Archives for April 2025

Happy Wednesday! Midweek mood: coffee in hand, to-do list in progress—let’s do this.

In This Issue: Cheers to Big Moments | Deal of the Day | R-Type Cable Clamp | Plenum vs. Riser Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Cheers to Big Moments

Happy Wednesday!

I hope you’re having a great week! It’s a big week of celebrations around our household and we’re feeling extra grateful! We’re celebrating a few birthdays, the fact that my husband is officially a Georgia attorney and much more. It feels like a win to be able to celebrate what we can, when at some points this year it’s been hard to grasp on to a ton of wins and see the light at the end of the tunnel. But in the end, and through it all, the lord prevails!!

Are you celebrating any recent wins?

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The R-Type Cable Clamp, 1/4 inch, Clear, 100 Pack is a versatile cable management accessory designed to organize and secure cables in various environments. These clamps are made from durable materials, such as nylon, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.

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Learning Center Article – Plenum vs. Riser Ethernet Cables: Don’t Install Until You Read This

Planning a network setup? Have you considered whether your Ethernet cables meet building code requirements or just assumed they do? When setting up a network whether at home, in a corporate office, or deep inside a data center, most people focus on speed, bandwidth, and devices. But there’s a hidden choice that can make or break your setup: the type of Ethernet cable jacket.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is launching three new AI-powered language learning experiments through Google Labs, designed to offer more personalized support for people learning to speak a new language. These tools, which leverage Google’s Gemini AI model, are still in the early stages but appear to position Google as a potential competitor to Duolingo. The experiments currently support a wide range of languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, and more. 
• SpaceX is now offering a free Starlink dish to new residential customers in select U.S. states, waiving the usual $349 hardware fee. To qualify, customers must commit to a one-year contract at the standard monthly rate of $120. The promotion is available through Starlink.com and aims to make the satellite internet service more accessible.
• Meta has launched a new standalone Meta AI app, expanding access to its generative AI chatbot beyond its social media platforms. Unlike the previous version integrated into Facebook and Instagram, this dedicated app offers users a separate, streamlined space to interact with Meta’s AI technology, marking a move to compete more directly in the growing AI chatbot market.
• Lipton launches drink of the summer contender with new Fusions Lemonade Iced Tea.

Happy Tuesday! Whether you’re powering through tasks or taking a moment to pause, here’s to finding something beautiful in your day.

In This Issue: Relaxation Ideas Welcome! | Deal of the Day | Magnetic J-Hook | Flat vs. Round Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Relaxation Ideas Welcome!

Howdy CK Buddies! Happy Tuesday!

April is almost over—can you believe it? I hope this month has brought you some good news, small wins, or even just peaceful moments.

For my family, it’s been a mix of blessings and a few bumps in the road. But we’re doing our best to focus on the bright side and keep the hope alive. Personally, when things feel a bit heavy, I turn to two of my favorite pick-me-ups: good food and travel! I’ve been daydreaming about going somewhere peaceful to relax and recharge—maybe even somewhere new, aside from the beach I usually visit.

How about you? What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long or stressful day? Whether it’s binge-watching a show, baking something sweet, or just enjoying some quiet time—I’d love to hear it. Maybe I’ll give it a try, too!

Have a great rest of your Tuesday!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Keep your cables organized, secure, and out of the way with these J-hooks. These highly versatile hooks feature an aesthetic appeal while providing the utmost in functionality. The universal design works great on flat surfaces and helps to make installation a breeze. These hooks work great with a variety of cabling including ethernet, fiber, and other low voltage cables.

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Learning Center Article – Flat vs. Round Ethernet Cables: Which One Is Actually Better in 2025?

Organizing cables in compact areas is often a challenge, particularly when building a high-speed network that requires both performance and reliability. While most people focus on Ethernet categories like Cat5e or Cat6, the physical cable cross-section design plays an equally important role. Cable shape influences more than appearance. It directly affects ease of installation in walls, durability under pressure, signal integrity over distance, and upgrade flexibility. Selecting the wrong type can lead to reduced performance, visual clutter, or premature wear from foot traffic in busy environments.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• SpaceX is now offering 12-month residential service plans that bring the price of the dish and router — normally $349 in the US — down to $0 in select markets, without increasing the monthly fee. You have 30 days to test or return the kit for a full refund, but after that there’s some fine print to be aware of.  
• OpenAI has introduced a new shopping feature in ChatGPT, allowing users to browse and compare products directly within the chatbot before clicking through to make purchases on external websites. Initially available for categories like electronics, fashion, beauty, and home goods, this update marks OpenAI’s latest step in expanding ChatGPT’s capabilities and competing with search giants like Google.
• Amazon launches first Kuiper internet satellites into space.
• McDonald’s has unveiled a new limited-time treat: the Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Frappe, a rich blend of Mocha and Caramel Frappe bases mixed with chocolate chips and topped with whipped cream and more chips—marking the first-ever co-branded frappe with Hershey’s. Available in select cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami, this indulgent drink is joined by the launch of new permanent menu items: McCrispy Strips and a Creamy Chili Dip, introduced on April 24.

Happy Monday! A new week brings a fresh chance to show up with heart and purpose. Let’s make it a meaningful one.

In This Issue: Spring Cleaning and Sweet Success | Deal of the Day | RG6 Coaxial Patch Cable | Shielded vs. Unshielded Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Spring Cleaning and Sweet Success

Happy Monday!

Saturday was a pretty quiet day around here. My youngest wasn’t feeling too great, so I stayed home with her and got a little Spring cleaning done in between taking care of her. It’s amazing how much stuff piles up when you’re not looking!

While we were laying low, my wife and older daughter were out running a lemonade stand and bake sale with her Odyssey of the Mind teammates. They’re raising money for their trip to the World competition—and they ended up raising over $900! Pretty awesome for a day’s work (and the cookies weren’t too bad either).

Hope you’re having a good start to your week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 6-foot RG6 Coax Cable with BNC Male to Male connectors is a reliable solution for transmitting video signals in surveillance systems, broadcast setups, and other AV applications. Built with a CCS (Copper-Clad Steel) core, it ensures consistent signal quality and durability. The black outer jacket offers a clean, professional look, while the secure BNC connectors provide a snug and stable connection. Ideal for CCTV, DVRs, monitors, and more.

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Learning Center Article – Shielded vs. Unshielded Ethernet Cables: Which One Is Slowing Down Your Internet?

Have you ever wondered why your network sometimes feels slower despite having a good router? The issue could be your Ethernet cable. Many people underestimate how important cables are. Two common types you’ll come across are Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP). Both look pretty similar, but choosing one over the other can significantly impact network performance. Whether you’re setting up the internet at home, running cables in an office, or dealing with areas having electrical interference, the cable choice matters.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Taiwanese contract electronics manufacturer Inventec has agreed to invest up to $85 million to build manufacturing facilities in Texas to help mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs. 
• Apple is developing smart glasses that harnesses the power of AI.
• Titanic passenger’s letter with “prophetic line” sells for $399,000.
• PepsiCo reported a nearly 2% year-over-year decline in net revenue for the first quarter of 2025, citing weaker consumer demand impacting its profits. In North America, PepsiCo’s food division saw a 1% revenue decrease, while the volume of savory snacks dropped by 4%. Brands under PepsiCo include Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade, Tostitos, and Quaker.

It’s Friday—time to wrap up the week strong! Whether it flew by or felt long, here’s to finishing on a high note. Got any weekend plans?

In This Issue: When Faith Meets Miracles | Deal of the Day | Nylon Self Adhesive Cable Management Clip Long Type | Server CPU Specs | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – When Faith Meets Miracles

Happy Friday, CK Buddies!

Miracles are real—especially when your faith is strong.

One of my close friends has been in and out of the hospital since the start of the year. We’ve been so worried—she would collapse just from standing or walking, and at first, her doctor thought it was just fatigue. But things got worse. She was eventually admitted after collapsing again, this time unable to feel anything in her lower body. That’s when tests revealed a cyst on one of her ovaries.

We, her family and friends, held on to hope and kept praying for her healing. Then just this Easter Sunday, we received the most surprising and heartwarming news—she found out she’s a month pregnant, and miraculously, the cyst was gone. Just like that—poof—like a bubble bursting in the air.

Miracles really do happen when you believe and pray with all your heart.

If there’s something or someone you’d like us to include in our prayers, we’d be more than honored to lift them up with you.

Wishing you all a peaceful, joy-filled weekend ahead.

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This Nylon Self Adhesive Cable Management Clip Round Type is a practical solution designed to help you organize and manage cables in a neat and efficient manner.

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Learning Center Article – Understanding Server CPU Specs

Servers are essential for so many business applications these days. If you rely on your servers for anything, then you tend to rely on them for everything. When you’re shopping for servers (or looking to upgrade your hardware), you’re going to have to compare a lot of different specifications, and one of the most important components to analyze is the central processing unit (CPU). This is the core of the server that does all of the heavy lifting and “thinking” for the device. A great CPU runs a great server, and an inferior CPU leaves you frustrated.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• T-Mobile is lowering the price of its cellular Starlink service to $10 per month as the carrier prepares to launch the satellite service in July. 
• Google’s artificial intelligence chatbot Gemini has seen a massive spike in its user numbers, but its usage levels are still way behind rivals like ChatGPT and Meta AI.
• United Airlines is making a futuristic leap by investing in aviation startup JetZero, known for its ultra-fuel-efficient blended wing body aircraft. The deal includes a conditional order for up to 100 of JetZero’s Z4 planes, with an option for 100 more. These innovative aircraft, which can carry 250 passengers, use a design that reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency—cutting fuel burn by up to 50% per passenger mile compared to traditional planes. The Z4 can run on conventional aviation fuel or sustainable fuel blends, making it a greener option for the future of air travel.
• Burger King unveiled a new frozen beverage that features an “icy blast of strawberry flavor” that customers can also top with a layer of crunchy Nerds candy.

Happy Thursday! It’s National Take Your Kids to Work Day! Whether you’ve got little ones joining you or just reminiscing about bring-your-kid-to-work moments, it’s a fun reminder of how work and family sometimes go hand in hand.

In This Issue: New Sports and Relaxing Times | Deal of the Day | Audio Aux Cable Splitter | Alternatives to Rack Mount Kits | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Sports and Relaxing Times

Happy (late) Easter everyone!

This past weekend, I got to head back to my hometown and spend the holiday with family, which was such a refreshing break from school. We skipped the traditional Easter egg hunt, but we did dye eggs and exchanged Easter baskets, so it was still a great time!

We also pulled out the badminton net, and let’s just say there is a learning curve. I’ve been playing mostly pickleball over the last year, and the long-handled badminton rackets were tough to get used to. I managed to get a few good hits in by the end, but I need to practice more!

Beyond that, we had a nice meal and watched the best Easter movie: Hop. I really appreciated the chance to hit pause and recharge before the last stretch of the semester! I hope you all had a great weekend, whether you celebrated Easter or not. And if you’ve ever struggled with switching between sports, please tell me I’m not alone!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Featuring a 3.5mm TRS male plug to dual 3.5mm TRS female jacks, this Y-cable allows two headphones or speakers to connect to a single audio source—perfect for on-the-go listening, travel, or collaborative work. Compact and durable, it’s designed for clear sound transmission and compatibility with a wide range of devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and MP3 players.

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Learning Center Article – Alternatives to Rack Mount Kits

In server settings, it’s common to use standardized racks to hold and house all of the equipment. These racks are made strong and stable. They allow you to stack all of your devices in ways that support the task and configuration at hand, and they provide safe conditions that also help you manage heat and airflow. The trick to racks is that every device can attach directly to the rack, creating customizable arrangements that are well-protected from vibrations and falls.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• T-Mobile is making some changes to its mobile plan lineup, introducing two updated premium-tier options that come with more data and a few new perks. Started April 23, the new plans-Experience More and Experience Beyond-will officially replace the company’s current Go5G Plus and Go5G Next offerings. 
• The massive wildfire burning in Ocean County, New Jersey, is 50% contained as firefighters continue to make progress, allowing the 5,000 residents who were forced to evacuate, to return to their homes.
• LinkedIn is expanding its free verification system beyond its own platform, allowing external websites and services to integrate LinkedIn verification. Adobe is among the first to adopt the feature, incorporating it into its new Content Authenticity app and the Behance portfolio platform. Creators who are verified on LinkedIn will now be able to display a “Verified on LinkedIn” badge on their profiles, and if they use Adobe’s digital Content Credentials, their verified identity will appear alongside their shared work on LinkedIn.
• KitKat and Nespresso firm Nestle has pushed through double-digit price hikes for coffee and chocolate across some markets as it faces soaring commodity costs.

It’s Wednesday already! Hope your week’s treating you well. Got anything fun or productive planned for the rest of the week?

In This Issue: Quality Time & Growth | Deal of the Day | Audio Cable 3.5mm Male to (2) RCA Male Y-Cable | QoS (Quality of Service) | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Quality Time & Growth

Happy Wednesday,

I hope everyone has had a great week. This weekend my husband and I traveled back from the Keys after spending some time with my grandmother while my parents went on vacation. It was a very hard week but very worth it. I know it’s time that I won’t ever get with my grandma in the mind she is in now, as she continues to progress.

We also had a great Easter with our family on Sunday! I think my favorite part of it all was seeing our little one’s growth over the past year. Last year, he didn’t care one bit about an egg hunt, or what was going on. This year, he was all about the egg hunt and all the things that we did and it was SO cute.

I can only imagine all to come over the next many years and what the growth will look like. Oh, what a joy it is to be a mom!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Designed to link devices with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack—such as smartphones, laptops, and MP3 players—to audio equipment with RCA inputs like home stereos or speakers. The cable features nickel-plated connectors for dependable signal transmission and durability, while its compact length makes it perfect for tidy, clutter-free setups.

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Learning Center Article – What Is QoS (Quality of Service)?

Let’s start with an overview look at QoS and what it’s really trying to do. At a basic level, all of the technology you can use to manage traffic and network performance by giving priorities to some traffic types over others constitutes QoS. It’s the network controllers that allow you to utilize this concept. It’s also pretty simple. QoS tries to maximize traffic flow. In order to do this, it breaks all of your traffic into different categories (or service types). QoS controllers can then turn priorities up or down for different categories so that you get the best performance on the things you care about the most.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Meta officially launched its Edits video editing app – a standalone video editing app that offers features similar to the ones currently offered by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. The new app will allow users to shoot and edit video in the app, organize project ideas, and even utilize features like background replacement, automatic captioning, and AI tools that can turn images into video.
• The wireless industry is facing slower growth and rising costs, but instead of raising prices, carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon may start cutting them to stay competitive. If this sparks a price war, customers across all major networks could see lower phone plan costs in the near future.
• To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Google Fi Wireless is rolling out its biggest update yet — introducing a new Unlimited Essentials plan at $35/month, significantly increasing data limits across its plans, and launching data-only eSIM support for tablets and laptops. Google is also offering limited-time Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Watch 3 deals for new users. These moves come as competition from MVNOs like US Mobile and Visible heats up.
• A massive wildfire burning in central New Jersey has damaged multiple buildings and prompted evacuations for thousands.