Cape Cod parking lot rock rivals Plymouth's for tourist interest
That's easy: a big rock — sometimes with googly eyes stuck on it — in a parking lot.
Behold: Staples Rock at Orleans Marketplace.
It's a big rock dug out of the Staples parking lot during some sewer work and left there to stop octogenarians from driving into the front of the store.
It's got a cult following on social media.
Zoom in: Cape Cod's newest tourist destination is drawing comparisons to that other famous rock — the one in Plymouth — which has disappointed tourists for generations.
And like anything with googly eyes, people are bowled over about it in online reviews.
What they're saying:"It is huge, it is a rock of some kind, it is there in Staples parking lot. It's everything is [sic] claims to be (no disappointment here like Plymouth rock!" one reviewer wrote.
"Came for printer ink, stayed for the monolithic geologic specimen in the parking lot," wrote another deadly serious admirer.
Reality check: It didn't have its trademark googly eyes when Deehan stopped by over the weekend, but the rock was still a stunner.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
I flew across Europe in business class with Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic. These were the 6 biggest surprises.
I booked a two-week trip to Europe for my family that included several business-class flights. Of the airlines we flew business class with, Air France and Virgin Atlantic had the best service. Overall, we were impressed by the airport lounges and airplane food throughout our trips. As my wife's 52nd birthday approached, I knew I wanted to do something special to celebrate her. My plan was to book a two-week trip for me, my wife, our daughter, and our niece that would take us from Florida to Dublin, Amsterdam, Valencia, Paris, and London. I wanted to book only first and business-class flights, as my wife loves to travel in style. In the end, I used 1 million credit-card points and spent $12,000 to make it happen. We had a great time, and our trip's several business-class flights with Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic came with a few surprises. Each airline impressed us with its lounges. When my wife and I started traveling, we signed up for travel rewards cards, such as the American Express Platinum and Venture X by Capital One. Our goal was to accumulate reward points and give us lounge access as we traveled. During this trip, we were able to access lounges from Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, and they all exceeded our expectations. In each, we were able to enjoy hot meals and spread out on comfy seats. Some lounges even had showers, which were a nice amenity after a long flight. The complimentary WiFi in each lounge also allowed me to easily stay connected to family and my team at work. We were a little underwhelmed by the seats on our regional business-class flights in Europe. Our flights within Europe were on KLM's Cityhopper airplanes. Although we had lie-flat seats on our longer flights with Air France and Virgin Atlantic, the ones on these smaller regional KLM flights only reclined a little. Although our seats had a few inches more legroom than typical economy, they weren't particularly spacious. I'm a larger traveler, so these business-class offerings were not my favorite. Since the flights were shorter, there was no meal service or entertainment screens, either. Overall, I don't feel upgrading to European business class on these short-haul flights was worth it. The perks didn't justify the extra costs, especially since we spent so little time on the plane. It was surprisingly easy to rest on the lie-flat seats. The European business-class seats on KLM's Cityhopper flights left much to be desired, but we had lie-flat, pod-style seats for our longer flights with Air France and Virgin Atlantic. The seats reclined into beds so we could nap, and we slept easily on the long flights because of them. We arrived in Europe and back in the US feeling well-rested. Long plane rides can be tiring, but these seats — combined with the in-flight service and food — were so good made us wish the flights were longer. I'd say Air France and Virgin Atlantic provided the best service of all our flights. We were especially impressed by the level of service we received throughout our flights with Air France and Virgin Atlantic. The service on the Air France flight felt elevated— we were especially impressed by how attentive the flight attendants were. They ensured we had extra blankets, constantly brought water, and repeatedly returned during meal services to see if we needed anything else. On the Virgin Atlantic flight, the crew also regularly checked that we were comfortable. In Virgin Atlantic's business class, we even got to enjoy a lounge area in the middle of the plane that was filled with snacks like cookies and chips, plus juice, water, and soda. Our meals on each flight were delicious — nothing we ate felt like "airplane food." I'm surprised by how much thought every airline that served meals seemed to put into its business-class offerings. On the Air France flight from Atlanta to Paris, I had the best duck salad I've ever had — it was moist and flavorful. The truffle butter-breaded chicken on the Virgin Atlantic flight from London to New York was so tasty that I asked for seconds. During several flights, flight attendants also offered wine pairings with meals, and their suggestions seemed on point. I'm still surprised by how easy it was to stay entertained throughout the flights. I've been on thousands of flights, so I know they can get pretty boring. Fortunately, most of these flights' entertainment options left me impressed. In particular, our Air France and Virgin Atlantic flights had a great selection of classic and new movies, music, TV shows, and games. All told, we spent about 28 hours on the flights, and the airlines' entertainment options were so good that I didn't read any books I brought for the trip. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain Spend Greek Holiday in Another Royal Family's Residence: Report
The royals are reportedly having a private family getaway with their teenage daughtersNEED TO KNOW King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain are reportedly vacationing with their daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia, in southern Greece It is believed the family is staying at a residence owned by other European royals: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands HOLA! reports that the private Greek getaway is the family's time to disconnect after making a more formal vacation appearance in MallorcaKing Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain are reportedly having a private family getaway — and using their royal connections for their accommodations. The royal couple and their daughters, Princess Leonor, 19, and Princess Sofia, 18, are said to be vacationing in southern Greece. HOLA! reported that the Spanish royal family's Falcon aircraft flew from Spain to Athens last week, hinting at a royal getaway. It's thought that the foursome may be staying at a residence owned by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. The private property in the Peloponnese region includes a tennis court, a swimming pool, a private beach and an exclusive harbour — perfect for the Spanish King, who loves to sail. Prior to their Greek getaway, the royal family spent time in Mallorca, their traditional summer holiday destination. They hosted a dinner at the Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca and attended an exhibition by the artist Joan Miro in La Lonja. However, Andrea Caamano, HELLO!'s Digital Content Director reported that King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their daughters were then looking for a more private getaway, as Mallorca is "very open to the media and the public." "Their vacation in Greece is their real time away from the spotlight, it's ultra-private and where the royals can truly disconnect. They have a warm relationship with the Dutch royals, and have previously stayed at King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima's Greek abode, so it's no surprise that they have chosen to travel there again this year," Caamano said. The two royal families share several special connections. King Felipe's mother, Queen Sofia, was born in Athens as Princess Sofia of Greece and Denmark. She renounced her Greek titles when she converted to Catholicism to marry then-Infante Juan Carlos of Spain in 1962. Additionally, the Spanish royal family helped host King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima's eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, 21, when she studied abroad for a year in Madrid after receiving kidnapping threats at the University of Amsterdam in 2022. Last year, the Dutch King shared his gratitude towards the Spanish royal family for helping his daughter and heir maintain her studies during the tumultuous time. "This was made possible by the kind efforts of many of your compatriots and yourselves. A touching demonstration of friendship at a difficult time. I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to you and everyone else who helped arrange this," he said during a banquet welcoming the Spanish King and Queen on an official visit. The summer break comes as Princess Leonor is currently in the midst of a three-year military training program as she prepares to follow in her father's footsteps. On July 16, during a ceremony at Escuela Naval in Pontevedra, Spain, the King promoted his daughter to the rank of Midshipman of 2nd grade and awarded her the Grand Cross of Naval Merit. Befitting her status as the future commander of Spain's armed forces, the Princess of Asturias wore a white naval uniform for the ceremony, standing side-by-side with her father. Next up, Leonor will complete her third and final year of training at the Air Force Academy in San Javier, Murcia. Read the original article on People
Time Business News
19 hours ago
- Time Business News
The Strategic Use of European Passports for Global Reinvention
Vancouver, Canada — In a world defined by shifting political alliances, unpredictable economic cycles, and rapidly changing migration policies, individuals with the foresight to diversify their citizenship options are gaining a distinct strategic advantage. Among the various citizenships available globally, European passports stand out as both a practical tool and a symbol of stability. They are increasingly being used not just for mobility but for full-scale life reinvention, enabling individuals to reset their personal, professional, and financial trajectories within a robust legal framework. Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in multi-jurisdictional identity strategies, has observed a significant rise in clients who use European citizenship not simply as a travel convenience, but as the foundation for building a new chapter in their lives. From entrepreneurs seeking to expand into European markets to families looking for better education and healthcare access, the appeal of European passports spans continents and professions. Why European Citizenship Has Global Pull Europe offers more than picturesque cities and cultural heritage. It represents a legal, political, and economic system that provides some of the strongest protections and most extensive rights available to citizens anywhere in the world. European Union (EU) citizenship grants: Freedom of Movement — The ability to live, work, and study in any EU member state without additional visas or permits. — The ability to live, work, and study in any EU member state without additional visas or permits. Global Travel Access — Many European passports rank in the top tier of global mobility indexes, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. — Many European passports rank in the top tier of global mobility indexes, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. Robust Legal Protections — Rights enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including privacy, non-discrimination, and access to justice. — Rights enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including privacy, non-discrimination, and access to justice. Economic Opportunity — Entry into one of the world's largest single markets, with integrated trade, investment, and financial systems. Non-EU European passports, such as those from Norway, Switzerland, or Iceland, still deliver substantial mobility and legal advantages through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and bilateral agreements. Legal Pathways to Acquiring a European Passport The specific path to a European passport varies depending on nationality, ancestry, and financial capacity. Amicus International Consulting typically evaluates multiple avenues for each client: 1. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis) Many European countries grant citizenship to individuals who can prove descent from a citizen, sometimes across several generations. Italy, for example, places no generational limit if records are in order, while Ireland allows claims from grandparents and even great-grandparents. 2. Citizenship by Naturalization This requires a period of legal residence, which can range from three years in countries like Belgium (with integration) to ten years in Spain. Residency often brings interim benefits such as healthcare access, business rights, and local mobility. 3. Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Although the EU has tightened scrutiny on investment-based citizenship, Malta still offers a structured program combining residency with a fast-track citizenship option through economic contributions. 4. Citizenship by Marriage In many European states, marriage to a citizen can shorten residency requirements for naturalization, often by several years. 5. Special Merit Citizenship Awarded for exceptional contributions in fields such as science, sports, or culture, though it is rarely granted and is subject to strict government discretion. The Passport as a Tool for Reinvention For many Amicus clients, the European passport is not the end goal but the means to achieve a larger transformation. It becomes a legal foundation upon which to build a redesigned life. Strategic uses include: Geographic Relocation — Moving to a safer, more stable environment for family life. — Moving to a safer, more stable environment for family life. Business Expansion — Accessing European markets and benefiting from EU trade agreements with over 70 countries. — Accessing European markets and benefiting from EU trade agreements with over 70 countries. Educational Opportunity — Enrolling in top-tier universities at reduced tuition rates available to citizens. — Enrolling in top-tier universities at reduced tuition rates available to citizens. Financial Structuring — Holding assets under jurisdictions with predictable regulations and strong property rights. — Holding assets under jurisdictions with predictable regulations and strong property rights. Lifestyle Design — Choosing residence in regions offering specific climates, cultures, or tax regimes. Case Study: Reinvention Through Dual European Passports A Middle Eastern investor and philanthropist approached Amicus International Consulting seeking to reposition both personal and business life away from increasing political instability in the home region. Step 1: Multi-Pathway Evaluation Amicus identified Irish citizenship by descent through a grandparent, and also considered Portugal's Golden Visa as a parallel route. Step 2: Documentation and Ancestry Proof Records were sourced from church archives in Ireland and immigration databases abroad. Simultaneously, the client began the Golden Visa application to secure immediate EU residency. Step 3: Business Relocation A European holding company was registered in Portugal to consolidate investments and qualify for residency. Step 4: Citizenship Confirmation After 18 months of processing, Irish citizenship was granted, giving full EU mobility rights. The Golden Visa was retained for property and investment diversification. Step 5: Life Transition The client moved the family to Spain, established philanthropic initiatives in multiple EU countries, and gained the ability to travel visa-free to nearly every intended business destination. The outcome was a complete legal reinvention that preserved the client's global influence while increasing privacy, mobility, and stability. Privacy and Legal Protections European citizens benefit from some of the most comprehensive privacy protections in the world under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This includes: Rights to control personal data collection and usage. Requirements for organizations to disclose how data is handled. Legal remedies for breaches and misuse of information. For high-privacy clients, this legal shield is a significant factor in choosing European citizenship as part of an identity transformation plan. Compliance and Responsibilities With the benefits of European citizenship come responsibilities: Taxation — While most EU countries tax based on residence rather than citizenship, moving between jurisdictions may create reporting obligations. — While most EU countries tax based on residence rather than citizenship, moving between jurisdictions may create reporting obligations. Civic Duties — Participation in national and EU elections, and some countries, jury service or limited national service. — Participation in national and EU elections, and some countries, jury service or limited national service. Legal Obligations — Compliance with both EU law and the domestic laws of the country of citizenship. Amicus ensures clients understand and meet all obligations to maintain citizenship without risk of revocation. Choosing the Right European Jurisdiction The choice depends on: Mobility Score — Some passports include unique access (e.g., visa-free travel to certain regions outside the EU). — Some passports include unique access (e.g., visa-free travel to certain regions outside the EU). Residency Requirements — For naturalization or investment programs. — For naturalization or investment programs. Cultural and Language Fit — For ease of integration and daily life. — For ease of integration and daily life. Tax Regime — Impact on personal and corporate holdings. Amicus uses a proprietary scoring model that weighs these factors against client objectives to select the optimal jurisdiction. European Passports in Multi-Jurisdictional Strategies A European passport often forms one layer in a multi-passport strategy, paired with citizenship from another region, such as the Caribbean, for expanded visa access or a low-tax jurisdiction for strategic residency. This layered approach provides redundancy in mobility and jurisdictional protection against political or economic shifts. Geopolitical Considerations Even as Europe faces internal challenges, its passport remains one of the most valuable in the world. Political neutrality, strong economies, and extensive treaty networks mean European citizens can maintain access to global opportunities regardless of external instability. Common Misconceptions 'A European passport will automatically reduce my taxes.' In reality, tax obligations depend on where you live, not just citizenship. In reality, tax obligations depend on where you live, not just citizenship. 'EU privacy laws mean no one can access my information.' While GDPR is strong, law enforcement and treaty partners can access data when required. While GDPR is strong, law enforcement and treaty partners can access data when required. 'It's quick and easy to get citizenship by investment anywhere in Europe.' The reality is that most programs have tightened due diligence and timelines. Future Outlook Demand for European passports is projected to grow as individuals seek resilience against global instability. EU policymakers are likely to continue refining eligibility rules, particularly for investment-based programs, balancing security with economic benefits. An Amicus International Consulting representative summarizes: 'A European passport is more than a travel document. It is a strategic asset for personal reinvention, offering clients the legal, economic, and cultural foundation to start fresh on their terms.' Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: TIME BUSINESS NEWS
