CK Daily Updates

Hello, Thursday! Winter is in full swing, and today highlights the importance of a little extra care. National Winter Skin Relief Day reminds us that cold air and indoor heat can be tough on our skin. As temperatures shift, small habits can make a big difference. What is one thing you do to keep your skin comfortable during winter?

In This Issue: One Last Break Before Classes | Deal of the Day | 22U LINIER Server Cabinet | T568a vs T568b Termination | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – One Last Break Before Classes

Good morning!

Wow, it’s been a minute since I’ve had the chance to post an update here! It’s been a busy season, to say the least, and I’ve really tried to soak up every part of it. There’s no way I could recap everything from the past few weeks, so I’ll keep it simple and focus on this past week.

On Sunday, my boyfriend, Alex, and I drove up to meet our friends at their mountain house for a few days of relaxing before school starts next week. We kicked things off with a very hilly hike that still has my hips a little sore, but it was a great way to get some movement in after the long drive. We grilled fajitas and watched The Thursday Murder Club, which was just an okay movie but still entertaining.

Since we were close to Blue Ridge, we spent the other days doing indoor putt-putt, getting ice cream, and trying out a local tavern for dinner. One day we kept things low-key by making a fire and spending time outside, playing games and relaxing while the fog rolled through.

It was a quick trip, but it was exactly the reset we needed before the semester begins. We’re only a few days away from being back in the action, and I’m super excited to see how this semester unfolds. There’s nothing like settling back into a routine after a long, relaxing break. I hope you are all having an amazing start to the New Year, however that may look for you!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The 22U LINIER® Server Cabinet includes lockable vented doors mechanism designed to promote airflow, which aids in cooling the equipment inside the cabinet. This helps in extending the lifespan of the equipment and reduces the risk of downtime or hardware failure. The server cabinet is 19.00” EIA-310-D compliant which ensures the easy installation, operation and maintenance of equipment that need to fit into standard -sized racks. The frame has a 1300 lb. weight capacity and can hold 800 lbs. on casters.

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Learning Center Article – T568a vs T568b Termination

Ethernet is still the backbone of modern networking. It shows up all the time, and there’s a good chance that you regularly work with Ethernet devices. Considering that, it’s important to know a little bit about Ethernet and how it works, and one important topic covers the little connectors that actually allow you to plug in an Ethernet cable. Those connectors are called cable terminations, since that’s where each cable ends.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health in a push to become a hub for personal health data. 
• JPMorgan reaches deal to take over Apple credit card.
• ​​​​​Tesla stock can’t handle the robot competition.

It’s Wednesday! Today is Old Rock Day that encourages curiosity about the ancient world beneath our feet. From fossils to time-worn stones, it is a fun reminder of how much history exists all around us. Have you ever seen a rock or fossil while exploring nature?

In This Issue: Simple Celebrations, Genuine Happiness | Deal of the Day | DB9 Female Crimp Pin Connector | Is a Cat6 Cable the Same as an Ethernet Cable? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Simple Celebrations, Genuine Happiness

Hello everyone! It’s the first Wednesday of 2026. How’s everyone doing?

Just last Wednesday, we were preparing for New Year’s Eve, and now it’s already January 7. Time really flies, doesn’t it?

During this season, I can’t help but reminisce about my younger self. Before, while waiting for the New Year countdown, we were either already asleep or outside our house watching our neighbors’ fireworks. All we had were toy trumpets and casserole lids so we could make loud noises. We believed that the louder we were, the more bad luck we could scare away from our home. When the countdown ended and the sky lit up with colorful fireworks, we kids had to jump, believing it would make us grow taller for the year. After that, it was eating time and game time. That was how simply we celebrated back then.

This year, or I should say last year, 2025, was our first time buying fireworks for our own mini fireworks display. Our only goal was to heal our inner child by seeing colorful fireworks up close again. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about fireworks that brings warmth and joy. It wasn’t anything massive, just a small display, but it felt special. While eating Media Noche, we noticed our neighbors recording our little fireworks show for their TikTok, dancing, laughing, and feeling just as excited as we were. It made me happy knowing we were able to share that joy with others. Simple things really can bring genuine happiness, and I’m grateful that my family got to share that moment with our neighborhood.

And while resting and getting ready to sleep, I saw a post that said, “Remember, you are blessed because you are a blessing to others.” It really stuck with me. I hope everyone reading this has a blessed 2026.

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

A DB9 female crimp pin connector is a 9-pin D-subminiature connector used to terminate cables in various electronic and industrial applications. It features a female pin configuration and is designed for solder or crimp-style wire termination, allowing secure and customizable cable assembly. The connector’s robust metal housing provides mechanical stability and shielding, making it suitable for data transmission, control signals, and general-purpose connections where a reliable 9-pin interface is required.

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Learning Center Article – Is a Cat6 Cable the Same as an Ethernet Cable?

When you’re trying to make a network that is fast and stable, you usually have to run cables. If you want to save money along the way, then more often than not, you’re going to turn to Ethernet cables. But, what is Ethernet? Which cable should you use? What about Cat6? Isn’t it supposed to be better?

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Gemini is now running humanoid robots on factory lines. 
• ​Free satellite Wi-Fi now rolling out on American Airlines.
• ​​​​​Warner Bros urges shareholders to reject ‘inferior’ Paramount offer.

Today celebrates a simple classic. National Shortbread Day honors the buttery Scottish treat that has been enjoyed around the world for generations. Whether paired with coffee or enjoyed on its own, it is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying. Do you prefer shortbread plain or with a twist?

In This Issue: Grateful for 2025, Ready for 2026 | Deal of the Day | Mini DisplayPort Adapter | Cat7 Ethernet | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Grateful for 2025, Ready for 2026

Good Morning, happy Tuesday, & Happy New Year! I can hardly believe we are now in 2026, but I’m not mad about it!

Truthfully, 2025 was a surprisingly wonderful year for me. It started out with a lot of uncertainty and exhaustion, but as it went on, it turned into one of the best years I’ve had. It was the year that I met Josh, which was a wonderful surprise. It brought a steadiness and support to my life that I didn’t even realize I was missing!

If I had to pick a word that defined 2025, it would probably be clarifying. It was a year that brought a lot of things into focus for me, from my relationship with Josh, to family, and even to friends. I was able to realign my life around my priorities, which honestly meant choosing a calmer, quieter pace than I’ve had in the past. It’s been different for sure, but in a good way!

I’m excited as we head into 2026. I feel thankful for all the blessings the last year brought and look forward to being intentional in the new year!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The latest MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models feature a Mini DisplayPort, giving you the flexibility to connect an external display or projector with the help of an adapter. Whether you’re looking to extend your desktop for increased productivity, use an external display as your main workspace, or mirror your screen for presentations, this feature makes it easy to get the most out of your Mac’s display capabilities.

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Learning Center Article – Cat7 Ethernet: Beginning & End

Cat7 Ethernet has been a staple in networking for decades. When copper cables can provide enough throughput, they tend to be much cheaper and easier to use than other connection types. Ethernet is the king of simplicity, and that’s a major part of why it is so popular.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Tesla rival Lucid unveils self-driving car for Uber robotaxi service. 
• ​Radar cameras in this state can now give you a ticket, no cops involved.
• ​​​​​Alaska Airlines’ Starlink rollout is moving faster than originally expected.

The first Monday of the new year is here, and today invites us to lean into a fresh start. National Thank God It’s Monday Day is all about bringing energy, optimism, and a positive mindset into the week ahead. What is one thing you are looking forward to as the year gets underway?

In This Issue: Back to Basics for the New Year | Deal of the Day | Active Optical Cable | Do Ethernet Couplers Reduce Speed? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Back to Basics for the New Year

Happy Monday, and welcome to the New Year!

As we step into a new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to approach it. Instead of making big, sweeping New Year’s resolutions that tend to fizzle out after a few weeks, I’m focusing on a simple theme for the year: back to basics. For me, that means taking a closer look at my habits and goals and breaking them down to their roots. I want to be more intentional and really question whether the steps I’m taking are necessary or actually helping me move in the right direction. It’s less about adding new things and more about simplifying and refining what’s already there. I already have so many habits and things I do on the daily, it’s time to trim and optimize.

This feels more like a mental shift than a checklist, and I think that approach will be more sustainable in the long run. Instead of measuring success by how much I change, I’m hoping to measure it by how consistently I show up and make thoughtful choices throughout the year. I think it’ll be less discouraging than setting up a big lofty goal and just ending up forgetting about it or failing big at it after month 2.

So as we kick things off, I’m curious. What is your theme for the 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 Cisco®-compatible 25GBASE SFP28 solution delivers high-density, low-power 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for data center and high-performance computing applications. Built on the SFP28 form factor and tested for compatibility with Cisco SFP28 ports, it supports flexible rack-to-rack configurations and high-bandwidth network deployments.

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Learning Center Article – Do Ethernet Couplers Reduce Speed?

An Ethernet coupler is a fairly simple device. It allows you to connect two Ethernet cables together, end-to-end. The basic idea is that you can extend the length of a cable, since splicing two Ethernet cables together doesn’t really work.

A coupler has a female RJ45 port on both sides, so you simply plug your two cables into the coupler, and they can now run the same signal and connection. That’s all it takes.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day

• OpenAI may buy Pinterest — and it could change how we search, shop and scroll. 
• ​Major airline expands passenger test that holds flights to help prevent missed connections.
• This robotic surgery stock could be a $1M payoff for patient holders.

The first Friday of 2026 has arrived, bringing a fresh start and plenty of possibilities. Whether you are easing back into routine or jumping into new goals, today is a great time to set the tone for the year ahead. What are you most looking forward to in 2026?

In This Issue: New Light, New Year | Deal of the Day | DB9 Serial Cable | Guide to Fixture Joint Termination | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Light, New Year

Welcome to the first Friday of the new year!

This Christmas looked a little different for us this year, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. We spent our first unconventional family Christmas in Chattanooga, just me, my wife, and the kids. No routines, no usual distractions, just new sights and time together. Being fully present with the people I love most filled a part of me I didn’t even realize was running low.

The Aquarium was our first stop, and it was massive, way bigger than I expected. Everywhere we turned there were incredible displays and some of the most beautiful fish I’ve ever seen. It felt peaceful and awe-inspiring at the same time. Next up was the Zoo. It may not have completely blown us away, but it was still worth the visit. The red pandas absolutely stole the show and ended up being the highlight of the day.

One of the most memorable nights was visiting the Christmas lights at Rock City. The Fairytale Caverns were unreal. Every turn revealed childhood fairy tales glowing under blacklights, bringing a wave of nostalgia in the coolest way. The SkyBridge was a whole different story. It was terrifying, but standing there and looking out over Chattanooga at night somehow made every shaky step worth it.

Then there was Ruby Falls. Walking through the cave system to get there made the experience even better. When we finally reached the waterfall, it stopped us in our tracks. One of those moments where you don’t say much, you just stand there and take it all in.

Eventually, it was back to reality, back to work, and back to the everyday rhythm. But those memories came with me and helped ease us back into routine. We wrapped it all up by ringing in the New Year with friends and family, grateful for what was and hopeful for what’s ahead.

2025 brought new friends and new light into our lives. I’m praying that 2026 brings all of that, and even more.

Matthew

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Ensure reliable data transfer with this DB9 male to female serial cable, designed for connecting compatible devices and equipment. The 6 ft length provides flexible reach, making it ideal for configuring, managing, or maintaining serial-based systems.

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Learning Center Article – Step-by-Step Guide to Fixture Joint Termination

When it comes to electrical work or networking installations, knowing how to properly terminate fixture joints is essential. Not only does it ensure everything runs smoothly, but it also keeps you safe and helps avoid costly mistakes down the road. In this guide, we will learn the step-by-step process of fixture joint termination, covering the tools you need, the methods you can use, and some common mistakes to avoid.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• 2026 is coming for big tech and AI with a battery of new laws. 
• ​Quantum computing finally works, now the stocks must prove it.
• ​​​​​​BYD overtakes Tesla as China reshapes the global EV race.

Wishing you a happy New Year filled with joy and fresh beginnings. Please note that our office will be closed on January 1st as we celebrate the holiday. We look forward to connecting with you in the new year! 🎉

In This Issue: A Sweet Christmas and a Gentle Shift to the New Year | Deal of the Day | Surge Protector Power Strip | Interconnect and Cross Connect Basics | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Sweet Christmas and a Gentle Shift to the New Year

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is enjoying a little time relaxing during this last week of the year!

I had a really sweet Christmas this year. I got to have my nieces over for a few days before Christmas and we tried to make the most of our time. We did some shopping, lots of eating, and enjoyed some Christmas festivities in a neighboring town. On Christmas Eve we did our traditional family gathering where we eat a breakfast dinner and open presents. It’s always such a joy to watch the kids open their things and see the pure joy and excitement on their faces!

Christmas day was pretty low key for us. Normally we get together with my extended family, but it just didn’t work out this year so we opted for a small, casual family gathering at my house instead. I made sliders and some finger food… nothing special but it was nice to all be together! I’ll admit, though, that I was very tired when all was said and done!

It’s kind of funny how, for all the build up to Christmas, it seems to end so abruptly. I’m already taking down the decorations and starting to shift my focus to the new year. I’ll certainly miss the holiday season, but I’m genuinely excited for what 2026 has in store!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Protect your devices with this compact surge protector power strip featuring six 15A outlets for reliable power distribution. The 3ft cord offers flexible placement, making it ideal for home, office, or workstation setups while safeguarding electronics from power spikes.

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Learning Center Article – Interconnect and Cross Connect Basics for Data Centers

Designing a data center is no easy task. Large numbers of very powerful devices need to be able to communicate freely and securely. There’s a lot to consider. That said, you can break the total design down into smaller elements to make the task more manageable. One way to do that is to learn about connection techniques that can help equipment groups communicate effectively.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• 50M Hulu users hit with ‘auto-cancel’ deadline as Disney absorbs platform. 
• ​US approves license for Samsung and SK Hynix to send chipmaking tools to China in 2026.
• ​​​​​​Meta buys AI startup Manus, adding millions of paying users.