Big Dog: thanks for the explanation re the jet powered snail. I hadn't been able to figure out what it was either.

I also like WtP - sometimes I think life gets taken a bit too seriously these days and flicking through some of the WtP books brings me back a bit of perspective.

Back to lids: I used to wear Bells for many years (how did our necks support all that weight???!!) but have had Shoeis for ages now. I am looking to get another one but I really don't like the new graphics. I've got "Myazaki" (sp?) graphics - also sometimes called "Ace" or "Trump" as there's playing cards on the side. The new graphics are very plain and I'm not that fussed on the colours. Arai graphics are okay, but the helmet doesn't quite suit my head shape as much as the Shoei. I'll probably go for a plain Shoei once I've seen the 2004 designs.