Archives for December 2024

Happy Tuesday! 🎉 It’s New Year’s Eve, the final day of the year! Whether you’re reflecting on the past year or gearing up for the new one, it’s a time for fresh starts. What’s one thing you’re most excited about for the new year?

In This Issue: A Fresh Start to 2025 | Deal of the Day | Hook and Loop Wrap Strap | Digital Optical Monitoring | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Fresh Start to 2025

Good Morning & Happy New Years Eve!! Can you believe we have made it to the end of 2024!? Seems like the year flew by, but I’m super excited for a fresh start in 2025.

This time of year always feels so strange with Christmas and New Years so close to each other. I definitely lose track of time during these weeks! That said, it’s such a fun time of year to disconnect and just be present with friends and family. That’s exactly what I did last week and it was wonderful. I got to see extended family that I haven’t seen since last Christmas, got to spend quality time with friends, and got to spend lots of time enjoying great food and relaxing with my family. Feeling extremely blessed and recharged as we head into 2025!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Stay goodbye to tangled cables and messy setups with these hook-and-loop wrap straps! These handy cable management straps are reusable and feature a generous 6-inch length and 1/2-inch width. Use them to help keep your cables neat and organized by building cable bundles and taking advantage of the color variety for color-coding clarity.

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Learning Center Article – What Is Digital Optical Monitoring?

Fiber optic networks are powerful, reliable, and essential for many enterprise-level operations, but they are not easy to design, and they can prove challenging to maintain. It requires a lot of time and expertise, but both of those things cost money. If you’re looking for ways to save on network management with fiber optic systems, one bit of technology you might want to explore is digital optical monitoring.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Starting in 2025, American Airlines plans to adopt stricter carry-on size limits, aligning with European standards. Current dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-ons may shrink, potentially steering travelers toward checking bags. Passengers are urged to review updated policies and check their luggage sizes to avoid issues.
• Amazon is selling a $337 mopping robot vacuum, and shoppers say it cleans floors ‘effortlessly’.
• ‘Wicked’ is now the fifth highest grossing movie musical of all time.
• Starting December 31, Dunkin is debuting rich chocolate delights, including the Lava Cake Latte, Lava Cake Coffee, and the Chocolate Whoopie Pie Donut—a glazed chocolate donut filled with whipped vanilla icing. These indulgent treats are available for a limited time.

Happy Monday! 🌲 It’s Falling Needles Family Fest Day—time to recycle your Christmas tree! What creative way do you recycle your tree after the holidays?

In This Issue: Holiday Highlights | Deal of the Day | LC to SC Fiber Cable | Ethernet Jacket Ratings | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Holiday Highlights

Happy Monday!

And welcome back to many of you to what will be another short week! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. It’s always such a sweet season to celebrate and reflect on while also enjoying the time of tradition and of course, gift giving (or if you have kiddos, watching them rip open gifts).

Tell us about your Christmas! What was your favorite part? Did you start any new traditions this year? We can’t wait to hear all about it.

The CK Team

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This OM1 Multimode Fiber Cable features duplex LC to SC connectors for reliable Ethernet and LAN connections. With bend-insensitive fiber, UPC polish for better signal clarity, and a nonconductive riser (OFNR) jacket, it’s perfect for data centers, server rooms, and backbone infrastructure.

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Learning Center Article – All About Ethernet Jacket Ratings

In the world of Ethernet, the fire risks are well understood and carefully controlled by governing agencies. In order to keep up with fire codes, what you really need to understand are Ethernet jacket ratings.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Start the New Year with a treat! On January 1, visit participating Peet’s Coffeebars from 12 p.m. to close, mention “Mocha Mousse” at checkout, and enjoy a free Caffe Mocha to celebrate the Color of the Year.
• The storm system that spun up deadly tornadoes across the Southeast will rush across the northeastern U.S. on Monday before another storm is expected to follow its path, bringing rounds of heavy rain to the region that could hamper travel and impact New Year’s celebrations.
• Walmart is selling a $600 cordless stick vacuum for only $80 that shoppers say is ‘life-changing’.
• Sabrina Carpenter and Dunkin’ are collaborating this holiday season to release Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso, an iced, shaken espresso with brown sugar and oat milk. The specialty drink will be available at Dunkin’ stores nationwide starting Tuesday, Dec. 31. The cost of the drink will vary per market.

Happy Monday! 🎄Just two days until Christmas—are you feeling the holiday excitement yet? What’s left on your holiday to-do list?

In This Issue: Merry Christmas! | Deal of the Day | 12-Outlet PDU | Ethernet Cable Colors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Merry Christmas!

Hey friends! Christin here. I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas from me, Craig, and the team here at CK. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to chat with you here in the CK Daily. I pray this season is one filled with wonderful things for you and your loved ones.

For me personally I have knocked out most of my to do list, though I did have a trim a few things off to get it all done. I keep saying I am most looking forward to December 26th, but if I’m being honest, I feel a little twinge of guilt each time I say it. Since my children have been small, I have tried wholeheartedly to not wish the days away. The days are long, but the years are short, as they say.

Both of my parents are lucky enough (ha!) to have December birthdays, and they visited us over the weekend. We went out to eat to celebrate them, and we chatted about some of their favorite things. They turned 65 and 70 this year, and I was thinking about all of the ways Christmas and birthdays have changed for them over the years. It also made me think about how many more celebrations we’ll have with each of them. The years are indeed short.

Between our visit with family at Thanksgiving and this week, I have had nearly a dozen friends lose loved ones: brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children. Certainly most of them didn’t know that their last gathering with family would be their last. So in the midst of the to do list items, I’ve tried to be present for the meals and visits we’ve been able to have with family and friends. Those memories and conversations are worth so much to me.

What are some ways you keep the important things important during the busy holiday season?

For us this week we’ll be baking yummy treats, serving in our community, attending our church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service, going to look at Christmas lights, exchanging gifts with friends, and (eventually) spending some days in quiet rest. I am looking forward to the rest, but I am also so thankful for the traditions we’re building and memories we’re making with our family and friends.

I hope each of you is able to carve out time in this season for what is most important to you. Let us not allow the never-ending tasks steal our joy but instead choose to be most engaged in the moments that bring us the most joy.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

• Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Christin

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 12 outlet PDU is the perfect power solution for your data center, server room, or network wiring closet. Built with a heavy-duty metal housing, this PDU features 12 total outlets made up of 2 front outlets and 10 rear outlets giving you the ultimate in powering flexibility. It also was built to fit into a standard 19″ rack making it a convenient option to add to your existing rack.

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Learning Center Article – Ethernet Cable Colors: An In-Depth Guide for Companies and Data Centers

Whether it is a small business network, large data center, or sophisticated server room, knowledge of Ethernet cable colors can make a difference in the improvement of operational performance. This guide is created to bring insight into the coloring of Ethernet cables, concerning industry standards, best practices, and practical application.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Roborock Max Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner will take over 2 of your most-hated chores—and it’s $360 off right now.
• Chinese scientists have developed a laser neuron chip that operates a billion times faster than biological neurons. This could signify another breakthrough in artificial intelligence.
• Despite some companies like Amazon and AT&T advocating for a return to office-based work, economists predict hybrid work will remain dominant as employees prioritize flexibility. Businesses embracing remote work often see better productivity and stock performance, while those demanding full in-office attendance risk losing top talent to more flexible competitors.
• From December 23-28, Crumbl Cookies is offering holiday treats like No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Pretzel Pie, and Chocolate Cake. Other highlights include Peppermint Cupcake, Cinnamon Roll, and classic Gingersnap Cookies. Perfect for holiday celebrations or sweet indulgence!

Happy Friday! 🎶 It’s Go Caroling Day—time to spread joy through song! What’s your favorite holiday tune to sing or hear this season?

In This Issue: Lighting Up the Holidays | Deal of the Day | Smart Serial Cable | IEC Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Lighting Up the Holidays

Happy Friday!

As Christmas approaches, it’s fascinating to reflect on how technology has shaped the way we celebrate the season. Consider the humble Christmas light, once a string of hand-wired incandescent bulbs that required serious patience (and sometimes a miracle) to untangle and get working. Now, we have vibrant, energy-efficient LED lights, smart systems that sync to our favorite holiday music, and even programmable displays controlled from our smartphones.

But the evolution of holiday tech doesn’t stop at lights! From animated outdoor displays that rival theme parks to AI-powered apps that help us plan the perfect holiday meal or track Santa’s progress across the globe, technology has lit-up the season with endless possibilities (see what we did there). Even the simple act of gathering around for a classic Christmas movie has been transformed with streaming platforms and surround sound systems.

Who knows what’s next for holiday tech? Perhaps holographic carolers, augmented reality decorations, or voice-controlled gift-wrapping assistants are just around the corner.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition that’s been elevated by technology? We’d love to hear about it.

The CK Team

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Work smarter by making your data cables work harder for you. Our Cisco Smart Serial WIC-2T 26 Pin V.35 Male DTE data cables are 10 full feet to accommodate your applications. Our high-quality cables are designed to help you maintain a strong connection.

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Learning Center Article – Ready for Reliable Power? Discover IEC Connectors That Will Not Let You Down

In today’s digital age, almost every electronic device relies on a dependable power source to operate effectively. One key factor that ensures these devices function well is the type of connector used to supply power. Among the various types of connectors, IEC connectors are known for their safety, versatility, and global standardization.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Nestled in northeastern France, Strasbourg is a storybook destination. Its telltale mix of French and German culture comes to life through the fairy-tale architecture, culinary traditions, and small-town charm.
• Disney’s Moana 2 has earned $342 million domestically and $722 million globally, ranking among the top 75 highest-grossing U.S. films. While it may lose its top spot to Mufasa: The Lion King and upcoming releases, it remains a major box office hit.
• Hyundai’s newly unveiled Ioniq 9 SUV sets a new standard for electric vehicles with an impressive 385-mile range on a single charge. Powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, it can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350-kilowatt charger, building on the success of its predecessor.
• The return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the International Space Station has been delayed again, extending their mission to over nine months. Doctors are concerned about the impact of prolonged stays in space on their health.

Happy Thursday! 🎁 It’s National Re-gifting Day, so whether you’re exchanging laughs or presents, let’s keep the holiday cheer going strong. Have any fun gift exchange plans?

In This Issue: The Heart of Christmas: Love & Togetherness | Deal of the Day | Cisco Meraki Security Appliance | Fixture Joint Termination | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – The Heart of Christmas: Love & Togetherness

Happy Thursday!

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. There’s something magical about decorating the tree, baking cookies, and spending time with extended family and friends I don’t get to see as often during the year. It’s a season filled with warmth, love, and togetherness.

For me, Christmas isn’t about the stuff—it’s about the moments spent with the people who matter most. It’s those shared laughs, heartfelt conversations, and the simple joy of being together that make the season so special.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love and meaningful moments!

Brooke

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco Meraki MX64W-HW is a cloud-managed security and SD-WAN appliance that delivers secure, optimized connectivity for distributed locations. Featuring firewalling, content filtering, intrusion detection, and Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), it simplifies remote management and eliminates the need for multiple devices.

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Learning Center Article – Step-by-Step Guide to Fixture Joint Termination

When it comes to electrical work or networking installations, knowing how to properly terminate fixture joints is essential. Not only does it ensure everything runs smoothly, but it also keeps you safe and helps avoid costly mistakes down the road. In this guide, we will learn the step-by-step process of fixture joint termination, covering the tools you need, the methods you can use, and some common mistakes to avoid.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• The Russo Brothers’ The Electric State, based on Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, premieres on Netflix on March 14, 2025. Starring Millie Bobby Brown, the film follows a teenager and her robot companion navigating a retro-futuristic 1997 after a robot uprising. With stunning visuals, a gripping dystopian storyline, and a star-studded cast, this sci-fi adventure is shaping up to be a Netflix must-watch.
• After a surge in drone sightings in the Northeast last month, reports are now emerging across the U.S., including California and Utah.
• Millions of Americans are bracing for snowstorms as the upper Midwest and northern Great Plains continue to face severe winter weather.
• McDonald’s unveils menu items for 2025 — with new burger and katsu wrap.

Happy Wednesday! 🎄 The holiday countdown is on! What’s one thing you’re most excited for this season? Let’s make this week merry and productive!

In This Issue: Holiday Games with the Family! | Deal of the Day | USB to DB9 Converter Cable | Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cable | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Holiday Games with the Family!

Happy Wednesday!

Hearing from me two times in one week?! How fun! I’ll keep today simple.

This weekend, we had our 2nd annual family gathering where we played Family Feud and boy was it a blast! It was fun playing and seeing what answers everyone came up with. Being under pressure is hard when you’re in the moment…it makes you wonder how the people on TV really feel!

Do you play games with your family around the holidays? What are your favorite games to play?

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Using this cable is the fastest and easiest way to connect serial devices to the USB port on your computer. This assures that your serial devices will be supported for years to come. In addition, this cable can be used as one of a two-part solution to console into networking devices. You can use this cable to access the serial port on your PC via USB, then a standard console cable (72-3383-01 for example) to achieve a USB to RJ45 console cable!

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Learning Center Article – What is a Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cable? Common Types And Uses

Commonly referred to as DAC cables, these provide a high-speed, cost-effective solution for connecting switches, routers, and servers over short distances. By eliminating the need for transceivers, DAC cables ensure a seamless and efficient connection, reducing both power consumption and latency.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Beloved kids’ show Bluey is heading to theaters with its first feature film, premiering in 2027.
• OpenAI is transforming ChatGPT into an all-encompassing “everything app,” following its ambitious “12 Days of OpenAI” campaign. With features enabling text, audio, voice, and image interaction, and seamless integration with iPhones through an Apple partnership, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a central hub for productivity, creativity, and communication—eliminating the need to switch between multiple apps.
• During a flight delay in Atlanta, 70-year-old Army veteran Wayne Hoey played Christmas songs on his saxophone, calming fussy toddlers and delighting passengers. His impromptu performance turned a tense wait into a joyful moment, earning praise both on the plane and online after a video of the serenade went viral.
• Starting December 19, Taco Bell is launching its Crispy Chicken Nuggets, marinated in jalapeño buttermilk and coated with tortilla chips for a bold twist on a classic. Paired with three new sauces, including Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, the nuggets are available in 5-piece and 10-piece options, with combos starting at $5.99. Available for a limited time—don’t miss out!