behind your back. (Wait a minute, what are you folks talking about? I must have my share in the conversation if it is about Jane Austen.) Anyway, I do try to exercise restraint when I am around non-addicts. It keeps my friends from rolling their eyes!

Kathleen: "Anyway, I do try to exercise restraint when I am around non-addicts. It keeps my friends from rolling their eyes!" Oh yes, I am quite familiar with the eye rolling routine done by family and friends! ;-)

Anna: Re tangerine lycra and austen dresses. I've been on holidays, so haven't been chatting, please excuse my tardy response. I understand your distress at the state of Aussie 'fashion'. Luckily I stumbled across my P&P dresses on a sale rack in Orange. Who said country towns weren't with it (?!). I've come to the conclusion however that one needs BREASTS to carry off wearing these empire line dresses. Luckily, I've found a use for all those old shoulder pads from the '80s!!! Lucky Jennifer Ehle. By the way, have you done your exams yet?

"I've found a use for all those old shoulder pads from the '80s!!! " LOL Belinda!

]I've found a use for all those old shoulder pads from the '80s!!! not to mention the wonder-bra from the 1980s... ] have you done your exams yet? No, they will be in March, held in Los Angeles.

Did you realise:

Well, Ann, that was worth paying a cookie for.

Thank you, Ann. I knew it was coming up very soon, but could not remember the exact date! Happy Anniversary to the film that has provided me with so many enjoyable hours and such wonderful friends! *SAMOOCH*

Here's another sign: You can't understand what came over your friend when she didn't even TRY to watch P&P2 (So you made her watch it, so what?) and what she did see she hated. You feel hurt, as if she hates you.

Poor Ayelet...it is so sad when our friends disappoint us! ;-)

..it is so sad when our friends disappoint us! ;-) Cheryl - ROTFLOL. Ayelet - I am sorry that your friend let you down. I took a friend to Persuasion and was so relieved when she said she liked it. She had not read the book and I was afraid that the plot line and the extensive cast of characters might leave her cold.

Mm-Hmm, and guess why I wanted her to see it? becouse she liked S&S! I didn't thin she could fail liking P&P, but she did!

Yes, but we accept the flaws in our friends; in fact, we like them in spite of not having our most excellent taste in literature and movie/tv adaptations! In point of fact, my best friend has remained so even though she has told me (on more than one occasion) that she does not like Jane Austen's books at all. We simply agree to disagree, and we discuss other things. And, ayelet, you always have us to talk to about this addiction of yours (and ours!). :-)

Another sign of addiction: When you get a speeding ticket because you were too busy thinking about young Fitz with the music of P&P playing on the CD and you didn't see the speed trap in time!!!! GRrrrr! I couldn't very tell the police that I was too busy writing a story to look at my speedometer!

The gif was meant to be:

Today a few of us gathered at a friends house so that the women could visit while the men moved furniture from the bedroom as they were getting new carpeting in the morning...From the kitchen window we had an exceptional view of the men moving some rather heavy exercise equipment out onto the patio...They looked like the three stoogies but acted like supermen. We women laughed at the spectical before us, after which Barbara said "For what do we live, but to make sport of our husbands, and laugh at them i our turn?"

Ayelet - Emma Thompson pulled off a real feat when she made a movie of S&S that practically any audience would be able to follow and enjoy. Much as I love JA, I was stunned by the reception Thompson's movie received. ] am sorry your friend couldn't carry her enthusiasm for that movie over into a love of JA in general.

Ayelet- You must make your friend watch it again, it's get better and better and she'll have more questions and interest in it, guaranteed, because it is way better than S. & S. And you are such a smart young lady I can tell, I wish I could get my 11 year old niece as interested as you are in PP2.

Thank you all! Nicole: I'll try, I know that's the way with P&P2, becouse I watched it fro the middle to the end, like this :3, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4 Before I began to watch them however I chose, and actually became addicted. Also, all our family likes JA, even Nili, my 9 y/o sister, watches it as often as I do, at least. kathleen: That's true, I suppose. It's just that, I mean, we are very diffrent, she's crazy after Leonardo DiCaprio and can't wait till she sees Romeo And Juliet. I think I'll go with her to Emma (she wants to see it) and, you know, tell her afterwards: "Didn't you enjoy Emma? try to give P&P2 another chance, watch only one chapter, ok?" yes, I'll try that.

Another sign: You lend your tapes to a friend and expect her to watch all five hours in one sitting...after all, who could resist? AND on top of that, e-mailing her after letting her "slide" without any word for at least a week about what she thought and still anxiously awaiting her response (and feeling a bit bothered that she has not immediately raved about P&P and thanked me for bringing P&P, CF and JA to her attention!) I fear she may not share *our* addiction. Thank goodness I have you all! Another sign: Your children have adopted names from P&P according to their personalities. My ten year old is Jane, and my silly seven year old is Lydia. "Lydia" asked me if Daddy was Mr. Darcy...well,... Yet another sign: I plan to watch and/or tape P&P this weekend although I have the Costco tapes. Actually its airing comes at a great time because I'm experiencing P&P/CF withdrawls. I just look longingly at the empty space where my P&P tapes were situated. True story: When my husband gave me the P&P tapes for Christmas, he remarked that I seemed happier and more excited to receive them over the pearl earrings he also gave me (hmm, sisters, can there be any other reaction!!!).

LOL!! Love it Marina! :-)