Hi - I watched The Bad Seed (1956) with Chris on Tuesday night - oddly, for a film buff, I had never seen it. Good film (but a bit of a naff ending really) - and ok, Patty McCormack is great as the homicidal seed, but Henry Jones as the gurning and flame-destined Leroy really steals the show & surely influences countless indie movie potraits of weirdos.

Chris is working for about an hour a day on a piece of speech software that Shayne sourced from Australia- it is impressive to watch his focus & determination as he repeats the words spoken to him by the computer. He's also continuing with his arm exercises & on the weekend we went on a long walk where Chris surprised me with his stamina.

Chris seems to be getting steadier on his meds & greatly enjoyed the appearance of his mud-besotted first born after said son discovered a freshly dug ditch in the yard the hard way. I must admit to mild mirth myself.

The Mountain Goats' show last week was fantastic. As I watched John Darnielle perform I thought 'isn't it great to watch human beings being amazing' - and that thought has stuck with me since.

All the best.

PS Thanks for your kind words Jonathan, & Barry I'll check with CK about Metropolis.