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Time Business News
5 hours ago
- Time Business News
Condo vs. Townhouse: Your BC Home Choice
First, let's take a look at two exciting options in Metro Vancouver: a Condo For Sale in New Westminster BC and a Port Moody Townhouse For Sale. Moreover, both are located in places that blend neighbourhood life with easy access to transit and nature. For example, the New Westminster condo sits near the Fraser River and offers lovely river views, while the Port Moody townhouse has a cozy backyard and mountain views. Also, these properties each offer something special for families or first-time buyers. Even more, this article will guide you through each option in simple words, so an 11-year-old can understand. Then, you will see a numbered list in Section 3 highlighting top condo features. Next, Section 5 will present a bullet list comparing what each place offers. Finally, by the end, you will feel confident about what you might like best. Firstly, the Condo For Sale in New Westminster BC is brand new, built in 2025, and sits high above the Fraser River with wide, quiet views. Additionally, you can enjoy urban comforts with Italian-style cabinets, Bosch appliances, and a quartz island, yet the feel is still warm and inviting. Also, a low strata fee includes geothermal heating, air conditioning, 24-hour concierge, two parking spots, and access to a gym, sauna, steam room, BBQ area, and two-storey Owners' Club. Furthermore, the riverfront boardwalk, cafes, shops, and SkyTrain are just steps away. Even more, if buyers need help, the seller may assist with financing. Therefore, this condo blends comfort, style, ease, and help for new homeowners in one complete package. Secondly, we can list the top features of the Condo For Sale in New Westminster BC so you see them clearly: Riverfront views and walking access to shops, cafes, and transit. High-end interior: Italian cabinets, Bosch appliances, quartz island. Full shared amenities: gym, sauna, steam room, BBQ zone, Owners' Club. Two secure parking spots and storage locker included. Seller may help with financing if needed. Moreover, each point shows why this condo stands out for comfort, convenience, and value. Also, the gentle Geothermal heating and cooling system keeps temperatures cozy and bills low. Furthermore, because the seller offers financing help, new buyers may find it easier to move in. Therefore, this numbered list shows why this condo is a smart choice for many home seekers. Meanwhile, the Port Moody Townhouse For Sale offers a warm, family-friendly home in a quiet neighbourhood. Moreover, it has three bedrooms spread over three levels, plus a fenced backyard and front lawn that's perfect for kids, pets, or gardening. Also, inside, there are modern touches like stainless steel tools, laminate flooring, blackout blinds, and energy-efficient windows. Furthermore, the finished basement is flexible: it works as a rec room, extra bedroom, or could become a second bathroom. Additionally, the location is great—just a short drive to Moody Centre SkyTrain, local parks, lakes, and beaches, with downtown Vancouver only about 25 minutes away. Even more, the townhome area is safe, peaceful, and near nature, making it easy to live well every day. Next, let's compare the two properties side by side with simple bullet points: Brand-new 2-bedroom, stunning river views, modern design, full shared amenities, possible seller financing. Spacious 3-bed, front and backyard, flexible basement, quiet family vibe, close to nature and transit. Moreover, this list helps you see at a glance what each place offers. Also, the condo leans toward luxury, with building hub and easy transit, while the townhouse offers space, outdoor areas, and a calm neighbourhood vibe. Furthermore, both give unique benefits—one built fresh with shared comforts, the other offering room to grow and personalize. Therefore, depending on your needs, you can choose modern style or spacious family living. After that, think about your lifestyle when picking between the Condo For Sale in New Westminster BC and the Port Moody Townhouse For Sale. Firstly, if you like modern, low-maintenance living and shared perks, the condo might suit your style. On the other hand, if you'd rather have outdoor space, a quiet yard, and room to expand, the townhouse could fit better. Also, both are near transit and green spaces, though the townhouse feels more private and homey. Next, cost-wise, remember the condo's monthly strata may cover many extras, while the townhouse may need individual care and upgrades over time. Moreover, if you want help buying, the condo's seller-financing offer adds ease. Therefore, weigh your priorities: convenience and style or space and calm. Furthermore, whether you consider the Condo For Sale in New Westminster BC or the Port Moody Townhouse For Sale, keep these simple tips in mind: Learn about neighbourhood trends and recent sale prices. Visit the place at different times to feel the busy quiet and light. Ask about fees: monthly strata for condos, upkeep for townhomes. Check if the seller offers help like financing or support. Think about future needs like growing family or pets. Moreover, these choices help you make a smart move. Also, buying a home is big, so take time, ask questions gently, and choose what feels right. Even more, both homes have good features, so picking comes down to what feels like 'yours.' Finally, choosing between the Condo For Sale in New Westminster BC and the Port Moody Townhouse For Sale depends on how you picture your future home. If you want bright, modern features, shared perks, and ease, the condo may delight you. Conversely, if you love outdoor space, a backyard, and a calm community, the townhouse could bring joy. Additionally, both places connect you to city life, nature, and transit, though in different ways. Also, remember to compare costs, talk with experts, and visit both before deciding. Moreover, there's no wrong choice when each has something special. Therefore, pick what fits your dreams, not what others expect. Soon, you might call one of these your happy home. In summary, you've seen two great homes: a Condo For Sale in New Westminster BC and a Port Moody Townhouse For Sale. Each one offers unique benefits, from luxury convenience to peaceful space. Also, you got a clear comparison, helpful tips, and an easy way to choose. Most importantly, we used simple words, natural transitions, and gentle voice so that everyone can understand. Now, you are ready to explore, ask questions, and find the home that truly fits you. Good luck, and may your search lead to a happy, cozy, and perfect place to call home. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Germany To Bet Big On Skyranger Gun System To Address Growing Drone Threat
Speculation over a very large-scale German order for anti-aircraft guns, as part of a broader air defense initiative focusing, to a significant degree, on counter-drone capabilities, has brought these kinds of weapons back under the spotlight. Last week, it was reported that German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is awaiting a multi-billion-dollar order from the German Armed Forces for its Skyranger anti-aircraft gun. During a recent earnings call, the firm's CEO, Armin Papperger said that he expected Skyranger contracts from the German military worth between $7-9 billion to be signed this year. The systems would be delivered by 2035. Papperger didn't mention how many Skyrangers Germany is looking to buy, but the German defense and security website hartpunkt reports that orders of this kind of value could amount to between 500 and 600 systems. The same sorts of figures have been suggested by unnamed well-informed sources, hartpunkt adds. Whatever the final figure, this is clearly a very significant investment. It's also notable that the Skyranger represents a type of capability that the German Armed Forces did away with after the end of the Cold War. Previously, the German Army relied on the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun to fulfill many of its short-range air defense (SHORAD) needs, especially on the battlefield. Armed with twin radar-aimed 35mm automatic cannons, mounted on a single turret, the Gepard was based on the chassis of the Leopard 1 main battle tank, meaning it could keep up with armored formations on the move. Search and tracking radars on the Gepard allowed it to locate, track, and engage targets at night and amid poor weather conditions. Although withdrawn from service by Germany in 2010, the Gepard has since found a new lease of life in Ukrainian hands, where it has won plaudits for its performance against Shahed/Geran-type one-way long-range attack drones, in the Gepard and point defense systems like it were intended primarily to engage low-flying tactical aircraft, including helicopters, and to a lesser degree, cruise missiles and tactical jets. Now, conflicts like that in Ukraine have underscored the threat posed by all kinds of drones, as well as cruise missiles. This has led to many different nations seriously rethinking their SHORAD requirements, which were widely neglected once the perceived threat of the Warsaw Pact evaporated. You can read our in-depth article on how this affected the U.S. Army, in particular, here. A video reportedly showing two Russian Shahed-136 (Geran-2) loitering munitions being shot down by the Ukrainians with a German-delivered Flakpanzer Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) during last night's attack in Odesa Oblast, southern Ukraine.… — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) September 7, 2023 What's perhaps most notable about the drone threat, in particular, is how it extends all the way from the kinds of large-scale warfare that would be anticipated in a future conflict between China and the United States in the Pacific, all the way down to smaller national armed forces, and even to non-state actors. It's also worth noting that Germany has already ordered Rheinmetall's Skyranger. In February 2024, the company announced the award of a $695-million contract to supply the German Armed Forces with the Skyranger 30 system, comprising one prototype and 18 series-production vehicles. An option exists for a further 30 systems. The initial Skyranger 30 order is part of the German military's Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz (NNbS) program, which translates as short- and very short-range air defense. In the German application, the Skyranger 30 is integrated into an 8×8 Boxer wheeled armored vehicle. While this doesn't offer the same levels of protection and mobility as the older Gepard, it's cheaper and more easily deployable. Since it's on a wheeled armored platform, it still offers good levels of mobility and protection. In terms of firepower, the Skyranger 30 turret is armed with a single 30mm x 173 KCE revolver gun, rather than the twin 35mm cannons found on the Gepard. However, the guns are supplemented by short-range surface-to-air missiles, which can comprise FIM-92 Stinger, Mistral, or specialized counter-uncrewed air system (CUAS) interceptors. Germany has selected Stinger missiles, which it already uses in the SHORAD role. The guns are also provided with more modern ammunition than was the case with the Gepard, including programmable airburst ammunition, like the AHEAD from Oerlikon. These rounds release a cloud of sub-projectiles just ahead of a target, increasing the probability of a kill and making it better suited to tackling low, slow, and small air threats like drones, rockets, and mortar projectiles. As well as increasing the speed of engagements and boosting lethality, airburst rounds also significantly reduce the risk of collateral damage on the ground. The typical effective range of the 30mm cannon is around 1.8 miles. The primary sensor is the Spexer 2000 3D MKIII X-band pulse-Doppler radar from the German Hensoldt company, which is designed to be especially effective in detecting and tracking small drones, among other aerial threats. It can detect targets at distances of up to 25 miles and is also integrated with an electro-optical sensor package for detection, identification and engagement. As well as Germany, the Skyranger 30 has also been ordered by Austria, and Rheinmetall has reported interest from Lithuania and Denmark. Hungary has meanwhile tasked the company with developing a version of the Skyranger 30 mounted on the Lynx KF41 tracked armored fighting vehicle, as seen in the video below. While there's now widespread agreement that the SHORAD capabilities of many armed forces, especially within NATO, have become alarmingly eroded, especially in light of the fast-developing drone threat, there remain some questions about the best way of dealing with this new reality. On the one hand, gun-based systems like the Skyranger 30 are notably cheaper than using missiles against the same kinds of targets, especially when it comes to lower-end drones that may only cost a matter of several tens of thousands of dollars, or far less. There is also little doubt about the effectiveness of anti-aircraft guns against these kinds of targets. Even the aging Gepard has been reported as having had excellent results in Ukrainian service. There are multiple accounts testifying to the effectiveness of the Gepard against Russian drones, and in some cases, cruise missiles, especially when used in a point defense role against various low-flying aerial targets. However, sourcing the necessary ammunition for Ukraine's German Gepards has proved difficult. As we've noted previously, the vehicles' 35mm automatic cannons were produced in Switzerland, as are significant stockpiles of shells for them. That country's policy of neutrality in regard to the conflict forced the German government to pursue a deal with domestic defense contractor Rheinmetall to restart production of 35mm ammunition in 2023. Ukrainian serviceman talks about his experience commanding the Gepard air-defence system crew. — WarTranslated (@wartranslated) May 26, 2023 Even if the required ammunition is available, it's still not the cheapest solution, especially when it comes to lower-end threats. There is an argument that these are better dealt with by lighter anti-aircraft guns, typically firing 50-caliber ammunition. This is not only considerably cheaper than cannon ammunition for 30mm or 35mm weapons, but is also much more readily available. Ukraine has also introduced a 50-caliber SHORAD system that's optimized to defeat Russian drones, known as Sky Sentinel. This has been described by the Ukrainian Armed Forces as 'a cost-effective and scalable solution for defending both cities and frontline regions from Shaheds, reconnaissance drones, and even cruise missiles.' While Sky Sentinel's range is classified, it combined a 50-caliber heavy machine gun with an AI-enabled fire-control system, and the prototype reportedly found immediate success in bringing down Shahed/Geran drones. Notably, the program was also funded for the military by volunteer donations. Each Sky Sentinel unit costs around $150,000, compared to around $10-12 million for a Skyranger. Using AI also means the Sky Sentinel requires a relatively small crew to operate it, making it ideal for the defense of critical fixed infrastructure. Of course, while a system like the Skyranger is far more expensive than the Sky Sentinel, it is also much more versatile and far more capable. Its range and overall performance mean it can engage a far wider variety of targets, over a much bigger area, and also engage multiple targets more quickly. Meanwhile, its armored platform allows it to traverse the battlefield and provide organic air defense for units on the move. In contrast, a 50-caliber air-defence gun provides a very short effective engagement range against a limited number of gargets in a short timeframe. At the same time, as mentioned above, Germany considers the Skyranger 30 to be just one component of a multi-layered ground-based air defense 'umbrella' that should be able to deal with the whole spectrum of threats, ranging from ballistic missiles all the way down to nano-drones. This will involve a wide range of different air defense solutions, including non-kinetic ones. Anti-aircraft cannons like the Skyranger 30 will play a critical role, but will be a part of a more complex air defense picture. It should also be noted that, since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rheinmetall has also explored the possibility of lower-cost self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. Most interestingly, it has looked at whether Cold War-era Leopard 1 tanks can have their turrets swapped out to be fitted with the Skyranger 35 system, in an initiative driven by Ukraine's insatiable demand for ground-based air defenses. The company has also pitched its more modern Leopard 2 with the same turret, indicative of a broader resurgence in interest in SHORAD systems. Looking further ahead, directed-energy weapons like lasers and microwave emitters, as well as CUAS interceptor drones, will likely augment and possibly one day replace gun and missile systems in many areas, especially in terms of engaging small drones, as well as counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) work. For the time being, however, Germany looks like it is going to respond to the fast-developing drone threat by investing heavily in the Skyranger 30. Such is the scale of the likely procurement that Germany should be able to field Skyranger 30 both in a battlefield SHORAD role and in point defense of critical infrastructure, where a potentially hostile drone presence has already become manifest. With this, the German Armed Forces are set to regain the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun capability that was lost with the withdrawal of the Gepard. Contact the author: thomas@ Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sorrell attempts to revive struggling ad firm with merger talks
Sir Martin Sorrell is vying to revive his struggling advertising agency by exploring a potential takeover of a rival group. S4 Capital, which was founded by Sir Martin in 2018, confirmed it has received an approach from MSQ Partners about a possible merger. The company said any deal would be structured as an acquisition of MSQ Partners by S4 Capital, but warned discussions were at a 'very preliminary stage' and there was no certainty an agreement would be reached. Shares in S4 Capital jumped as much as 10pc on announcement of the talks. MSQ Partners, which is majority-owned by US private equity firm One Equity Partners, was contacted for comment. The discussions will raise questions over the future of Sir Martin, who founded S4 Capital following his acrimonious departure from WPP. He grew the company rapidly in its first few years through a slew of acquisitions. But the ad firm, which counts Amazon and Google among its clients, has been hit by a slowdown in advertising spend and accounting blunders that forced it to delay its financial results twice. S4 has also issued a string of profit warnings in recent years after falling short on optimistic revenue forecasts. Shares have collapsed more than 90pc in the last five years with the company's market value now below £140m, down from a peak of around £5bn in 2021. The ad firm has rolled out heavy cost-cutting measures, slashing hundreds of roles and cutting discretionary spending, but still posted a loss of £307m last year after taking a £280m write-down owing to tough trading conditions. London-based MSQ Partners, which was founded in 2011, employs more than 1,850 people worldwide and counts Diageo, Unilever and Vodafone among its clients. It is not the first time S4 Partners has been linked to a potential merger. The ad firm last year received a takeover offer from US marketing group Stagwell but Sir Martin rebuffed the offer, the Wall Street Journal reported at the time. It comes amid an accelerating trend of consolidation across the advertising industry as traditional agencies grapple with the dominance of tech giants and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI). Omnicom and Interpublic are gearing up for a merger that will create the world's largest advertising company, worth $30bn (£22bn). WPP, which was overtaken by French rival Publicis last year, has also been linked to a potential tie-up with Accenture. WPP, which has appointed former Microsoft executive Cindy Rose to replace Mark Read as its chief executive from next month, has itself wielded the axe on 7,000 jobs over the last year in an effort to slim down its business and cut costs. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
