Archives for January 2025

Happy Wednesday! We’ve made it to the middle of the week. How’s your to-do list coming along? Cheers to a successful day and full cups (of whatever keeps you running during the day)!

In This Issue: Another Trip Around the Sun | Deal of the Day | Extension Cable | Best PDUs for a Reliable Data Center | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Another Trip Around the Sun

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week! Last week I celebrated another trip around the sun and it was such a sweet day. My husband planned out all sorts of fun surprises, made sure I had the chance to enjoy all of my favorite foods and drinks and even topped off the night with my favorite cake from Publix!

I think as you get older birthday’s get a little more strange haha but this year, I was grateful just to celebrate antoher year! I am proud of all that I accomplished in the prior year, even if it really wasn’t that much.

What do you enjoy about your birthday? How do you like to celebrate?

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily extend your connection with this 10-foot USB 2.0 A to A cable, perfect for linking USB peripherals to your computer.

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Learning Center Article – Say Goodbye to Power Issues: Best PDUs for a Reliable Data Center

In today’s digital world, data centers are the backbone of essential online services and provide crucial support for data storage across various industries. A reliable power supply is key to keeping them running smoothly. Even a brief power outage can lead to data loss, downtime, and costly repairs. This is where Power Distribution Units (PDUs) are essential. PDUs ensure safe, efficient power flow to all devices in a data center. Without PDUs, managing and monitoring power in these complex setups would be difficult, making them vital for data center reliability and efficiency.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple’s next-generation CarPlay aims to integrate gauges and car controls across multiple screens, replacing traditional instrument and infotainment clusters. Initially set for a 2024 launch, the feature is facing adoption challenges.
• DirecTV launches ‘MySports’ streaming package with 40 channels, priced less than its cheapest pay-tv Plan.
• Disney and Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, Pixar’s Inside Out 2, Disney Animation’s Moana 2, and Universal’s Wicked drove strong box office results in late 2024, helping annual ticket sales reach $8.74 billion—just 3.4% below 2023. Disney led the domestic market with 25% of total sales.
• Chinese social media app RedNote has been thrust into the limelight after more than half a million TikTok users recently joined the platform in protest against a likely imminent ban on the short video app in the United States.

Happy Tuesday! We hope you are having a great week so far. There is so much going on in the world around us that is heavy and overwhelming for many. If you have any specific prayer requests, please share them with us. 🙏🏻 We are grateful to have you as part of the CK family.

In This Issue: Snowy Adventures and Mountain Thrills! | Deal of the Day | Kendall Howard Small Form Factor CPU Wall Mount Shelf | Cat5 vs. Cat6 Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Snowy Adventures and Mountain Thrills!

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Yesterday, Cris mentioned the snow that Georgia received on Friday, and I have to agree that it was quite a treat! We get snow so rarely that I think we all have some childlike wonder as we watch it fall from the sky. It was beautiful to see!

Speaking of snow, I just got back from visiting Highlands Outpost and it was so much fun! It’s located in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, and they have snow tubing, ice skating, and a mountain roller coaster, plus some activities for little kids. Typically, the only snow there is what they make for the mountain that you tube down, but everything was covered with snow thanks to the arctic blast so it was a beautiful scene! The tubing was an absolute blast, and I can’t even count how many times we did it. The ice skating was fun as well, although I was so nervous about falling! The coaster was also a blast! It’s called the “Scaly Mountain Screamer” and you get to go out in your own little cart (up to 2 people). Of course, we turned it into a competition to see who could get the fastest time. I think we did the coaster about 7 times trying to up our speeds! It truly was a great day, and I’d highly recommend paying them a visit if you live nearby!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Kendall Howard’s Small-Form-Factor 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 small-form-factor PC to the wall or side of the desk. The velcro strap secures the PC to the bracket.

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Learning Center Article – Cat5 vs. Cat6 Ethernet Cables: What’s the Difference?

Ethernet cables are the backbone of both home and business networks. As technology evolves, so do the standards for these cables, leading to faster speeds, better performance, and improved data handling. In this article, we’ll compare Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cables to help you make an informed decision.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• YouTube sensation MrBeast has joked about buying the social media app TikTok to stop its ban from going ahead in the U.S.
• Segway unveiled the Xyber, a powerful off-road e-bike, at CES 2025. Featuring a 6,000-watt motor, it boasts a top speed of 77 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 20 mph in 2.7 seconds. Now available for pre-order at AUD $5,499, deliveries are set for late January.
• Netflix and Comcast among companies donating to LA wildfire relief effort.
• Dunkin’ faces doughnut shortage across U.S. locations.

Happy Monday! 🎉 It’s National Sticker Day, and here at CK, we LOVE stickers! What’s your favorite CK sticker you’ve received? Got any ideas for new designs? Share them with us—we’d love to add your ideas to our lineup!

In This Issue: Snowy Adventures, Challenges, and Gratitude! | Deal of the Day | 2U Cable Manager 12-Finger Duct with Cover | Crimp Tools | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Snowy Adventures, Challenges, and Gratitude!

Happy Monday!

What a weekend! Georgia got blanketed in snow on Friday and it was quite the treat! The kids got a snow day and we had more snow here than we’ve seen in several years. They were able to make a snowman and go sledding. Unfortunately, it was very short lived as the snow started to freeze over when temperatures cooled overnight and then on Saturday during the day everything started to melt. It was definitely fun while it lasted and a pleasant wintery sight.

The only downside was we lost our water (or rather it just stopped flowing)! One of our pipes leading from our well to our home burst, but luckily, I kept some water stored as backup so we were able to survive somewhat comfortably. (We’re still waiting for a plumber to come this morning to check things out, wish us luck!). But, overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the winter weather and enjoyed staying in and playing Catan with the family. I’m very grateful we didn’t lose power. Losing both power and water would have been devastating!

On a side note, my heart goes out to all the Angelenos affected by the wildfires. Please be praying for them and the firefighters battling the blazes!

I hope you have a great day and a wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The cable manager duct features 12 fingers that can securely hold a multitude of cables, keeping them separated, organized, and accessible. The cover further enhances cable protection by concealing and safeguarding the cables from dust, accidental disconnections, or any physical disturbances. This design ensures a neat, professional appearance while also maintaining the optimal functioning of the interconnected devices.

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Learning Center Article – Crimp Tools: Your Guide to Easier Networking and Cable Repairs

Networking and cable repairs can be frustrating without the right tools. A crimp tool simplifies the process, securely attaching connectors to cables for reliable connections. Whether you’re setting up Ethernet, fixing a TV signal, or working on electrical wiring, a crimp tool makes everything faster and easier.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Waystar has introduced AltitudeCreate, a generative AI tool designed to help hospitals efficiently tackle insurance denials by automating the creation of appeal letters, reducing costs and saving time.
• Ahead of looming ban, TikTok creators ask fans to find them on Instagram or YouTube.
• Roku express streaming media player with remote now only $17.99.
• Malley’s Chocolates has launched a new candy experience, marshmallow crunch freeze-dried candy. The new sweet treat transforms Malley’s chocolate-covered gooey marshmallow and caramel candy into a chocolate-accented light, crunchy alternative.

IMPORTANT: Due to weather conditions our warehouse will be closed today, Friday, January 10th.

Happy Friday! 🌿 It’s National Houseplant Appreciation Day! A reminder to show some love to those green beauties around your home. Have you given your plants the care they deserve this week?

In This Issue: From Lazy Days to Active Ways | Deal of the Day | Dell Lithium-Ion Battery | USB Power Adapters | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – From Lazy Days to Active Ways

Happy Friday, everyone!

Another week is in the books—way to go! As we wrap up this week, I wanted to share a personal New Year’s resolution of mine: to get physically fit in 2025.

Working remotely since 2018 has been a blessing in many ways, but it’s also been a bit of a challenge for my health. My days often look the same—working, eating, sitting, and sleeping on repeat. And weekends? They’re usually spent catching up on rest or binge-watching Netflix, with only a little walking around the market or running errands.

Thankfully, my mom helps keep my diet in check by preparing home-cooked meals filled with fruits and veggies (she’s the real MVP for keeping me away from instant food!).

But I know fitness goes beyond just eating well—it’s about moving my body and making exercise part of my daily routine. As a beginner, I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or advice for kickstarting a fitness journey? I’d love to hear your beginner-friendly recommendations!

Let’s cheer each other on as we work toward our 2025 goals. Wishing you all a fantastic and productive weekend ahead!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Servers are the workhorse of your network. They store your data, act as a web server, house your entire email library, run your applications, and occasionally act as your print server. Sometimes, servers need to have a little backup. This is where a controller battery comes into play. This is a brand-new backup battery for specific Dell servers.

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Learning Center Article – USB Power Adapters: Everything You Need to Know

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.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Bluetti unveiled the EnergyPro 6K at CES 2025, a cost-efficient backup power solution designed for small-to-mid-sized homes. Featuring passive cooling for reliability and a 10-year lifespan, the EnergyPro 6K integrates seamlessly into whole-home energy systems and can power up to five units in parallel.
• The department store Macy’s Inc. announced on Thursday that it would close 66 underperforming stores in 2025.
• 10 dead, 10K structures destroyed as LA fires turn neighborhoods into ash.
• Fast-food restaurant chain Wendy’s is expected to come up with an interesting collaboration with the Girl Scouts of the USA soon. According to an Instagram page run by Tyler Bowers, the food joint is reportedly launching a new Thin Mints Frosty on February 21, 2025.

Happy Thursday! 🍑 It’s National Apricot Day! Whether fresh, dried, or canned, this sweet and tart fruit is a treat in so many ways. How do you like to enjoy apricots?

In This Issue: 15 Years of Gratitude and Growth! | Deal of the Day | Cisco Aironet Antenna | SFP Modules | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – 15 Years of Gratitude and Growth!

Late last year I celebrated a huge milestone of 15-years working for CablesAndKits! When I reflect on what drives me, I think of the people that I work with day-in and day-out who are all such hard-working and intelligent individuals, serving clients in hopes of always leaving the most positive impression while garnering trust, and finding ways to constantly grow both personally and professionally. My clients and coworkers give me the grace to do that each and every day – and I am beyond thankful!

With that being said, CablesAndKits wouldn’t be where we are without you. Your support, feedback, and loyalty inspire us to keep growing and evolving and I’m looking forward to creating more meaningful moments with my coworkers and clients this year.

Here’s to a year filled with joy, health, prosperity for everyone reading this. May this year bring you everything you’ve dreamed of and more!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Mandy

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The AIR-ANT4941 can be used with all Cisco access points equipped with a RP-TNC connector. Designed for indoor use, at 54Mbps this antenna gives approximately 90 ft of coverage.

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Learning Center Article – What Are SFP Modules?

​Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers are a core technology in many networks, providing communication between switches and important network components. SFP’s are popular due to their small size, versatile connection options (copper or fiber optic), and hot swappable capability.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Chick-fil-A is using robots to handle the bulk of its lemon juice production at its Bay Center Foods facility, a move it says will boost efficiency and reduce waste.
• Walmart is selling a $485 portable power station for $200 that’s ‘indispensable’ in emergency situations.
• Netflix’s new thriller, Carry-On, has been hailed by viewers as the best movie of the past year and has broken records with 149.4 million views in under four weeks. The film follows an airport security officer racing to stop a mysterious traveler from smuggling a dangerous item onto a Christmas Eve flight.
• Charlotte’s Lovin’ Life Music Fest, which debuted in 2024 and attracted thousands of fans, has been named one of the top 10 new festivals in the U.S. to check out this year.

Happy Wednesday! 💼 It’s National Career Coach Day! Today, we’re celebrating the amazing coaches who help us reach our career goals. Shout out to anyone who’s helped you in your career journey!

In This Issue: New Year, New Meals | Deal of the Day | DisplayPort Cable | Best Way to Connect Multiple Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Year, New Meals

Happy Wednesday!

I hope you’re having a great week so far! I don’t have much to share this week, but the first thing that came to mind this morning was, “I wonder if anyone has a new/good recipe they can share for me to try this year?” So, here’s my ask! Do you have any meals that you enjoyed last month or so far this year, or maybe they’re just staples in your home, that you can share?! I’m looking for some new meals to try this year for dinner but also some new baked goods.

Lately, I’ve been on a cinnamon roll making kick and this past weekend I threw banana bread in the mix. I have to give myself a pat on the back because both of the ones I made this weekend were 10 out of 10.

Anyway, look forward to what you might share!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

DisplayPort cables are used to connect your devices to a monitor. Primarily used for connecting your monitor to your PC, this cable will provide high performance based on updated signal and prootocl technology.

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Learning Center Article – Best Way to Connect Multiple Switches

What is the purpose of connecting multiple switches? In most cases, the goal is to expand network access. When you connect switches, you get more ports that can be used, and that means more devices can utilize the network. Depending on the configuration, connecting multiple switches can also increase the bandwidth of the network. This is important for any demanding network that is short on total bandwidth.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Flying with your trusty carry-on bag is practically a rite of passage for modern travel. But American Airlines might be set to shake things up. In 2025 the airline plans to implement a revised baggage policy that could redefine what you’re allowed to bring on board.
• The new year has brought with it another streaming service announcing it will be raising prices. Per The Wrap, Discovery+ is increasing the price of its ad-supported tier as well as its ad-free tier by $1 each. That brings the ad-supported tier price to $5.99 per month and its ad-free version to $9.99 monthly. New subscribers will see the price hike effective immediately and existing subscribers have received 30 days’ notice that the price increase will start on their next bill, on or after Feb. 7.
• Dunkin’ recently teamed up with Native for a collection of doughnut-inspired personal care items. This limited-edition lineup includes a handful of deodorants, body washes, shampoos, and conditioners — all in varying degrees of sweetness. It’s now available at Walmart stores across the country, as well as Native’s online site.
• McDonald’s will officially launch its new ‘McValue’ meal deal this week across locations nationwide. The new menu, first announced in November, will offer customers ‘even more ways to enjoy the food they love, for less,’ featuring eight items – some of which will only cost one dollar.