Archives for February 2025

Midweek check-in! ✅ How’s your to-do list shaping up? Whether you’re crushing tasks or playing catch-up, keep pushing forward—you’re halfway to the weekend!

In This Issue: What’s in Your Collection? | Deal of the Day | Hi-Speed USB Cable | Are switches and routers the same thing? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – What’s in Your Collection?

Happy Wins-day, everyone!

One of my little wins this week is finally getting a cabinet for my mom’s surplus collection! She loves buying porcelain mugs, plates, and anything fragile, so having a proper place to store them is a big deal. Since we moved into our new house last year, we’ve been slowly investing in home essentials—this cabinet being one of them!

And it’s not just my mom who’s into collecting—my boyfriend has his own collection of miniature robots, so I’m starting to think we’ll need even more organizers to keep everyone’s treasures in order. 😅

That got me wondering—do you have a collection of your own? Whether it’s something classic like books or stamps, or something unique, I’d love to hear (or even see!) what you’ve been collecting. Drop a comment and share your favorite finds!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This durable 6-foot Hi-Speed USB 2.0 A Male to B Male cable ensures reliable connections between devices with USB A female ports. Ideal for extended reach, it delivers consistent performance and blends seamlessly with other cords thanks to its sleek black design. Not intended for connecting two host computers or a computer to a hub.

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Learning Center Article – Are switches and routers the same thing?

When learning about networks, there are a lot of terms and concepts, and in the beginning, it can get pretty confusing. Something that can help is a simplified breakdown of some of the most essential aspects of networking. You can take a minute to demystify these devices and better understand your own networks.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple’s iOS 18.3 update introduces Starlink satellite connectivity, allowing iPhones to send messages even without a cellular signal. By linking to SpaceX’s satellites, this breakthrough enhances reliability, reduces dropped messages, and improves emergency communication.
• Google will hold its annual developer conference, Google I/O, on May 20, 2025. It will be held over two days, and is an opportunity for all those working in the world of Android, Gemini, Wear OS, and the entire Google ecosystem to come together and learn about new products, services, and technology.
• It’s official: people are spending more time watching YouTube on their TVs than on their phones. In the platform’s annual letter, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan revealed that viewers are watching more than 1 billion hours of YouTube content on their TVs every day.
• Crumbl is celebrating Valentine’s Week with a special menu featuring seven returning desserts and one new treat, all in soft pink hues to match the season of love. These limited-time sweets come in a festive red box and are available for order online or at Crumbl locations.

Happy Tuesday! 🔧 It’s National Inventors’ Day! From light bulbs to laptops, we rely on ingenious inventions every day. What’s one invention you just can’t live without? (We’re guessing Wi-Fi might top the list!)

In This Issue: A Small Habit for Big Results | Deal of the Day | Rack Mount Slide-On Clip Nuts | SFP Modules | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Small Habit for Big Results

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is off to a great start this week!

Earlier this year, I mentioned that while I wasn’t setting any official “New Year’s Resolutions,” I was focusing on setting a few goals for the year. Last week, I was chatting with a friend about goals, and they shared a study from 2007 that really stuck with me: people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. That little fact stopped me in my tracks because, honestly, writing down a goal requires such little effort but can lead to such a big payoff. It really makes you wonder—why wouldn’t we all take a few minutes to do it?

But writing goals down is just the first step. Breaking them into smaller, manageable actions can make even the most overwhelming goal feel achievable. And where you write them down matters, too keeping them somewhere you’ll see daily, like on a sticky note on your computer, your bathroom mirror, or in a journal, can keep your focus sharp and your motivation alive. Another interesting tip is that sharing your goals with a friend or family member can also increase your chances of success. That one can be tricky, though, because of something called the ‘social reality’ effect. Essentially, when someone congratulates you on setting a goal, your brain might interpret that recognition as actual progress, which can lower your motivation to follow through.

It’s fascinating how these small tweaks can make such a big difference in helping us achieve our goals. If you haven’t already, go ahead and take a few minutes to write yours down now!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Clip Nuts are similar to cage nuts as they are intended to be used on equipment racks that have square mounting holes. Instead of snapping into the square mounting holes, Clip Nuts install by sliding in from the side of the mounting hole. Traditional Cage Nuts often times require a tool such as a flat head screwdriver to install that can sometimes make installation awkward or cumbersome. Clip Nuts eliminate the need for any extra tools and slide in with ease.

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Learning Center Article – SFP Modules Demystified: The Must-Know Tech for Smarter Networking

SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) modules are the unsung heroes of modern networking. It enables seamless data transfer across copper and fiber optic connections. SFP modules are small, flexible, and easy to replace, making them important for building efficient and scalable networks. They connect servers and switches and support fast data transfers over long distances, which is why they are widely used in industries like telecommunications, cloud computing, and enterprise networking.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Affirm plans to bring Buy Now, Pay Later debit cards to more users through deal with FIS.
• U.S. ride-hailing firm Lyft is planning to launch fully autonomous robotaxis, powered by Mobileye, to its app “as soon as 2026” in Dallas.
• McDonald’s Japan is teaming up with the Pokémon franchise to release its first official Pokémon-themed Happy Meal toys of 2025. Starting on Feb. 14 (JST), the beloved fast-food chain will distribute gorgeously designed playing cards alongside adorable mini-booklets featuring many fan-favorite monsters.
• Shopify’s downbeat first-quarter profit outlook spooked investors on Tuesday, even as the e-commerce company posted better-than-expected holiday-quarter sales on the back of healthy consumer spending and its rollout of AI features.

Happy Monday! 🖥️ It’s National Clean Out Your Computer Day! Time to declutter those files, clear out old emails, and give your system a fresh start—just like we do with a new workweek! A little digital cleanup goes a long way in boosting productivity.

In This Issue: A Weekend to Remember | Deal of the Day | Ethernet Installer’s Deployment Kit | HDMI Cords | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Weekend to Remember

Happy Monday!

I had a very eventful weekend starting with attending a sweetheart dance with my oldest daughter hosted by her elementary school. We’ve been going to the dance ever since she was in kindergarten, and it’s been amazing to see this girl grow up so fast. Thankfully there wasn’t much dancing (I’m not at all a dancer) and in true kid fashion she mostly ran around with her friends and had a lot of fun socializing. Next year will be our last sweetheart dance and that’s bittersweet!

On Saturday my wife and I dropped the kids off at my sister-in-law’s and headed to the Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center to attend Collect-A-Con. This was our very first collectibles convention and it did not disappoint. There were so many vendors and so many cards we’ve never seen before. It was a bit of a mad house, but we enjoyed it and even came away with more money than we came in with (by selling a few Pokémon cards to vendors). The only complaint I had was that the music was too loud (I’m sounding my age now), the venue area allowed sound to echo across all the walls and shake your bones when the bass turned up. It was definitely hard to hear after the live performances happened. But other than that, we got to meet some cool people and grabbed some cards and a few shirts.

And on Sunday, along with millions of other folks, maybe even some of you, I watched the Super Bowl and it was definitely entertaining. Sad day for a Chief’s fan and a great day for the Eagles! I’m not a huge sports fan, but I do enjoy watching the pinnacle of sports matches. I was hoping for better commercials, but maybe next year!

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

This all-in-one kit includes a professional crimp tool, punch-down tool, keystone wall plates, Cat6 RJ45 jacks, modular plugs, and cable ties. Perfect for efficient, organized, and professional-looking network installations in residential or commercial spaces.

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Learning Center Article – HDMI Cords Explained: Choose the Perfect Cable for Your Devices

HDMI cords are a cornerstone of modern audio-video technology, seamlessly connecting devices and delivering high-quality audio and video signals. Whether you’re setting up a home theater, gaming console, or professional AV system, the right HDMI cable makes all the difference. This guide will help you understand HDMI cords and choose the perfect cable for your setup.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• T-Mobile said that customers on its most expensive Go5G Next plan will receive access to satellite-to-phone connectivity via SpaceX’s Starlink as a free perk starting in July. On all other plans, it will be $15 per month per line.
• On the heels of a weekend of snow and ice for tens of millions, two more winter storms are set to sweep across the United States in the coming days.
• Tom Cruise made an appearance during the 2025 Super Bowl with a video message sharing a first look at “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” It hits theaters in May.
• Starbucks is giving members free coffee after ‘Going Big’ at Super Bowl 2025.

Hooray for Friday! 🙌 You made it through the week, and that’s a win in itself. Whether you hit a big milestone or made progress on a small goal, every win counts. Let’s end the week on a high note—what’s been your highlight?

In This Issue: A Filipino Dish | Deal of the Day | Screws for Cisco Catalyst Rack Mount Kit | Ethernet Vs WiFi | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Filipino Dish

Friday, Friday, Friday!

The weekend is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited! In my past shares, I’ve mentioned how my family loves to cook, hang out, and just enjoy the weekend together.

This weekend, my mom and I decided to make something extra special—Kare-kare! It’s a dish we usually save for birthdays, holidays, or big celebrations, so it always feels like a treat. If you haven’t heard of it, Kare-kare is a rich, peanut-based stew packed with tender oxtail (or beef), eggplant, string beans, banana heart, and bok choy. We always pair it with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for that perfect mix of flavors. Trust me, it’s one of those meals that just hits differently when shared with family.

Now I’m curious—have you ever tried a Filipino dish before? If so, what was it, and how did you like it? If not, would you be willing to give Kare-kare a try? Let me know!

Wishing you all a great weekend ahead!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

These are the screws that are included with the rack kit for Cisco Catalyst 4948 switches. If you have the rack brackets for your unit but have lost your screws, order these as replacements.

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Learning Center Article – Ethernet Vs WiFi – Pros and Cons

When you need to run a network at a location, you have to make a decision. What hardware will you use? There are too many options to summarize them all, and you want to make sure your network will be effective and affordable. In many cases, you will have to choose between Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, and it’s not always obvious which choice is correct.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Starbucks has implemented new restrictions on its mobile ordering system, capping the number of items per order to 12 as part of a broader effort to reduce wait times.
• The fast-moving winter storm that is bringing snow, ice, and rain from the Midwest to the East Coast continues to cause disruptions, including power outages, accidents, and flight delays.
• Netflix is considering a bid for Formula One’s U.S. broadcasting rights from the 2026 season, according to media reports on Friday, at a time when the streaming giant is making significant investments to grow live sports content.
• Dairy Queen has a Mint Oreo Blizzard to get fans in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Customers are in luck because the dessert is available now, so they have more than a month of green sweets ahead of the holiday on March 17.

Happy Thursday! 🌟 Today is Optimist Day, let’s embrace positivity and look forward with hope. Every little step you take today brings you closer to your goals. What’s inspiring you to keep going this week?

In This Issue: Finding Balance | Deal of the Day | Yealink Wireless Headset | Advantages and Disadvantages of VOIP | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Finding Balance

Good morning and happy Thursday!

What a week! The days have been slow, but the week has flown by!

This past weekend I went to a UGA Hockey game at their new Arena in Downtown Athens! It wasn’t too busy but there were still enough people to cheer on the Dawgs to their win! There were 2 to 3 fights between players, and I only missed one while I grabbed popcorn from concessions. Afterward, I went to Pauley’s – a crepe bar – and got a delicious chicken caesar crepe to fuel up for the night of studying ahead of me.

It was so much fun to take a break, but the week picked up quickly afterward. As a college student, I know how hard it is to balance social/family time with work/school. I encourage everyone to budget time for things that will make you happy and fulfilled throughout your week. I like to plan everything in my calendar and including social or rest time is sometimes the only way I’ll remember to take a second and breathe.

I hope you can get through the last two days of the week and fill your weekend with things you enjoy!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Yealink WH62 is an entry-level DECT wireless headset that works seamlessly with major UC platforms and integrates natively with Yealink VoIP phones. This plug-and-play headset provides crystal-clear audio thanks to the Yealink Full-Band Audio Technology and Acoustic Shield Technology.

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Learning Center Article – Advantages and Disadvantages of VOIP

Everyone has a phone, but fewer and fewer people have landlines. Even as that trend continues, there are cases where a landline makes a lot of sense, and you want to have a stable, reliable phone for specific calls. When that is the case, you actually have two options for your phone. You can get a traditional landline that runs through the old infrastructure, or you can run your phone through the internet, utilizing something known as VOIP.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Researchers in Australia said that they have for the first time successfully produced the first kangaroo embryos through in-vitro fertilization, in a breakthrough that may help save endangered species from extinction.
• Iconic ‘Ugly Betty’ duo Michael Urie and Becki Newton, who played Marc and Amanda, are launching a rewatch podcast ‘Still Ugly’ in February.
• Winter weather alerts were in place for some 100 million people across 22 states from Nebraska to Massachusetts Thursday as a series of winter storms descend on northern and eastern states, bringing snow, sleet and freezing rain.
• Starbucks Corporation confirmed that it is placing some limits on its mobile orders as part of a broad plan to return to a coffeehouse vibe and speed up service for customers in stores.

Happy Wednesday! 🌤️ Did you know today honors meteorologists and weather observers? It’s National Weatherperson’s Day! Fun fact: America’s first weather records date back to 1774—what’s your favorite weather to work in?

In This Issue: A Week of Miracles | Deal of the Day | Wireless Cellphone Charger | Fast Ethernet Switches vs Gigabit Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Week of Miracles

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far! This past week and weekend were a rush. I think I shared that one of my family members was having a rather massive heart surgery done last week at the Cleveland Clinic. I am beyond thrilled to share that the surgery went incredibly well, and she is doing amazing. In some of her past procedures she has been in the hospital for weeks (like 6-7 weeks). When she shared this with the doctor, he let her know he would do his best to get that time down to only 7 days, and it’s seeming that might be the case.

I can’t get over how well it went, how smooth things have been, and what she’s been able to overcome. It’s been incredible. While everything was happening and approaching us, I think our entire family was nervous and scared, but confident. I think we all had a peace of where she was going and knew she was going to the right place. All I really know to say is…God is good. There was nothing we could do but put this in his hands, and that’s exactly what we all did.

Lastly, following the success of the surgery, we got the joy of preparing for my niece to make her grand appearance into the world. She is SO cute! I really didn’t think much of the emotion that might hit me, but seeing my brother be a dad was quite the tear jerker for me. He is just in awe of her, and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

It’s been an emotional start to the year for us, but I’m hopeful that only the best is yet to come! Thank you all very much for the prayers that you shared for my family. I know there are some of you we are praying for that are going through some hard things, but if there’s something you would like to share with us for our team to pray for, please send it our way.

We are so grateful for you all!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Experience the utmost in convenience and tangle-free charging with our Wireless Qi Cell Phone Charger in a sleek red design. This wireless charger effortlessly powers up your Qi-enabled devices by simply placing them on the charger’s surface. This charger is designed to work with a wide range of Qi-enabled devices like Samsung S7/S7 Edge, Samsung S8/S8 Edge, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and more.

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Learning Center Article – Fast Ethernet Switches vs Gigabit Switches

When it comes to networking, you have a lot of choices. Most devices are connected wirelessly when they can be, but there are still plenty of occasions where it makes sense to run Ethernet cables. This could be related to security concerns, network reliability, or connection speeds. Regardless, you have some level of freedom in how you design Ethernet networks, and a lot of it boils down to the switches you select.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong.
• Uber Technologies forecast current-quarter bookings below Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, joining a slew of U.S. companies in warning that a strong dollar could hurt the first three months of 2025, sending its shares down about 3% in premarket trading.
• Payroll processing company Workday said on Wednesday it will cut around 1,750 jobs, or 8.5% of its current workforce, as it grapples with competition and an uncertain spending environment.
• A new flavor of Frosty is coming to Wendy’s. It is called the Thin Mints Frosty, conjuring up the taste of the famous Girl Scout Cookies of the same flavor.