Archives for February 2026

Wrapping up the week with a fun pop culture celebration. February 27 is officially Pokémon Day, honoring the franchise that has captured the hearts of fans across generations. Whether you grew up collecting cards, playing the games, or watching the show, Pokémon is pure nostalgia for many. Who was your very first favorite Pokémon?

In This Issue: WoW Moments and Weekend Plans | Deal of the Day | Side Mount Wall Rack | Guide To Preventing Outages and Keeping Critical Systems Online | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – WoW Moments and Weekend Plans

TGIF! It’s me again, Kat. How is everyone doing? One last grind before the weekend.

Since it’s Friday, let’s talk about your WoW, wins of the week. I’ll start.

One of my wins this week is that we’ve started building my parents’ small house near ours. Another house? Yes. They want to live separately so that when the time comes for me to have my own family, we can all move more freely. All I really want is to give my parents what they desire, so I agreed, even though part of me still wants to live with them under one roof, along with my future family. It’s an additional expense, but I’m happy to support them.

Aside from that, since the weekend is coming, I’m craving barbecue, Pancit, and Lumpiang Shanghai. Eating is really in my system, especially when I have to think deeply. That’s probably why I’m growing wider, lol. I’ll look for these foods this weekend, then just chill and watch gameplay of Resident Evil 9: Requiem. Shoutout to our horror game fans out there!

Any weekend plans on your end?

Happy weekend in advance to all!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This innovative rack allows access to both the front and back when mounted on the wall, making it easier to connect cables and service equipment.

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Learning Center Article – Guide To Preventing Outages and Keeping Critical Systems Online

While outages can stem from many sources, power disruptions remain one of the most common, and preventable, causes of system downtime. The good news? With the right approach to power redundancy, organizations can dramatically reduce risk and keep critical systems online when it matters most.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• ​Burger King testing AI headsets that track how friendly employees are to customers. 
• ​Bank of America resets Nvidia price target after earnings.
• ​Wholesale inflation was hotter than expected in January.

Happy Thursday! Today brings a cozy winter favorite. National Chili Day, honors one of America’s most loved comfort foods. Whether you like it mild, spicy, meaty, or loaded with toppings, chili is always a crowd-pleaser. What is your must-have chili topping?

In This Issue: Miracle Moments | Deal of the Day | Rack Mount Kit | Plenum vs. Riser Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Miracle Moments

Happy Thursday!

What a weekend! Saturday was a focused low-key day with lots of studying and finishing assignments before my two tests on Monday. I knew Sunday would be packed, so I made to get ahead and I’m glad I did.

Sunday was an amazing (and long!) UGA Miracle day. We kicked things off with our “Countdown to Dance Marathon” family day. I got to make a keychain with one of the families we champion, and we had a fashion show, talent show, crafts, and more. It’s wild to think Dance Marathon is only 30 days away! I’m so close to my fundraising goal and feeling extra motivated to push hard this next month to reach it.

After family day, we drove two hours to Pace Academy in Atlanta for their High School Dance Marathon, something we call a “Mini DM”. We listened to a powerful family story, played games, and supported the students in their fundraising efforts. It was a very full day, and I can’t lie I was tired when driving back. It was worth it though, and I still crushed my tests the next day.

All in all, it was one of those weekends that reminded me exactly why I do Miracle. The next couple of months are going to be busy, but they’re going to be meaningful, energizing, and impactful. I’m excited to lean into the challenge and make the most of the opportunities I have ahead!!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The ACS-1900-RM-19 is a specially designed rack mount kit for the Cisco 1905/1921 routers, offering seamless integration into standard 19-inch racks. This accessory kit ensures a secure fit within the rack environment, maximizing space utilization and enhancing organizational effectiveness.

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

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.

At first glance, Plenum and Riser cables may seem interchangeable. But using the wrong one can quietly jeopardize your safety, violate building codes, and even lead to failed inspections without you realizing it until it’s too late.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• US opens the way for fuel-starved Cuba to get oil shipments. 
• ​Uber Air taxis are finally launching this year.
• Ford recalling 4.3 million US vehicles over software issue.

Midweek calls for something sweet and crunchy. National Chocolate-Covered Nut Day celebrates the snack that can be drizzled, dunked, or completely smothered in chocolate. What is your favorite chocolate-covered nut?

In This Issue: A Sweet Start to Summer | Deal of the Day | SC to SC Fiber | Top 5 Causes of Fiber Optic Failure | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Sweet Start to Summer

Happy Wednesday, everyone! It’s midweek again, and it’s already the last week of February. This month really just flew by in the blink of an eye, don’t you think?

This week in my area, we’ve started to feel the warmer weather. I think we’re now transitioning into the summer season here in the Philippines. For me, summer is the season of halo-halo, one of our well-loved Filipino desserts. Aside from halo-halo, I once tried fried ice cream. At first, I didn’t believe it was possible. Ice cream and then deep-fried? Seriously? How? I had so many questions. To satisfy my curiosity, we looked for a restaurant that served it and tried it ourselves. Honestly, I was so surprised. It really was ice cream inside a crispy coating.

I’m always amazed by people who have such creative and exploratory mindsets, willing to create and try something new. My next dessert to try is chili ice cream. I haven’t found an ice cream shop or restaurant nearby that offers it yet, but the search is still on.

How’s the weather in your area these days?

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

OM4 patch cables take all the benefits of OM3 fiber and increase the transmission bandwidth up to 40gbs, and in some cases 100gbs. OM4, like, OM3, is laser-optimized to give optimum performance and reliability. Unlike other old fiber types, OM4 has a higher attenuation that helps create lower losses over greater distances.

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Learning Center Article – Top 5 Causes of Fiber Optic Failure

Fiber optic networks are the best in the business — when they work. When they don’t work, they are expensive sources of frustration.

As always, the best defense is a good offense, and you can prevent the most common sources of fiber optic failure when you simply know what they are and what causes them.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• US tariff rate to hit 15% or more for some nations, USTR says. 
• ​SpaceX’s cellular Starlink aims for speeds that reach 150Mbps per user.
• World’s largest battery to provide 100-hour iron-air storage for Google data center.

It’s time for a little nostalgia and a little thrill. National Trading Card Day celebrates more than just sports cards. It is also about the excitement of opening a fresh pack, the art of trading, and that unmistakable new-card smell. Do you have a favorite card you got from a trade? If so, share a photo with us!

In This Issue: Less Scrolling, More Living | Deal of the Day | Open Frame Swing-Out Rack | Temperature Ranges for SFPs | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Less Scrolling, More Living

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

Last weekend was pretty low key for me. I’m big on getting outside and going on fun adventures, but have grown to really love the quiet, unrushed weekends when they come along! There’s something sweet about not having a packed schedule. We kept it local over the weekend, and our biggest adventure was going to try out the new Culver’s restaurant that opened in our town! It was a hit!

Aside from that, I spent some time reading, working, cleaning, and trying to be intentional about NOT being on my phone. I’ve grown a bit convicted about how much time I waste mindlessly scrolling after looking at a recent screentime report. I realized I have a habit of mindlessly picking my phone up and scrolling for absolutely no reason. I found an app called “Be Present” that allows you to set schedules and it will lock you out of your apps for periods of time. It even allows you to set intentions for apps (i.e. “I don’t want to open Instagram more than 5x/day for 5/min per session”). I downloaded it and have found it to be incredibly helpful! Hoping that I can break the cycle and get some time back to spend in the “real world”!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The 12U Phantom Class Open Frame Swing-Out Rack provides the users with unique features, exceptional design, and superior functionality. It can be mounted on the wall and the 90-degree Swing-Out design provides the best solution required to install and manage patch panels, routers, hubs, switches, cabling, and other networking devices.

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Learning Center Article – COM, EXT, IND – Temperature Ranges for SFPs

When you build a network, you primarily focus on hardware that meets certain requirements. It has to be fast enough and able to manage enough traffic for your applications.

In some cases, it might also need durability requirements, and one of the scariest things for sensitive networking equipment (like SFPs) is something as simple as temperature. If it gets too hot or too cold, it can damage your hardware, and your whole network fails.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Paramount submits higher offer for Warner Bros Discovery in bid to block Netflix. 
• Amazon’s $12B investment in Louisiana data center buildout to create more jobs.
• US airlines cancel over 2,000 flights as storm disruption continues.

Starting the week with a nostalgic classic. National Tootsie Roll Day celebrates one of America’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for over 130 years. Whether you grew up with them in your candy stash or still grab one now and then, it is a fun reminder of simple childhood favorites. Do you remember the last time you had a Tootsie Roll?

In This Issue: Big Kicks and Bigger Wins | Deal of the Day | AC Power Cord (L5-15P to L5-15R) | PC vs UPC vs APC | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Big Kicks and Bigger Wins

Happy Monday!

This weekend was a busy one. On Saturday my daughter had another belt test in karate. She was a little nervous going into it, but she pushed through and passed. It’s been really neat watching her overcome challenges in real time. For this test she had to break a board with a kick, and she nailed it on the first try. I was definitely a proud dad in that moment.

I can’t believe the Olympics are already over. It felt like they just started. I tried to catch as many events as I could and will probably go back and watch a few replays. The USA did a great job overall, and it’s always inspiring to see the level of dedication those athletes bring to their sport.

On Sunday I attended a Pokémon Symposium for judges. I recently became a Pokémon Professor and have been enjoying judging and helping organize local tournaments. The symposium was a six-hour session where we got to meet other judges in the region, exchange ideas, and ask questions to more seasoned folks. Afterwards about half of our group of 50 went out for Korean BBQ, which was a great way to wrap up the day. I have a feeling I’ll keep diving deeper into this hobby. More adventures to come on that later.

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 heavy-duty NEMA L5-15P to L5-15R power extension cord is designed for IT, industrial, commercial, and non-domestic equipment applications. It extends the length of an existing power connection to provide greater installation flexibility.

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Learning Center Article – How to Choose the Right Fiber Connector: PC vs UPC vs APC

When joining fiber optic cables, connectors are everything. These highly sensitive networks live or die by how cleanly and efficiently the cables join inside of the connector. Because of that, there are many different connector designs, each catering to different uses and design philosophies.

One common philosophy is to focus on physical contact between the fibers. To combat that and the signal disruption that comes with air gaps, three types of physical contact connectors are used in a wide range of systems. These are PC, UPC, and APC connectors.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• OpenAI deepens partnerships with consulting giants to push enterprise AI beyond pilot. 
• Tech companies are making their robots cute to try to win over humans.
• ​Chinese engineers create robotic hands capable of performing delicate tasks like humans.

We are wrapping up the week with a reminder to slow down. National Comfy Day is all about getting cozy, taking a break, and giving yourself a moment to recharge. Whether that means comfy clothes, a warm drink, or a quiet night in, comfort counts. What is your favorite way to get comfy?

In This Issue: A Little Tradition from My Town | Deal of the Day | OM4 LC-LC Fiber Patch Cable | Do I Need the Latest Server? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Little Tradition from My Town

TGIF! Hopefully you are almost done with your weekly tasks.

This week here in our area, we celebrated a festival called Boling-Boling. It is an old tradition that has been practiced since the time of our ancestors in Catanauan. The celebration runs from Sunday to Tuesday, and the next day is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season.

The word “Boling” means dirt. It may sound funny at first, but it actually has a deeper meaning. It reminds us that we are imperfect, that we make mistakes, and that we need to repent and spiritually cleanse ourselves as we prepare for Lent.

During Boling-Boling, the town feels like one big carnival. You will see people wearing colorful outfits, some dressed like clowns, and they throw powder as part of the tradition. Others walk around town in different costumes, and some even imitate personalities they want to poke fun at. It is lively, a little chaotic, and very much part of our local culture.

It is always interesting to witness how traditions like this are passed down from generation to generation.

Do you enjoy watching events like this? Here are some photos from the celebration.

Have a restful and enjoyable weekend!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This laser-optimized OM4 50/125 multimode duplex fiber patch cable is built for high-speed 10G/40G networks and can support up to 100G in select applications. It features industry-standard LC duplex connectors with UPC polish and precision zirconia ferrules for durable, low-loss performance. The OFNR flame-retardant jacket makes it ideal for riser, backbone, and vertical installations.

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Learning Center Article – Do I Need the Latest Server?

Data centers aren’t cheap. Just the cost of power requirements for keeping your equipment running can be staggering. Adding the cost of new servers can often feel like too much. If you have high demands and a tight budget, you need a way to get more power and performance for every dollar spent. For most applications, the easiest way to do this is to look at refurbished servers and parts.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon reports $716.9B in 2025 sales, edging out Walmart. 
• ​US economy slowed sharply in the fourth quarter, expanding at a rate of just 1.4%.
• AI job fears may be triggering a new mental health crisis, researchers warn.