CK Daily Updates

It’s Tuesday! 🐶 Today is National Dog Day, a time to celebrate pups of all kinds—mutts, mixes, and purebreds alike. Got a four-legged friend? Share some lovely photos with us—we’d love to see those wagging tails!

In This Issue: Balance Life & Enjoy the Journey | Deal of the Day | Flat Angle Power Extension Cord | Cat8 Ethernet Cable | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Balance Life & Enjoy the Journey

Life with two young teenagers in multiple sports is a constant juggling act. Weekdays are a blur of early mornings, packing lunches, making sure bags are packed, car rides to and from practices, games, and school. Weekends aren’t much different; they’re just busier for us, with games and tournaments all over the Southeast. Add in the emotional highs and lows of teenage life, the pep talks, the tough conversations, the late-night homework crisis, and it’s a full-time job all on its own. Not to mention there’s everything else: a career, a house that doesn’t clean itself, bills to pay, meals to cook, laundry… SOS!

One of our core values at CK is ‘Balance Life & Enjoy the Journey’.

Balancing life and enjoying the journey is so important, as an employee going on 16 years here, I can’t think of many times where I’ve had to miss important events for my kids from doctor’s appointments, carpools catching up on their days, simply being there whenever they need me. That flexibility doesn’t make life less full, but it does make it more meaningful. It gives space to be present, not just physically, but emotionally, for the things that matter most. That kind of freedom is priceless when you’re raising kids who grow up faster than you expect. The days are long, but the years are short, and being able to show up for them, even in small ways, is invaluable.

Enjoy your week!

Mandy

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This extension cord has 3 grounded outlets and ideal for home and office use, it has a flat angle Plug that fits almost anywhere great solution for space limitations between furniture and electrical devices such as TV sets, home tethers systems, office cubicles and much more.

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Learning Center Article – What is a Cat8 Ethernet Cable and How is it Different?

A Cat8 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:

• As AI becomes part of daily life, psychiatrists are flagging a new concern: “AI psychosis.” The condition is marked by paranoia, distorted thoughts, or delusions triggered by interactions with chatbots. Warning signs include social withdrawal, neglect of self-care, and rising anxiety—adding that professional help should be sought if these patterns emerge. 
• Google may be gearing up to refresh its Nest lineup with four new products: indoor and outdoor cams, a doorbell, and a smart speaker. The cameras could see 2K resolution, 6x zoom, and even Gemini-powered features, while the new doorbell may introduce “Daily Summaries.”
• AT&T is set to acquire wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar for about $23 billion, boosting its fiber and 5G build-out across 400+ U.S. markets. The move strengthens AT&T’s low- and mid-band spectrum holdings, while EchoStar will expand Boost Mobile under a new hybrid MNO agreement.
• Pumpkin spice is back — along with Dunkin’s new Cereal N’ Milk drinks. But a dietitian warns the Coolatta version has sky-high sugar (93g in a small!). For a lighter option, stick with the latte.

Happy Monday! Let’s start the week with some budget-friendly style—it’s National Secondhand Wardrobe Day! Thrift finds and vintage treasures are calling. Have you scored any great secondhand steals lately?

In This Issue: Growing with Purpose, Living with Balance | Deal of the Day | Power Extension Cord | SFP Modules | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Growing with Purpose, Living with Balance

New week, fresh start—let’s make it a good one!

At our company, we believe that success isn’t just about hitting milestones—it’s about how we get there. That’s why one of our core values is Balance Life & Enjoy the Journey.

In the fast-paced world of network infrastructure and e-commerce, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring everything by deadlines, targets, and checklists. But we know that if we want to build something sustainable—both as a company and as individuals—we have to balance hard work with personal well-being.

Many of us work from home, which brings both freedom and responsibility. It requires discipline to stay focused, but it also gives us the chance to blend our professional and personal lives in healthier ways. That balance helps us show up with more energy, creativity, and resilience.

Enjoying the journey means more than just getting the job done. It’s about celebrating the small wins, laughing with our teammates, and remembering that relationships—whether with coworkers, customers, or family—are at the heart of why we do what we do.

We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Yes, we’re dedicated to solving problems, serving our customers, and delivering results. But we also know that humor, joy, and connection make us better at what we do. They keep us grounded and remind us that work is only one part of a much bigger picture.

That’s what “Balance Life & Enjoy the Journey” means to us: building a company that grows with a true purpose while never losing sight of the people, relationships, and laughter that make the journey worthwhile.

Martin

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 6-foot, 16/3 gauge SJTW power extension cord is designed for outdoor use, blending seamlessly into your landscape environment. Ideal for powering holiday lights, bug zappers, and other yard decorations, it offers water resistance, flame retardance, and abrasion protection. Nickel-coated brass blades resist corrosion, and the cord remains flexible in temperatures from -40ºF to +140ºF for reliable year-round use.

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Learning Center Article – What Are SFP Modules?

Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers are a core technology in many networks, providing communication between switches and important network components. It’s 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.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Planning a Labor Day getaway? Expect record crowds on the roads and in airports nationwide. The upside: lower prices on flights, hotels, rentals, and gas—plus faster TSA checkpoints at select airports. 
• Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to power a revamped Siri using Gemini AI, with a potential launch in 2026. The move highlights Apple’s push to boost its AI capabilities through outside partnerships.
• Starbucks’ iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte is back on Tuesday, Aug. 26, leading the coffee chain’s fall menu of seasonal treats. First launched over 20 years ago, the PSL remains Starbucks’ most popular seasonal drink ever.
• Postal services worldwide are halting shipments to the U.S. as new import duties take effect Friday. The end of the long-standing “de minimis” rule means packages over $100 will now face tariffs, raising concerns about delays and backlogs.

Friday feels—who’s ready for the weekend? It’s National Bao Day—aka the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a soft, steamy bun stuffed with savory (or sweet!) goodness. Ever tried one?

In This Issue: A Return to Our Roots: Rediscovering Our Core Values | Deal of the Day | Cast Aluminum Cable Distribution Rings | The Power of DisplayPort | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Return to Our Roots: Rediscovering Our Core Values

Core values are more than words on a page. They shape how we treat one another, how we serve our customers, and how we define success beyond just financial results. They remind us of what really matters and act as a compass when decisions are tough. Without them, it’s easy to drift. With them, we have clarity, direction, and purpose.

Back in 2018, we made a change to our core values. At the time, it seemed like the right move. But even though I was the one who led the change, I never could get comfortable with the new set. I found myself avoiding talking about them or using them to guide conversations and decisions. They simply didn’t feel right for us.

A couple of weeks ago, I made the decision to go back to the four values that had carried us for so long. These were not the very first values from the very beginning of CablesAndKits (back then we had eight), but these four became the heart of who we were and how we operated for many years. When I went back to them, I also made some updates and refinements to the wording so they could more fully capture what they mean to us today.

Here are our four core values, in their updated form:

Do the Right Thing
We do the right thing even when no one is watching. We abide by the highest moral and ethical standards and conduct ourselves with integrity and honesty. We seek to honor the Lord through our work.

Serve Others
We act with an “I’m for you” mentality and perpetually seek ways to serve others. We collaborate with humility and appreciation to positively impact our team, our customers, our vendors, and others within our sphere of influence.

Raise the Bar
Good is the enemy of great. We celebrate continuous improvement and build processes that don’t fail. We believe that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing excellently and with continuous improvement. We are disciplined people, engaged in disciplined thought, resulting in disciplined action. We also value respectful irreverence, which means the ability to challenge assumptions, ask tough questions, and push for better while honoring those around us.

Balance Life & Enjoy the Journey
Life is not only about the destination, but also about enjoying the journey getting there. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we take time to love, laugh, and foster relationships both at work and at home.

These values aren’t just ideals. They are the foundation of how we want to live, work, and lead together. They remind us of who we are at our best, and they give us something to hold onto when things get hard.

I’m excited to once again be talking about and living out these values every day at CablesAndKits. If you’d like to see how our values play out in real life, I invite you to explore more stories on our blog. You can also learn more about who we are on our About Us page. And if these values sound like the kind of culture you’d love to be part of, check out our Careers page!

Craig Haynie – CEO

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 3″ cast aluminum cable distribution ring provides a durable and versatile solution for managing and routing cables in structured wiring environments. Designed for surface mounting on walls, ceilings, or inside cabinets, they help organize cables while preventing kinks, sagging, or damage. The smooth, rounded edges ensure cables remain protected, and the sturdy aluminum construction is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

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Learning Center Article – Say Goodbye to Poor Graphics: The Power of DisplayPort Explained

In today’s digital age, achieving superior video and audio quality is essential for everything from gaming to professional presentations. DisplayPort stands out as a leading technology for high-definition connections, offering a powerful solution for transmitting both video and audio signals. Its growing popularity across various applications of gaming, professional displays, and home theaters has made it a go-to standard for many users.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is rolling out its AI Mode to 180 countries (English-only), after months of testing. Powered by Gemini, AI Mode delivers direct answers instead of just links, now with added personalization and agent-like capabilities. 
• Southwind Foods has recalled frozen shrimp distributed July 17–Aug. 8, 2025, across nine states, including CA, AZ, PA, VA, and WA, due to possible Cesium-137 contamination. Long-term exposure to the radionuclide may increase cancer risk.
• Tesla has raised the price of its top-tier Cybertruck by $15,000 in the U.S., despite slower-than-expected sales and recent recalls following its delayed rollout.
• Lay’s is launching Hot Sauce (with Frank’s RedHot), Wavy Loaded Nachos, and Kettle Cooked Cheesy Buffalo Dip chips. The new flavors are hitting retailers nationwide in both regular and club-sized bags.

Almost there—happy Thursday! Whether you’re deep in work or counting down to Friday, here’s a little reminder to take a breath and keep doing your best.

In This Issue: Burger Buses to School Buses | Deal of the Day | Stereo Plug | Crimp Tools | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Burger Buses to School Buses

Hi everyone!

This Saturday I took a little daytrip to Ball Ground, GA, to have lunch with my grandma at the Ball Ground Burger Bus. It’s a quirky little spot where you sit inside a converted bus, which is what makes it so unique. The line was a little long, and after getting my food, I could tell why! We couldn’t stay long since there were still so many people waiting for a seat, but if you ever stop by, I recommend the ‘Fried Green Jacket’!

Sunday, on the other hand, was right back into college life. I affectionately call it my Study Sundays, and it is one of my top favorite routines. It involves getting to the student center right when it opens, grabbing a study room, bringing our lunches, and studying for about 6-8 hours. Once our brains can’t handle it any longer, we stop for groceries before heading home, and it really starts the week off right! It’s something so ordinary, but it’s comforting to have a steady routine amid everything else going on!

Do you have a simple weekend habit that you always look forward to? I’d love to hear!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cat5E Junction Box with 110/Knone punch down type is designed for reliable and secure Ethernet cable splicing without the need for couplers or connectors. Perfect for permanent installations, this box allows direct cable-to-cable connection, ensuring minimal signal loss and superior continuity. Compatible with both 110 and Krone punch down tools, the box supports wire gauges from 23 to 26 AWG and features a 568A/568B color-coded label for easy identification.

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Learning Center Article – Crimp Tools: Your Guide to Easier Networking and Cable Repairs

Networking and cable repairs can be frustrating without the right tools. A crimp tool simplifies the process, securely attaching connectors to cables for reliable connections. Whether you’re setting up Ethernet, fixing a TV signal, or working on electrical wiring, a crimp tool makes everything faster and easier. This guide covers the basics of crimp tools, their types, and effective usage. With the right tool, your cable projects will be smooth and hassle-free.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Despite tariff pressures, shoppers continue to flock to Walmart for value. Groceries and essentials—now over half of its sales—remain key to attracting budget-conscious customers. 
• Self-driving startup Nuro closed a late-stage funding round at a $6B valuation, securing $203M from new investors Uber and Nvidia, plus returning backers.
• Launched alongside the Pixel 10, Google’s new Pixel Journal app uses on-device AI to suggest prompts based on memories, goals, or past entries. Users can also add photos, locations, activities, and mood tracking to their journals.
• Mars is rolling out three festive M&M’s Halloween Blends: Milk Chocolate, Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate, and Peanut Milk Chocolate. Each bag comes in spooky designs with orange-and-black candies, joining this year’s lineup of seasonal treats.

Midweek check-in—how’s your week going? It’s National Radio Day—a chance to celebrate the news, music, and chatter that keeps us company. Got a favorite station or song that lifts your mood?

In This Issue: Shaping Your Day, Shaping Your Week | Deal of the Day | RCA Female to Female Coupler | How Temperature Affects Ethernet | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Shaping Your Day, Shaping Your Week

Happy Wednesday!

I hope your week is off to a great start. Yesterday I came across a quote that really stuck with me:

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn

Such a simple reminder, but a powerful one. It’s easy to let the busyness of life take control…emails, meetings, unexpected interruptions. But at the end of the day, we still get to decide how we respond, where we focus our energy, and what we prioritize.

Taking a few minutes each morning to set intentions can completely change the tone of the day. Even small actions, writing down your top three priorities, carving out time for a walk, or choosing to approach challenges with optimism, can shift the outcome.

So here’s my midweek encouragement: don’t just let the day happen to you. Step into it with purpose. You’ve got more influence over how today goes than you might think.

How are you choosing to “run the day” this week?

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This RCA Female to Female Coupler is a compact and efficient solution for extending RCA cables in your audio and video systems. Built with a durable black plastic housing and corrosion-resistant nickel-plated connectors, this coupler ensures consistent signal transfer with minimal loss.

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Learning Center Article – How Temperature Affects Ethernet

If you’re using Ethernet, there’s a lot to gain, but there are still some issues you need to know about, and one of them is temperatures. So, what actually happens when Ethernet cables get really hot or cold? The answer actually depends on whether the problem is heat or cold. In either case, temperature extremes are bad for Ethernet, so let’s look at exactly how that unfolds.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Airport security just got a major upgrade with TSA’s touchless ID technology now live. PreCheck members can now breeze through dedicated lanes using only facial recognition verification.  
• Alaska Airlines will equip its entire fleet with Starlink inflight Wi-Fi, starting in 2026 and completing by 2027. Atmos Rewards members will get free, high-speed internet fast enough for streaming.
• Google Docs now lets you generate AI audio versions of your documents, with options to choose different voices and playback speeds through Gemini.
• Dunkin’ is launching its autumn lineup with a new Cereal N’ Milk Latte plus returning pumpkin favorites: Pumpkin Spiced Signature Latte, donuts, Munchkins, and muffins.

Happy Tuesday & National Potato Day! Mashed, baked, fried, or roasted—there’s no wrong way to enjoy a good spud. So, how do you like your taters?

In This Issue: Bittersweet Memories & Sweet Company | Deal of the Day | Stereo Plug | Patch Cables vs. Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Bittersweet Memories & Sweet Company

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

I had a really lowkey weekend, which honestly was just what I needed. Life moves so quickly that sometimes it’s nice to slow down and enjoy a couple of quiet days. On Saturday, Josh and I went back to the town where I grew up to do a little shopping, and I gave him the full hometown tour. We drove past my old houses and my grandparents’ place—it was sweet but also a little bittersweet to see how much things have changed over the years.

On Sunday, we headed into Decatur for lunch with friends, which was a lot of fun. I have Celiac Disease, so finding great gluten free options can be a challenge. Thankfully, there’s a restaurant we love in Decatur where almost the entire menu can be made gluten free! Even with so many choices, I somehow always end up ordering the same thing—hard to branch out once you’ve found your favorite, I guess! It was a great afternoon of good food and even better company.

Here’s to carrying that sense of rest and connection into the week ahead!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This RCA Male to Male Coupler is a reliable and compact solution for extending RCA connections in your audio and video systems. Designed with a black plastic housing and durable nickel-plated connectors, it ensures stable signal transfer with added corrosion resistance.

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Learning Center Article – Patch Cables vs. Ethernet Cables

Even as networking gets faster and more complicated, Ethernet remains a common, reliable, effective way to enable digital communication. It’s a staple for a reason, and it’s not going away anytime soon. If you’re trying to work out aspects of your own Ethernet network, you might run into a few terms. For instance, you might see cables listed as “patch cables.” What does that mean? Does it matter? How do you use such cables?

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Starting Aug. 20, 2025, the Amazon Appstore will no longer be accessible on Android devices. Amazon is also discontinuing its Coins program—purchases ended Feb. 20, with the program closing alongside the store.
• Starlink went down Monday night, leaving thousands without service worldwide. The outage follows a major blackout just two weeks ago, previously blamed on a core network software failure. No update has been shared yet on the latest disruption.
• T-Mobile’s new Experience Plans promise 20% savings over competitors with five-year price guarantees. Families can earn up to $3,200 in switching credits plus premium streaming bundles.
• Coffee mate officially confirmed the arrival of a brand-new flavor: Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Creamer. It joins the brand’s existing cold foam lineup of French Vanilla, Italian Sweet Crème, and Nestlé Toll House Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie.