Archives for August 2024

Happy Friday! We hope you have a wonderful long weekend and find time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Stay safe!

Note: CablesAndKits will be closed on Monday, September 2nd. We will be back in the office on Tuesday, September 3rd ready to get your orders out the door!

In This Issue: The History of Labor Day | Cisco 1000BASE-SX SFP Module | The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – The History of Labor Day

Happy Friday! Today we wanted to take some time to share about the history of Labor Day.

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, is more than just a long weekend—it’s a day dedicated to honoring the hard work and dedication of American workers who have shaped our country. Here’s a quick look at the history behind this meaningful holiday:

• The idea of Labor Day was born during the Industrial Revolution, a time when American workers faced long hours, poor working conditions, and little recognition. Labor activists and unions began advocating for a holiday to honor the vital role of the American workforce.
• The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union. Thousands of workers paraded through the streets to promote fair working conditions and the dignity of labor.
• Following the Pullman Strike, a nationwide railroad strike, and the deaths of workers during the protests, Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday, signed into law by President Grover Cleveland in 1894.
• Originally meant to honor the contributions of American workers, Labor Day has evolved into a day for family gatherings, community events, and relaxation, symbolizing the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
• Today, Labor Day serves as a reminder of the progress made through workers’ rights movements and the ongoing efforts to ensure fair treatment and conditions for all workers.

Let’s take a moment this Labor Day to reflect on the hard work and determination that built our nation and continues to drive it forward! Enjoy the long weekend.

The CK Team

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco GLC-SX-MMD module is a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver that is used for transmitting and receiving data over Multimode fiber optic cables only. It operates on 50um multimode fiber links up to 550m and on 62.5um Fiber Distributed Data Interface – grade multimode fibers up to 220m at a data rate of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).

---

Learning Center Article – The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables

Power cords and cables are essential components in our daily lives. They power everything from household appliances to complex industrial machinery. Understanding their various types, applications, and safety considerations can help you choose the right product for your needs.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Chick-fil-A is testing out a new method to get food to customers. On Aug. 22, the fast food chain opened an innovative restaurant, the latest of several new restaurant concepts the brand has tested this year. The new, two-story restaurant, does not use its space for dine-in seating. Instead, the drive-thru-only restaurant houses a kitchen twice the size of one typically found in Chick-fil-A locations to service four drive-thru lanes, per a press release.
• Planters’ apple cider donut cashews and pumpkin spice almonds are back on shelves! Who’s excited?
• Consumers who cut their cable cord in recent years are finding that there’s one thing about linear TV they can’t escape: political ads. With the U.S. presidential election less than 70 days away, campaigns are swarming streaming services like Roku and Hulu to such a degree that connected TVs are seeing more ad spending than internet platforms such as Facebook and Google
• GM will fold its electric BrightDrop commercial vans into the Chevrolet brand in an attempt to increase sales, accessibility and recognition of the vehicles.

Happy Wednesday & Happy National Power Rangers Day! Whether you’re a fan of the Mighty Morphin classics or the latest adventures, today is the day to celebrate the heroes in colorful suits who taught us about teamwork, courage, and never giving up. Go, go Power Rangers!

In This Issue: A first time for everything! | Meraki AC Power Cord | SFP-10G-SR vs. SFP-10G-SR-S | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – A first time for everything!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you’re having a great week.

Similar to what Rebecca shared yesterday, I got the joy of participating in iServe Ministries Golf Tournament and it was a blast! It was actually the first time I’ve ever been on a golf course and I think I did pretty good for my first time. I’ve hit several golf balls before at TopGolf and just in general (not the same…I know) but have never played a true game of golf. Waking up today, I’m a little sore! But it makes me have more of an appreciation for those who play often and also for pro golfers who don’t get to roll around the course on a golf cart.

Anyways, it was a great time with the team and a great time supporting the mission and vision of the iServe Team. If you want to learn more about what they do, you can do so here.

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Also, book update coming soon. I’ve been on a role with Audio Books lately. Any suggestions?! Send them my way!

Ashley

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

This Meraki Power Cord with US plug was designed for use with a wide variety of Cisco Meraki MS switches and Meraki MX Security Devices. View the full list here.

---

Learning Center Article – SFP-10G-SR vs. SFP-10G-SR-S

Choosing the right transceiver module for your needs plays a key role in making your network run smoother and faster. For 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Cisco offers two variations, the SFP-10G-SR and the SFP-10G-SR-S, both excellent choices but they work slightly differently.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• On Wednesday 28 August, Paris will host its first-ever Paralympic Games, and will begin with a spectacular Opening Ceremony in the heart of France’s capital. Read more about it here.
• Eighteen people have been injured this summer in a seaside town in Japan by what is likely a solitary dolphin that has been separated from its pod.
• NFL owners voted on Tuesday to allow select private equity firms to invest at up to 10% of a team stake.
• A 3,500-year-old jar has been accidentally smashed into pieces by a four-year-old boy during a trip to a museum in Israel. Read more here.

Happy Tuesday! We hope you are having a wonderful week. Today, some of our team is participating in iServe Ministries’ Golf Tournament!

In This Issue: iServe Charity Golf Tournament | Exhaust Fan Module | USB Power Adapters | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – iServe Charity Golf Tournament

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday! I am getting ready to head out the door to participate in the iServe Charity Golf Tournament today and am quite excited about it! I’m horrible at golf, but love to play!

This golf tournament is in support of iServe Ministries which is a local nonprofit with a vision to end generational poverty in the communities they serve through meeting practical needs and teaching life skills. It’s a profoundly impactful vision because it addresses both immediate challenges and equips individuals with lifelong skills that will serve them and their families far into the future. They’re working on some exciting things over there!

They are doing great work currently by packing and delivering backpacks full of food to local schools, and operating a mobile food pantry that feeds up to 350 families per week! Incredible stuff!

You can learn more about all they do here!

Rebecca

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

Designed to keep Nexus switches nice and cool, this Port-side exhaust fan module, blue in color to indicate Forward Airflow is used to optimize airflow in the Nexus 9332 and 9372.

---

Learning Center Article – USB Power Adapters

USB power adapters are essential for charging and powering a wide range of electronic devices. Their importance lies in their universality, convenience, and efficiency, adapting to various charging needs and standards like USB-C, which offers faster charging and data transfer.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• A SpaceX capsule carrying four private citizens will have to wait to launch into space after a helium leak forced a launch delay until later this week.
• Wildfires are increasingly hitting the Pacific Crest Trail which runs the length of the West Coast.
• Pizza Hut invented a box that folds into a miniature table for your moving day pizza.
• Canada is launching a 100% tariff on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles.

Happy Monday & Happy National Dog Day! Send us allllllll the photos of your 4-legged friends and be sure to give them some extra treats today.

In This Issue: Park Adventures | Kendall Howard Desktop CPU Wall Mount Shelf | The Ultimate Guide to Cable Management in Data Centers | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – Park Adventures

Happy Monday!

I managed to get myself sick over the weekend. I’m hoping it’s not Covid, but I am feeling a bit crummy. Over the weekend, I went to the grand opening of DeLay Nature Park next to Suwanee Town Center in Suwanee Georgia. This was a huge addition to the existing park adding more parking and more space for festivals and activities. The only thing I didn’t love about the park was a park spanning bridge that sort of curves through the middle of the park. The problem with the bridge is that it has zero shade, so if you decide to walk on it when the sun is high you will get baked! Here’s more information about the park.

I hope you have a great day and wonderful week!

Thanks,
Cris

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

Kendall Howard’s Desktop/Tower Wall Mount CPU Brackets are designed to get the computer off the floor and the desktop. The brackets make it easy to secure and mount any desktop PC to the wall or side of the desk. The included velcro strap secures the PC to the bracket.

---

Learning Center Article – The Ultimate Guide to Cable Management in Data Centers

In the intricate world of data centers, effective cable management stands as a cornerstone of operational efficiency and reliability. Mismanaged cables can lead to increased downtime, safety hazards, and hindered performance.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Stadiums are starting to embrace facial recognition. Read more about it here.
• The Biden administration will resume offering free at-home Covid tests to American households in late September amid a summer surge of the virus.
• Dexcom launched its first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor called Stelo. Users can buy a one-month supply online for $99, or sign up for an ongoing subscription at $89 a month. Stelo is also FSA and HSA eligible.
• Microsoft reported they will release a preview of its new Windows Recall AI capabilities in October to user in the Windows Insider Program.

Happy Thursday & Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! Do you have exciting memories of the tooth fairy? What fun goodies did the tooth fairy bring you?

In This Issue: Fall is…here?! | Cat6 Ethernet Cable, Pull Box | NaaS (Networking as a Service) | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – Fall is…here?!

Happy Thursday!

The weather here in Georgia is starting to cool off and I’m not mad about it! It’s been beautiful outside these past few days and it makes for mid-day or afternoon walks to be so enjoyable. Today, Starbucks dropped their fall menu of drinks. Secretly, these and the Christmas drinks are some of my favorites….but, it might be just a tad too early but that seems to be the trend for several things this year. Football season seems like it’s kicking off a bit earlier than normal and the back to school season also felt earlier than normal.

I think the thing that has really thrown me off is Hobby Lobby! They’ve had the Christmas decorations about for a while now, but this past weekend I saw that they kicked off their highly anticipated 50% off sale of the Christmas décor. Usually I’d be excited, but I’m not in that mindset at all! Actually when I walked by the door of Hobby Lobby this weekend, it was scorching outside.

Do you like all the things coming out earlier this year? What are you most looking forward to for the upcoming end of the year holiday season?

Ashley

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

Why bulk cables? They are designed to improve the lives of installers and administrators everywhere. Ok, that might be a little dramatic, but this 1000′ Pull Box, 550MHZ UTP of Blue Ethernet Cables is designed to allow professionals to easily run lengths and long runs on the fly. Why plan ahead? These pure copper cables are more cost effective because you can cut and terminate them at pennies a cord.

---

Learning Center Article – NaaS (Networking as a Service)

Networking can prove challenging, especially when your business and networking needs grow. It takes a lot of expertise, not to mention time, money, and energy to design, build, and maintain a professional network.

If you’re looking for an easier option, it does exist, and it goes by the name, “NaaS”.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Hershey is bringing back 6 fan-favorite candies for Halloween 2024. Reese’s Pumpkins, Reese’s Skeletons, Reese’s Assorted Jumbo Bag Snack Size Shapes, Hersey’s Milk Chocolate Harry Potter Standard Size Bar and Kisses, Chocolate & Sweets Assortments, and Halloween-themed SkinnyPop and Pirate’s Booty.
• Today marks the official opening of Chick-fil-A’s first-ever elevated drive-thru restaurant in Georgia. The popular Atlanta-based fast-food chain built the restaurant in McDonough so that its super-sized kitchen sits above a set of four drive-thru lanes. Read more here.
• Starting Thursday, August 22, the fall menu will return to Starbucks stores in the U.S., marking what many consider the unofficial start of the season.
• Peloton and Planet Fitness are expanding their investments in strength over cardio equipment as more women and young people opt for weights at the gym. Planet Fitness changed its gyms up to focus on strength workouts and noted that strength equipment tends to be less expensive. Peloton is now testing whether strength training could be part of its way forward with a new beta app.

Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway through the week and we hope your to-do list is shrinking. Cheers to powering through and getting IT done.

In This Issue: Let’s Get IT Done. | Screws for Cisco 8800 Series | The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – Let’s Get IT Done.

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week. Question for those who have been with us for a while…do you have a CablesAndKits mousepad? How’s it holding up? (Send us a picture!! We’d love to see it if you have one.) Some of us on the team still have one and it’s certainly looking quite faded from the use! Good news…new ones are here and will start going out in orders soon. Woo!

If you’ve seen lately, we’ve been embracing our tagline of “Let’s Get IT Done.” Our goal here is to get it done, help you get it done, get IT done, get your projects done, get information technology done…you get it. At the end of the day, we want to help you get your projects done on time and with as little stress and hassle as possible! And that’s exactly what the mousepad mailers say. So, stay tuned for those to come in orders soon!

That said, if you need something or need helping getting something ordered…we’re here and ready to help! We’ve got an incredible team here behind the scenes ready to help.

Ashley

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

These are the screws that are included with the Cisco 8800 Series expansion module. If you have the module itself but have lost your screws, order these as replacements. This is a package of 2, the amount originally included with this module.

---

Learning Center Article – The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables

Power cords and cables are essential components in our daily lives. They power everything from household appliances to complex industrial machinery. Understanding their various types, applications, and safety considerations can help you choose the right product for your needs. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about power cords and cables.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Ford Motor is delaying production of a new plant in Tennessee to produce a next-generation all-electric pickup truck and canceling plans for a three-row electric SUV.
• Shein has sued Temu for copyright infringement as it fends off similar allegations from a host of brands and independent artists.
• Alphabet-owned Waymo said it provides more than 100,000 paid robotaxi rides per week to users in the U.S., double the number it announced in May.
• Reese’s is launching the new Werewolf Tracks peanut butter cups at retailers nationwide. The new cup features a layer of milk chocolate topped with vanilla-flavored white creme and filled with Reese’s classic peanut butter.