You have to be wealthy
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Last of the EC3 London shots taken in September of 2019.
Did we forget to include enough staff and lifeboats, when we were building the big shiny ships..?
The first half of today was spent in the Grand Teton National Park, we had a local guide who was a wealth of information. At first the clouds hung low over the mountains, but as the day progressed the clouds lifted to reveal some spectacular lake and mountain scenery.
We took a boat ride on Jenny Lake before going to a superb viewing place to get photos of the mountains and have lunch.
After lunch we headed for Yellowstone National Park en route to an hotel in West Yellowstone, Montana.
There was no sightseeing or stopping along the way, we’ll have a local guide to show us around Yellowstone National Park tomorrow. From what we saw driving here today, I can't wait to get among it tomorrow.
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Serra do Amolar in Pantanal is a place almost untouched by the hands of man. It is the last frontier of the Pantanal with an enormous natural wealth. Altogether, there are 80km of mountains spread over 300 thousand hectares between the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso as well as Bolivia. Serra do Amolar in Pantanal is surely one of Brazil’s best kept secrets. One of the biggest challenges for the conservation of Serra do Amolar has happened in 2020, when 90% of Serra do Amolar was taken by fire. Many animals died and part of the vegetation remains charred to this day, as if to remind us of the dangers of environmental imbalance in this biome so dependent on rain cycles and so affected by human action. This picture is an aerial view from 2018, when I visited this stunning place.
Wishing everyone a peaceful Travel Tuesday.
Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!
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Compton Acres Garden, Poole, Dorset
The gardens are situated at 164 Canford Cliffs, POOLE, Dorset, BH13 7ES. It is a privately owned garden, founded in 1920 by Thomas William Simpson. He was a business man whose wealth came from the production of Margarine.
From the 1920s – 1930s he began to create a series of enclosed gardens, seven in all, at the staggering cost of £220k. They were filled with sculptures and other architectural features.
The thought was, that even at an early stage of its construction that it was going to be a ‘tourist attraction’.
Unfortunately Mr Simpson died in 1944, this was followed by another death in the form of Mr. Middleton, the Head Gardener. These deaths plus the call-up of other staff lead to the gardens falling into disrepair. In 1950 the garden were sold to J. Stanley Beard a London architect who was responsible for a programme of restoration and by 1952 now complete, it was open to the public.
During that time new paths were laid, many other plantings were carried out. It changed hands again in 1964 but it still remained open. Since then the main house was sold as was part of the northern and southern boundary plus some of the woodland.
The garden now is divided between five smaller sub-gardens:
The Italian Garden: When you first see this garden from the end of the pond looking down to the Domed Temple it is spectacular. At the top end are two statues representing Wrestlers of Herculaneum. The pond itself is surrounded with brightly coloured planting and in the water are many water lilies and a fountain. To the left is the Italianate Villa with its brightly painted walls and statues on the roof and as you walk down the path other shrubs and manicured bushes. There are quite a few seats dotted around so that you can enjoy the experience.
The Wooded Valley: Here the woodland of Pine trees, where Rhododendrons and Camelias grow in some abundance. Winding footpaths and waterfalls along with other plants such as Ferns and Foxgloves make a wonderful setting.
Rock and Water Garden: There is a thought that Compton Acres has the largest rock garden in private hands in England. It consists of over 300 different plants which include alpines, conifers, spring and summer bulbs.
The Heather Garden: Here, there is a garden, again with many different species of Heather, some not easily grown in other gardens but the south coast has a much better climate enabling them to thrive. It is at its best in Spring, although it is still a very colourful space throughout the year.
The Japanese Garden: There is an odd shaped pool which is surrounded by Bamboos, Azelea and Maples. Wonderful colours, together with a collection of figures, lanterns, stone pagodas and a thatched Japanese-style summerhouse. This is covered in Wisteria in season. Many of the items were purchased in Japan, even the fish were exported under licence.
The garden covers 10 acres, it has many pieces of sculpture and architectural features scattered throughout the site. It also has a tea-room, a very important place which does nice tea and cake. What could be better after the experience of seeing the garden?
Awareness of the wealth of your own natural surroundings and taking care of it!
Dedicated to Natasha because she loves bovines!
Aruba is referred to as One Happy Island.
Was I happy in Aruba? Sure, how could one not be?
Long Exposure Images of Manchebo Bay at Midnight in Aruba During A Full Moon.
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These guys have different techniques for gathering nectar. Taken on the Yoho Valley Trail in Yoho National Park, BC.
В этот день мы отправились в страну башен и легенд, небольшую, но очень живописную республику Ингушетию, и планировали снимать закат уже на перевале Цей-Лоам. Тогда мы были уверены, что время на дорогу мы выделили с приличным запасом и полностью учли предыдущий опыт довольно частых остановок, чтобы запечатлеть что-нибудь красивое.
Дорога к перевалу, как изящная лента, свивалась среди еще заснеженных гор, простираясь вдоль хребтов и бархатных лугов. Это была не просто асфальтированная трасса, а настоящий аттракцион пейзажей, устоять перед красотой которых было практически невозможно. За каждым поворотом открывались новые, впечатляющие виды: скалистые вершины, вздымающиеся до самых небес, и глубокие долины, которые убаюкивали своим одиночеством. На остановках мы видели, как дикие цветы распустились среди камней, делясь с нами своей жизнерадостностью. Слышали тихий шепот быстро текущего где-то вдали ручья и гул мириад насекомых, как только стихал могучий ветер.
Говорят, что время в такие моменты замирает. Допускаю, что так оно и есть, просто происходит не с каждым и точно не с нами в тот день. Часы неумолимо отсчитывали секунды и у нас оставалось не так много драгоценных минут до момента, когда солнце начнёт погружаться за горизонт. Свет становился мягче и самые высокие пики уже укутывались в пушистые облака, готовясь провести эту ночь с комфортом. Вскоре небо окунулось в золотистые и малиново-розовые оттенки, а случайные облака, попадающие в лучи закатного солнца, отражали невероятную палитру цветов.
Поднявшись на перевал, мы оказались в плотном облаке, одном из многих, которые эти каменные великаны с седыми головами, укладывали подле себя. Ветер, словно старый и уставший пастух, подгонял белые тучки будто зазевавшихся овечек, открывая на мгновенье сияющие вершины. Некогда бушующее пламя заката угасло, оставив после себя лишь тлеющие угли, которые продолжали искриться, словно напоминая о том, что где-то внутри них еще осталось пламя и они просто ждут, чтобы их разожгли снова.
Может быть, я не успел на закат в его строгих рамках времени, но я получил массу впечатлений, оказавшись на одном из самых красивых перевалов Кавказа, и это для меня гораздо важнее. В итоге мы обсудили планы на рассветную съемку, и отправились устраиваться на ночлег.
On this day, we set off to the land of towers and legends, a small yet very picturesque republic of Ingushetia, planning to capture the sunset already at the Tsey-Loam Pass. At that time, we were confident that we had allotted enough time for the journey, fully considering our previous experiences of frequent stops to capture something beautiful.
The road to the pass wounds like a graceful ribbon among the still snow-covered mountains, stretching along ridges and velvet meadows. It was not just an asphalted roadway, but a true attraction of landscapes, difficult to resist the beauty of which. With every turn, new, stunning views unfolded: rocky peaks soaring to the very skies and deep valleys that lulled with their solitude. At our stops, we saw wildflowers blooming among the stones, sharing their cheerfulness with us. We could hear the quiet whisper of a rapidly flowing stream somewhere in the distance and the hum of myriad insects as soon as the mighty wind calmed down.
It’s said that time stands still in such moments. I admit that it may be true, but it doesn't happen to everyone, and certainly not to us that day. The clock relentlessly counted the seconds, and we were left with not many precious minutes until the moment the sun would begin to sink below the horizon. The light was growing softer, and the highest peaks were already wrapped in fluffy clouds, preparing to spend the night in comfort. Soon, the sky was immersed in golden and rose-tinted shades, while the scattered clouds caught in the rays of the setting sun reflected an incredible palette of colors.
Having ascended to the pass, we found ourselves enveloped in a dense cloud, one of many that these stone giants with their silver heads laid beside them. The wind, like an old and weary shepherd, nudged the white clouds as if they were dozing sheep, momentarily revealing the shining peaks. The once-raging flames of the sunset had faded, leaving behind only smoldering embers that continued to sparkle, as if reminding us that somewhere within them, the fire still lingered, simply waiting to be rekindled.
Perhaps I didn’t make it to the sunset within its strict confines of time, but I gained a wealth of impressions by being at one of the most beautiful passes in the Caucasus, and that is far more important to me. In the end, we discussed plans for the dawn shoot and set off to find a place to spend the night.
Wild Geranium flowers fill my flower garden each year. I've never intentionally planted them. However, the geranium ensures that it can spread the wealth. After blooming, fruit capsules are produced 3-5 weeks later. Each consists of a long, central beak-like column (resembling a crane’s head) and five basal cells, each containing one seed. The carpels of the fruit curl upward and backward to spring open when ripe, expelling the seeds 10-30 feet from the mother plant. More information can be found at : www.npsnj.org/photo_galleries/photo_pages/geranium_macula...
Stay close. Wait for the trickle-down effect. You know that there is a very good reason, they say, that governments should help the rich to get richer even easier and much faster. Yes, it is the trickle-down effect. One day, eventually that is, some of the new wealth will trickle down into my watering can and make me rich too. I live in hope. And I am staying ever so close to my watering can. Helios 44M-7 manual lens at F2, one LED lamp.
Cet orgue récent a été construit par la maison KLAIS de Bonn en 1961 avec 60 jeux.
En 1982, l'instrument a fait l'objet d'un relevage par KLAIS. 4 jeux ont été rajoutés.
En 1992, KLAIS a rajouté la Trompeteria de 4 jeux dont le 16' et le 4' en chamade.
En 2002, l'orgue a fait l'objet d'un nettoyage général et d'une harmonisation.
L'orgue est le plus grand instrument de musique de l'histoire et il ne fait aucun doute que celui de la cathédrale de Bonn est un spécimen particulier du genre. Derrière les tuyaux qui sont visibles se cache une grande quantité de technique qui ne cesse de fasciner les visiteurs. Mais le grand orgue Klais nouvellement harmonisé de la cathédrale n'impressionne pas seulement par sa technique, mais aussi par sa fantastique façade décorée de figures de Manfred Saul.
This recent organ was built by KLAIS of Bonn in 1961 with 60 stops.
In 1982, the instrument was restored by KLAIS. Four stops were added.
In 1992, KLAIS added the Trompeteria with four stops, including the 16' and 4' en chamade.
In 2002, the organ underwent a general cleaning and voicing.
The organ is the largest musical instrument in history, and there is no doubt that the organ in Bonn Cathedral is a special specimen of its kind. Behind the visible pipes lies a wealth of technique that never ceases to fascinate visitors. But the cathedral's newly voiced Klais organ impresses not only with its technique, but also with its fantastic façade decorated with figures by Manfred Saul.
In “The Wealth of Nations”, Adam Smith said we should all do what we do best, and rely on others for the rest. In “A Brief History of Equality”, Thomas Piketty emphasizes that Nature’s balance sheet accounts for externalities, which we ignore at our peril. Somewhere, Yogi Berra observed that in theory, theory and practice are the same, but in practice they’re different.
08:15 CDT
Stay close. Wait for the trickle-down effect. You know that there is a very good reason, they say, that governments should help the rich to get richer even easier and much faster. Yes, it is the trickle-down effect. One day, eventually that is, some of the new wealth will trickle down into my watering can and make me rich too. I live in hope. And I am staying ever so close to my watering can. Helios 44M-7 manual lens at F2, contre-jour, reflector.
Colorful currency for the Crazy Tuesday challenge, Currency and/or Banknotes From Around the World. Represented here is money from: Macedonia, Poland, Mozambique, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Myanmar, Brazil, Bhutan, Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia, Bolivia and India.
Happy Crazy Tuesday!
" What wealth is it to have such friends that we cannot think of them without elevation ! "
..........Henry David Thoreau ( 1817 - 1862 ).
.....U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist .
..........Letter June 20, 1843, to Lidian Jackson Emerson from - " The Writings of Henry David Thoreau ".
.....Many, many thanks to all my contacts , friends & all flickr members for their continued support that this image has made Explore. Truly appreciated. So, thanks to EVERYONE. Thanks ALL.
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT0o5Q31Oac
Wealth is power. With wealth many things are possible.
George Clason
Power is not all bad, if wielded properly, you can change the world for the better. It gets a bad name from those who abuse it.
For those who may think power is bad, remember the power of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Princess Diana, and others who sought to bring positive changes to the world.
If you look up, you can see the great contrast between the white façades of the houses and the bright blue sky that stretches over the island of Mallorca on this summer's day. And the Mallorcan sun didn't miss the chance to sneak into the picture either.
Thanks for your criticism and as always, favs, likes and comments are gratefully appreciated!
The Humble Administrator's Garden has an entire section full of bonsai trees.
The Humble Administrator's Garden is one of the prized gardens in Suzhou (it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and was originally completed in 1526 and took 16 years to build. In ancient times, prominent Chinese men would retire and build huge gardens as a symbol of their wealth and taste. This garden was originally commissioned by Wang Xiancheng and was designed by Wen Zhengming.
Ferrari 458 Italia photographed July 2010, Montreal. More to come.
Thanks to Joshua McRae for assisting me on this shoot!
Still need to fix the haloing around the House.
Brewster County, Texas.
For most of the year the low desert adjacent to the Rio Grande in Big Bend Country seems so harsh and inhospitable. In truth it is teeming with life. Never is this more evident in a spring following a wet fall and winter. With conditions just right, Big Bend Bluebonnet and a wealth of other wildflowers bloom en masse, bringing an explosion of color to rocky hillsides. Here it can be seen blooming among Lechuguilla and other species typical of the Chihuahuan Desert. Experiencing a bloom of this magnitude in the desert is an awe-inspiring thing that I hope every nature lover gets the chance to experience!
Angkor, Cambodia, 2013
From about 900 to 1200 AD, Angkor was home to 300.000 to 1.000.000 people (information, facts and scientific guesses vary wildly). Wealth and power of Angkor at least partly derived from an intricatly designed waterway and water storage system, where a river was rerouted over 20 or so kilometers to allow several rice harvests per year. Angkor Wat is well known, though there must be about 80 temples around in the Angkor area. The size of some of those temples is amazing. To my understandig, it is not clear what caused the downfall of this civilazation. Possibly, they were unable to even mainenance the water system (less water, less harvest, less money, less power) or the change of religion from hinduism to buddism (one aspect of the latter is a less hierarchic set of beliefs) caused the end of the Khmer reign over South East Asia. End of wealth, end of story....
Fountain Of Wealth
Supported by four 13.8 metres high bronze legs and spreading over an area of 1683.07 metres, the Fountain of Wealth has been accorded the status of "World's Largest Fountain" in the 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of Records. It is symbolically the ring in the palm of the hand, guaranteeing the retention of wealth. It is destined to be Singapore's most visited tourist destination.
The plaza would provide a large outdoor space for people to gather. But on its own, it would not achieve sufficient visual impact. A dramatic fountain was proposed as a visual focus. The Fountain Plaza, now the focal point of Suntec City, is also at the heart of the Marina Centre area. Not only is it the hub of circulation within the development, it also draws life from the surrounding buildings. This is why it sits off centre within Suntec City -so that it can be directly connected to its neighbours.
The flowing water from the Fountain is also a potent symbol as water is the essence of life in almost every culture. Located round this symbolic centre of life are the buildings which make up Suntec City. These buildings attract human activity - life - to the area. At ground level, vehicles flow around the fountain plaza while pedestrians flow into the buildings around it. Below ground, at the Fountain Terrace, all the buildings are interconnected by shops and restaurants. The complex is also connected to its neighbours by both underground and street-level pedestrian linkways.
Petra (Arabic: البتراء, Al-Batrāʾ; Ancient Greek: Πέτρα), originally known as Raqmu (Nabataean Arabic: الرقيم), is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. Petra lies on the slope of Jabal Al-Madbah in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah valley that run from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Established possibly as early as the 4th century BC as the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom. The Nabataeans were nomadic Arabs who invested in Petra's proximity to the trade routes by establishing it as a major regional trading hub.
The trading business gained the Nabataeans considerable revenue, and Petra became the focus of their wealth. The earliest recorded historical reference to the city was when an envious Greek dynasty attempted to ransack the city in 312 BC. The Nabataeans were, unlike their enemies, accustomed to living in the barren deserts, and were able to repel attacks by utilizing the area's mountainous terrain. They were particularly skillful in harvesting rainwater, agriculture and stone carving. The Kingdom's capital continued to flourish until the 1st century AD when its famous Al-Khazneh facade was constructed, and its population peaked at an estimated 20,000 inhabitants.
Encroaching troops of the Roman Empire in 106 AD forced the Nabataeans to surrender. The Romans annexed and renamed the Kingdom to Arabia Petraea. Petra's importance declined as sea trade routes emerged, and after a 363 earthquake destroyed many structures. The Byzantine Era witnessed the construction of several Christian churches. By 700, the city became an abandoned place where only a handful of nomads grazed goats. It remained an unknown place until it was rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, sparking renewed interest in the city.
The city is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved. It is a symbol of Jordan, as well as Jordan's most-visited tourist attraction. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. UNESCO has described it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage
Wealth, power, fame and success…
Somehow this fountain always reminds me of limitless desires.
Taken at Wadakura Fountain Park, Tokyo
Excerpt from uwaterloo.ca:
Description of the District
The MacNab-Charles Heritage Conservation District is a one
block area bounded by MacNab Street South, Hurst Place,
Charles Street and Bold Street in the City of Hamilton. The
district consists of seven properties. These properties include
two multi-unit residences, a church and manse, two residential
properties and offices.
Cultural Heritage Value of the District
According to a plaque, the cultural heritage value of the district lies in the fact that:
The downtown block of MacNab Street South, Hurst Place, Charles Street and Bold Street contains a unique collection of stone buildings primarily dating from the 1850s.
While stone architecture was relatively rare in Ontario, Hamilton’s Mountain offered a ready supply of limestone. The local resource was used to great advantage in the hands of the newly-arrived Scottish stonemasons, establishing pre-Confederation Hamilton as a city renowned for its wealth of handsome stone
architecture.
With the MacNab Street Presbyterian Church as the focal point, the Victorian stone and brick streetscape of MacNab-Charles evoke a genuine sense of history in the heart of this city.
Designation of the District
The designation of the MacNab Charles Heritage Conservation District was initiated by the City Hamilton.
The Study and Plan were conducted and written between 1986 and 1988 by the Local Planning Branch, Planning and Development Department and the Hamilton-Wentworth Region. It was carried out in consultation with a local District Steering Committee made up of owners from the area.
The MacNab-Charles Heritage Conservation District is protected by By-law 90-144 which was passed on May 9, 1990 by the City of Hamilton.
From ancient times to the present, philosophers have repeatedly emphasized the importance of living a frugal or minimalist life. The ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes said, “True wealth is not in increasing possessions, but in reducing one’s needs.” Mahatma Gandhi pointed to the destructive side of human greed, stating, “The Earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” From the Buddha to Karl Marx, across the passage of time, many have expressed similar ideas. This minimalist concept in philosophy has greatly influenced the photographer, and its mark is clearly visible in his vision and framing.
The absence of color or the use of minimal composition in framing reflects the photographer’s inclination toward a minimalist approach. The fog, wrapped like a thick winter blanket, creates a serene atmosphere. In this calm and pure dramatic setting, human presence becomes secondary. Before nature, even humanity’s vast achievements become insignificant. That is why the photographer has kept humans and their architectural achievements in the background, framing the scene in a minimalist style. Here, nature is the primary subject—not humans or their constructions.
According to nihilism, or the philosophy of pessimism, human life does not has inherent purpose. Evolutionary theory has shown that humans are an unintended outcome of nature’s evolutionary process. Yet human beings, regarded as the finest of creations, continue to exploit all their knowledge and effort into seeking meaning in life. They establish ever-greater architectural structures upon the heart of nature. In proving their superiority, they seem to challenge nature itself. Viewing nature as an adversary, humanity gradually distances itself further and further from it.
Saint-Malo is a historic French port commune in Brittany. The walled city on the English Channel coast has a long history of piracy, earning much wealth from local extortion and overseas adventures.
The city became a popular tourist centre, with a ferry terminal serving the islands in the Channel, as well as the Southern English settlements.
Believed to be in Public Domain From Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Collections. More on copyright: What does "no known restrictions" mean?
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Public Domain. Additional source description and credit info from the Library of Congress:
TITLE: The war of wealth
CALL NUMBER: POS - TH - 1895 .W37, no. 1 (C size) [P&P]
REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-USZC4-591 (color film copy transparency)
LC-USZ6-380 (b&w film copy neg.)
RIGHTS INFORMATION: No known restrictions on publication.
MEDIUM: 1 print (poster) : lithograph, color ; 77 x 102 cm.
CREATED/PUBLISHED: Cin'ti ; N.Y. : Strobridge Lith. Co., c1895.
CREATOR:
Strobridge & Co. Lith.
RELATED NAMES:
Litt, Jacob.
Dazey, Charles Turner, 1855-1938.
NOTES:
Created and "copyright 1895 by The Strobridge Lith Co, Cin'ti. -- N.Y."
Jacob Litt, proprietor.
By C.T. Dazey, author of In old Kentucky.
Caption: The run on the bank : a crisis in the affairs of the great financial institution. The most animated and realistic scene ever shown on the stage.
N.Y. 6312.
SUBJECTS:
Business panics.
Banks.
Crowds.
Melodramas.
FORMAT:
Theatrical posters American.
Lithographs Color.
PART OF: Theatrical Poster Collection (Library of Congress)
REPOSITORY: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
DIGITAL ID: (digital file from intermediary roll copy film) var 0760 hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/var.0760
CONTROL #: var1994000815/PP
Petra (Arabic: البتراء, Al-Batrāʾ; Ancient Greek: Πέτρα), originally known as Raqmu (Nabataean Arabic: الرقيم), is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. Petra lies on the slope of Jabal Al-Madbah in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah valley that run from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Established possibly as early as the 4th century BC as the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom. The Nabataeans were nomadic Arabs who invested in Petra's proximity to the trade routes by establishing it as a major regional trading hub.
The trading business gained the Nabataeans considerable revenue, and Petra became the focus of their wealth. The earliest recorded historical reference to the city was when an envious Greek dynasty attempted to ransack the city in 312 BC. The Nabataeans were, unlike their enemies, accustomed to living in the barren deserts, and were able to repel attacks by utilizing the area's mountainous terrain. They were particularly skillful in harvesting rainwater, agriculture and stone carving. The Kingdom's capital continued to flourish until the 1st century AD when its famous Al-Khazneh facade was constructed, and its population peaked at an estimated 20,000 inhabitants.
Encroaching troops of the Roman Empire in 106 AD forced the Nabataeans to surrender. The Romans annexed and renamed the Kingdom to Arabia Petraea. Petra's importance declined as sea trade routes emerged, and after a 363 earthquake destroyed many structures. The Byzantine Era witnessed the construction of several Christian churches. By 700, the city became an abandoned place where only a handful of nomads grazed goats. It remained an unknown place until it was rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, sparking renewed interest in the city.
The city is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved. It is a symbol of Jordan, as well as Jordan's most-visited tourist attraction. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. UNESCO has described it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage".
I was lucky to find this one. It is a pretty good deal too-only $74k asking price. What a value these Astons are becoming. DB9s are going for as little as $75k now, and this monster for just a thousand less? Pretty remarkable.