Archives for January 2026

It’s Thursday! Today highlights a sweet twist on a classic dessert. National Blonde Brownie Day celebrates blondies, known for their rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture. Do you prefer blondies or classic brownies?

In This Issue: Full Weekend then Fresh Reset | Deal of the Day | Cat8 Bulk Ethernet Cable | How to Calculate Power Consumption for your Server Room | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Full Weekend then Fresh Reset

Good morning!

This past weekend was a bit of a crammed one, but still really fun. Right after class on Friday, Alex and I headed back home so we could settle in and have dinner with his family before his sister’s baby shower early Saturday morning. It was so nice getting to see everyone and celebrate them. After the shower, we packed right back up and drove to Athens to knock out errands and do a much needed deep clean.

Once everything was done, we stayed up late hanging art in the kitchen and doing a game night to celebrate one of his roommate’s birthdays from earlier in the week. Sunday brought more fun and another game night, this time with his roommate’s friend that was visiting. My favorite game we played was ‘The Game’, I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something new and a little different!

By Monday, I was so happy to get back into my routine to rest and recharge my social battery after such a full weekend. I caught up on work, dove head-first into schoolwork, and ended the day watching the college football playoffs. As a UGA student, I was very happy with how it went, but it’s still a little sad knowing football season is coming to an end. At least we still have the Super Bowl to look forward to, and I’m grateful for that! I hope you all had an amazing weekend, packed or not!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Upgrade your network with this high-performance Cat8 Solid S/FTP Bulk Ethernet Cable, designed for ultra-fast data transmission and maximum shielding. With 23AWG solid copper conductors, this 500 ft. cable supports speeds up to 40Gbps and bandwidth up to 2000 MHz, making it ideal for data centers, high-density server environments, and enterprise-level installations.

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Learning Center Article – How to Calculate Power Consumption for your Server Room

Power draw is one of the most limiting factors when it comes to operating servers and high-end networks. Eventually, you hit a ceiling and don’t have enough power for more expansion. So, as you continue to adapt and redesign your server room, you need to be able to keep track of power consumption. These tips will help you do that.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon CEO: Prices have gone up from tariffs. 
• ​​​​Crews spread salt on roads and people stock up on batteries as a winter storm threatens the US.
• ​​Bezos’ Blue Origin announces satellite rival to Musk’s Starlink.

Happy Wednesday! Today is National Hugging Day, a reminder of how small gestures can go a long way. Whether it is a hug shared with a loved one or a moment of appreciation for those around you, connection matters. Sending virtual hugs to all from CablesAndKits!

In This Issue: Small Habits, Big Impact | Deal of the Day | RJ11 6P4C Line Splitter Adapter | What Does 5G Mean for Business Networks? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Small Habits, Big Impact

Good morning, everyone! How’s your task list looking this week? I hope you’re having a productive one so far.

One of my New Year’s resolutions every year is to lose weight. I can usually start strong, but my challenge has always been consistency. There are days when I can stay on track, but there’s always that one day in the month when laziness wins and sometimes, cravings. Undying cravings. I’ll admit it. This year, though, I’m really pushing myself to take it seriously. I read a story online that made me realize how important it is to love and take care of yourself. I still have a lot of things I want to do and achieve, so I know I need better self-control and the discipline to fight laziness.

Speaking of goals, aside from getting fit, my boyfriend and I also started saving using a cute piggy bank. We decided to set aside around 1% of our salary daily. Why only 1%? Because in our country, everything keeps increasing. Bills, medication, food, literally everything. Of course, whenever we have extra, for example after buying our weekly consumables, we make sure to add the remaining change to our savings, even the coins. At the very least, we’re building the habit of saving something for the future.

Simple steps, but they definitely matter when added up.

I’d love to hear any saving tips you’d like to share.

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily expand your phone line connection with this RJ11 6P4C Line Splitter. Designed to divide a single RJ11 wall jack into three distinct ports, this splitter provides separate outputs for Line 1, Line 2, and a combined Line 1+2. The compact, white design blends with any decor and fits easily into tight spaces.

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Learning Center Article – What Does 5G Mean for Business Networks?

The name itself refers to fifth generation mobile wireless networking. In effect, it is an overall upgrade to every aspect of performance in mobile networks. It’s designed for faster data rates, more connectivity and traffic, lower power demands and lower deployment costs. It’s still largely in a developmental phase. Components of 5G networking are ready to go to market, but large scale networks are still primarily in testing phases. Because of that, raw data on 5G performance is a mix of practical and theoretical.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Snow storm brewing this week could be ‘most impactful’ of the winter. 
• ​​​​Japan restarts world’s largest nuclear plant.
• ​​Amazon pockets $0.30 per item by swapping human workers for robots.

It’s Tuesday! Today is National Cheese Lover’s Day and it invites everyone to enjoy their favorites, whether that means snacking, cooking, or indulging a little extra. From sharp cheddar to creamy brie, there is a cheese for every mood. What cheese dish is your favorite?

In This Issue: Enjoying the Pause Before the Push | Deal of the Day | J-Hook | Guide to Troubleshooting Common Ethernet Cable Issues | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Enjoying the Pause Before the Push

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

I had a really nice, but low-key weekend. I had my nieces and nephew over on Saturday which was a lot of fun. We didn’t do a whole lot, just hung out at the house, ordered in pizza, and spent some time playing a few games! Normally we are very much on-the-go, so it was a nice change of pace to just stay home and chill!

I also finished my last long training run before my half marathon next weekend. It was “only” an 8 mile run and I actually felt really good during it which was encouraging. My plan is to take it really easy this week and show up feeling fresh on race day! Unfortunately, I’m seeing weather predictions for some sort of winter weather event that may hit over the weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed that the weather doesn’t materialize and the race goes on as planned!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Maintain a neat and secure cable arrangement with these stylish wall mount J-hooks. Combining versatility and functionality, they offer an appealing design that complements any space. With a universal structure, they can be easily installed on ceilings or flat surfaces, ensuring a hassle-free setup. Ideal for managing various cable types, including Ethernet, fiber optic, and low-voltage cables.

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Learning Center Article – Guide to Troubleshooting Common Ethernet Cable Issues

Ethernet cables are vital for fast and stable internet connections. They outperform Wi-Fi in speed and reliability. However, issues with Ethernet cables can disrupt your network. Common problems include physical damage and improper wiring. Understanding these issues is crucial for maintaining a seamless connection.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• China reaches 12 million tons of soy purchases to meet US pledge. 
• ​​​Warner strikes new all-cash deal with Netflix.
• ​USPS moves forward with significant price increase for mail.

This Monday, we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advanced equality and justice through nonviolent action. His legacy continues to inspire reflection, service, and progress. Is there a quote or lesson from Dr. King that continues to inspire you?

In This Issue: Simple Wins and Family Time | Deal of the Day | Modular Adapter | The Top 10 Items to Modernize Your Network in 2026 | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Simple Wins and Family Time

Happy Monday! And Happy MLK Day!

I came down with a bit of a head cold over the weekend, but it didn’t slow things down too much. On Friday we had a family game night and played Settlers of Catan. We also 3D printed cases for the game pieces, which felt like a small win. Every day we seem to find another practical use for the 3D printer, and it’s been fun figuring out what to print next.

On Saturday we celebrated my youngest daughter’s birthday a little early at my parents’ house. We kept things simple with pizza and wings and stayed warm inside, which felt like the right move given how cold it’s been.

Sunday was a quieter day. I spent some time watching the Pokémon Toronto Regional Championships, and it was really entertaining to follow along. There were some fun matches and interesting moments throughout the day, and it’s always enjoyable seeing how the meta continues to shift.

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

Easily convert your serial connections with this DB9 Male to RJ45 Preassembled Modular Adapter. Designed for quick, hassle-free setup, this high-quality adapter comes preassembled and features a hex nut for secure mounting. Its ivory finish offers a clean, professional look suitable for both office and industrial environments.

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Learning Center Article – New Year, New Network: The Top 10 Items to Modernize Your Network in 2026

The start of a new year is the perfect time to take a hard look at your network. If your infrastructure was designed for yesterday’s workloads, it may already be struggling to keep up with today’s demands, let alone what’s coming next.

From WiFi density challenges and bandwidth-hungry applications to aging hardware and power risks, legacy networks quietly drain productivity and increase downtime risk. The good news? You don’t need a full rip-and-replace to make meaningful improvements.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Elon Musk admits China is beating America to his EV vision. 
• ​​Microsoft issues emergency Windows fix after computers can’t shut down.
• ​China wants to launch 200,000 satellites, and SpaceX could face real competition.

Another week is coming to a close, making it a great time to reflect on progress so far. Whether you checked off goals or simply stayed steady, every step counts. How is your January shaping up so far?

In This Issue: Looking Ahead With Gratitude | Deal of the Day | Punch Down Wiring Block | Cat8 Ethernet Cable | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Looking Ahead With Gratitude

Happy Friday! The start of this new year already feels a little different, in the best way. I’m still getting over being sick and definitely looking forward to feeling 100 percent again, especially after making sure the rest of my family was back on their feet first. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I felt a renewed sense of clarity and gratitude. Feeling healthy again has a way of resetting your perspective and reminding you not to take the ordinary days for granted.

As we head into this new year, I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. One thing I’m especially looking forward to is cheering on my oldest daughter as she begins this next chapter by earning her spot on the high school soccer team. Watching her hard work pay off has been incredible and is a great reminder of what consistency, effort, and belief can lead to. I can’t wait to support her from the sidelines.

I’m also grateful to be continuing life alongside the people who matter most to me. Family, close friends, and the ones who consistently show up make both the highs and lows feel more meaningful. Those relationships are what keep me grounded and moving forward.

Most of all, I’m excited for the new opportunity in front of me at CablesAndKits. It truly feels like a fresh start, one filled with growth, challenge, and possibility. I’m thankful for the chance to learn, contribute, and be part of something that matters.

As we close out the week, I’m stepping into what’s next with gratitude, hope, and an open heart.

Matthew

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 66 Punch Down 50 Pair Wiring Block is a reliable and versatile solution for a variety of applications from telecommunications to data networking. It helps to simplify cable termination and organization for 22-26AWG solid copper cross-connect station wiring for a variety of applications, utilizing four rows of IDC clips.

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Learning Center Article – What is Cat8 and how is it different from other Ethernet cables?

A Cat 8 Ethernet cable represents the most modern, fastest Ethernet cable standard available today. Although Google tried to make fiber optics the standard for home internet connections, Ethernet has maintained a presence, and every few years new iterations are released that offer better performance.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Microsoft‘s next data center buildings to use “zero-water” technology. 
• ​Unseen tech in Walmart shopping carts is pushing the boundaries of in‑store tracking.
• Verizon to issue $20 credits to customers impacted by cell service outage.

It’s Thursday! Today is Get to Know Your Customers Day encourages businesses to listen, learn, and build stronger relationships. Every interaction helps shape better experiences and meaningful partnerships. What is one thing you would like us to know about you or how we can better support you?

In This Issue: Back to Class! | Deal of the Day | Dual-Band Omni Antenna Set | What is an SFP? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Back to Class!

Happy Thursday!

Classes have officially begun, and I’m slowly settling into my new schedule and finding a fresh routine. The weekend was full, with unpacking and reorganizing my apartment after being home for the holidays, prepping for the new semester, and trying to give myself one last reset before diving into school.

I can’t lie, this first week always feels a little overwhelming to me. Between setting up calendars, organizing planners, getting classes straightened out, and making a million tiny decisions, I hit decision fatigue pretty quickly. I actually enjoy the planning part, but it reaches a point where my brain needs a break. Thankfully, I’m almost done getting everything set up, and it should feel much more manageable soon.

I’m especially looking forward to this weekend since I have very little schoolwork and a long weekend to enjoy. I’m planning to keep screen time super low, slow things down, and enjoy celebrating my friend at her baby shower on Saturday!

I hope you have an amazing rest of your week, and a wonderful weekend ahead of you!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Meraki MA-ANT-20 antenna is a multi-band, omni-directional antenna designed for use with Meraki APs that have N-type connectors. Itis a versatile antenna and is suitable for a broad range of applications. Sold in sets of 2.

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Learning Center Article – What are SFP’s and How do They Work?

SFP meaning refers to “small form-factor pluggable,” a compact, hot-swappable device used in modern networks. SFP’s are popular due to their small size, versatile connection options (copper or fiber optic), and hot swappable capability.

SFP, also commonly called mini-GBIC (gigabit interface converter), is designed to be compact enough to use in tight networking spaces but powerful enough to provide fast communication between switches and other important networking equipment.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• TSA is expanding touchless ID technology to 50 new airports. 
• ​NASA brings astronauts home early after health issue in first-ever evacuation.
• Space experiments reveal new way to fight drug-resistant superbugs.