CablesAndKits Blog

We’ve officially arrived at Friday! It’s also National Gingerbread Cookie Day, the perfect excuse to warm up the kitchen, break out the cookie cutters, and make a few sweet memories. Planning to bake anything fun this weekend?

In This Issue: Gratitude and Good Moments | Deal of the Day | F-Type Quick Push-On Adapter | Yealink Phones | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Gratitude and Good Moments

Happy end of the week! This week felt like one of those rare moments when life slows down just enough for me to actually notice how good it really is. We kicked things off with an incredible Team CK Thanksgiving Feast, hosted so generously by Craig, Christin, and their family. The food was amazing, the atmosphere was warm, and there was this real sense of togetherness that reminded me why our community matters so much. It honestly felt like the start of the holiday season in the best possible way.

But the real highlight? Watching my oldest son suddenly turn into a star on the basketball court, almost out of nowhere. One game, something just clicked. He played with this confidence and energy and joy that made me proud beyond words. Seeing him light up like that hit me right in the heart, and it’s something I won’t forget anytime soon.

Now we’re heading into a packed weekend, the kind that looks chaotic on paper but ends up being the good kind of busy. My oldest daughter has a swim meet, my youngest daughter has her basketball game, and both boys are back on the court Saturday too. It’s going to be a lot of driving, cheering, and juggling schedules, but honestly, I love it. These are the days I know I’ll miss someday, even if they feel wild in the moment.

And then Sunday: church, a breath, and time with my wife and the kids. No rush, no noise, just being together. A perfect ending to an amazing week.

Matthew

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Quickly connect your coaxial cables with this F-Type Quick Push-On Adapter—perfect for fast, tool-free installations. Designed to fit standard F-Type ports, this adapter features a nickel-plated body for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Its push-on design eliminates the need for screwing or crimping, making it ideal for quick setups or frequent connections in TV, cable modem, or satellite systems.

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Learning Center Article – Introducing Yealink Phones for Video and Conference Calls

Businesses are always pushed to keep up with evolving technological landscapes. In just 20 years, we have seen multiple revolutions. Documentation has gone from primarily printed to almost exclusively digital. Communication went from in-person meetings and traditional telephones to using internet collaboration tools and smartphones. The internet itself is a completely different beast from what it was even a decade ago. Things change fast, and in order to keep up, every business needs options.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon’s Black Friday Week is on! Up to 64% off on Apple, Lego, more. 
• ​​​Google launches advanced image generation model powered by Gemini 3 Pro.
• ​​Verizon laying off more than 13,000 non-union employees.

Thursday’s here and we are almost at the finish line! Today is National Child’s Day, a reminder of the big dreams and bright potential carried by every child. It is a great day to encourage curiosity, support learning, and cheer on the next generation. What was your childhood dream?

In This Issue: Wrapping up the Semester | Deal of the Day | F-Type Right Angle Adapter | Network Layers in OSI | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Wrapping up the Semester

Good morning and Happy Thursday!

There was such a comforting groove to the weekend. Saturday was a solid work-and-cleaning day, and it was really nice to give myself the space to focus before settling in that night to watch the UGA vs. Texas game. It was very relaxing to cozy up and watch the dawgs play after the long day.

Sunday brought a fun change of pace with a UGA Miracle Family Day! After our big fundraising push on Thursday, it was nice to reconnect with our champion families and remind ourselves why we pushed so hard for the cause. We had a holiday-themed afternoon with pajamas, cookie decorating, crafts, foam snowball fights, hot chocolate, and more. The kids and their families had a great time, and so did all of us college kids. I headed right back to school mode after, but I was grateful for the mid-day boost.

Since then, the week has flown by with classes, work, and finalizing assignments. It’s the last full week of the semester so crossing things off my to-do list feels extra satisfying. After Friday, I’ll be almost through my classes, and after Thanksgiving, it’s just finals left! Here’s to finishing strong and getting a little rest and family time along the way!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily connect coaxial cables in tight spaces with this F-Type Push-On Right Angle Adapter. Designed with a male push-on connector and a female jack, it allows for a quick, tool-free connection to TVs, modems, satellite boxes, and other RF devices. The right-angle design helps reduce cable strain and allows connections in tight or wall-mounted installations.

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Learning Center Article – Network Layers in OSI

As you get deeper and deeper into networking, you eventually need a framework that can organize ideas and assist with development and implementation. There are different frameworks that exist. In some cases, various models might directly compete with each other. In other cases, they can expand on the same ideas using different points of view, offering unique insights that can help with network design and development.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google Maps is rolling out a 2025 update that adds Gemini-powered smarts, improved recommendations, and new privacy tools to help users make better choices on the go. 
• ​​​OpenAI announces new ChatGPT for teachers.​
• ​​Abbott to acquire Exact Sciences for $21 billion.

Wednesday is here, and we’re cruising through the week. Midweek is a great time to pause, check your progress, and make a little space for something that lifts your spirits. How’s your week shaping up so far?

In This Issue: Thanksgiving Reflections: The Joys I’m Grateful For | Deal of the Day | Cat 6 UTP Patch Flat Cable | Benefits of Data Center Cooling | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Thanksgiving Reflections: The Joys I’m Grateful For

Good day, everyone!

We are halfway through the week, and Thanksgiving is coming up next week. Even though we do not celebrate it here in the Philippines, my family and I have started looking forward to it as a chance to rest and take a quick vacation. This year, our break will be a short city getaway along with my mom’s follow-up lab test. We are waiting to see if she needs maintenance medicine since her blood pressure has been unstable and she sometimes feels dizzy throughout the day.

Last Thursday, we also surprised my dad with a small birthday celebration at home. The day before, he said he did not want a party because he felt he was too old for it. What he did not know was that my mom and I had already planned everything. When he came home from driving Ayet, our tricycle, he walked into a house full of his friends. The guest list suddenly grew because some of them invited more people, and for a moment we thought the food would not be enough. Thankfully, my mom cooked extra. It turned into a lively and unexpected celebration, and my dad was genuinely happy.

These are the things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving. I can support my parents’ medical needs and give them the simple things they deserve. Thank you, Papa God, for these blessings.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Thanksgiving!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

High-performance Cat 6 UTP cable designed for 10 Gbps data transfer and 550 MHz bandwidth. Ideal for gigabit networking, this 25-foot flat patch cable is perfect for tight spaces and short runs between routers, switches, and patch panels.

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Learning Center Article – Benefits of Data Center Cooling

Data center cooling is an important aspect of data center planning and management. While individual devices (and device clusters) inside of the data center often have self-contained cooling resources, when you pack enough hardware into a limited space, those cooling systems can be strained.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Target‘s new partnership with OpenAI brings shopping into ChatGPT. 
• ​​​Ford to recall nearly 230,000 US vehicles over instrument panel display failure.​
• ​​Devin Booker debuts the Nike Book 2.

Rolling into Tuesday with good vibes! Today we’re celebrating Mickey Mouse’s birthday, the debut of the iconic character who started it all back in 1928. From black-and-white shorts to modern animation, he’s been a symbol of creativity for generations. Do you have a favorite Mickey moment?

In This Issue: Friendsgiving, Football & Firefly Trails | Deal of the Day | Keystone Jack LC/UPC Multimode Duplex | How to Pin Out an Ethernet Cable? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Friendsgiving, Football & Firefly Trails

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

I had a wonderful weekend that started with a “Friendsgiving” dinner with some of my closest childhood friends on Friday night. We decided to keep it simple so, instead of making food, we went out to dinner at the Iberian Pig in Decatur, GA. They serve all sorts of delicious tapas that we thoroughly enjoyed! My favorites were the lamb skewers and bacon wrapped dates!

Saturday was pretty laid back. I headed out for my long run on Saturday morning, then hit the grocery store to get some ingredients to make a small game day spread so that Josh and I could enjoy an evening of watching college football! The food was wonderful and the UGA game was even better! The atmosphere in the stadium looked like so much fun, and the game itself was insane! We had a lot to cheer for!

Sunday involved church in the morning followed by an afternoon in Athens. We finally got to check out the Firefly Trail which was a really nice place for a Sunday stroll and the weather was perfect. We grabbed a late brunch after our stroll and then it was time to get back into productivity mode with some Sunday cleaning to get set for the week ahead!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

LC/UPC Multimode Duplex Keystone Jack in Ivory offers a professional, high-speed fiber optic connection for data and broadband applications. Designed with a durable gray body and white keystone insert, it fits any standard keystone wall plate or patch panel for a clean, customizable setup.

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Learning Center Article – How to Pin Out an Ethernet Cable?

When pinning out Ethernet cables the first thing you have to do is know exactly what type of Ethernet patch cord you are wanting to pin out.

• Straight-through Ethernet (standard)
• Crossover Cables
• Rollover Cables

All of these pinouts are based on T568B specs.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Ford to sell used vehicles on Amazon, joining Hyundai. 
• ​​​Amazon to raise $15 billion in first US bond sale in three years to fund AI push.​
• ​​Google expands AI Mode’s flight and event booking features.

Another Monday, another chance to reset. Today is National Take a Hike Day, a perfect excuse to step outside and enjoy a little fresh air. Whether it’s a long trail or a quick neighborhood walk, a little time outdoors can do wonders. Have you been on a good hike lately?

In This Issue: North Georgia Adventures | Deal of the Day | Cat6 Panel-Mount Ethernet Cable | Port Mirroring 101 | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – North Georgia Adventures

Happy Monday!

This weekend I went on a retreat and spent some time exploring North Georgia. Our group met up at Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state, and rode a bus to the top to take in some amazing views of the surrounding mountains. While we were there, we met a local who shared some stories about the area and recommended a restaurant in Helen called Campfire. After watching the sunset, we headed down the mountain and stopped there for dinner. I ended up having one of the best smashburgers I have ever had. If you are ever in the alpine town of Helen, Campfire is worth a visit.

The next day is when things got interesting. We hiked Yonah Mountain, which was described to us as a moderate 4.1-mile trail with about 1,400 feet of elevation gain. It did not feel moderate at all once we started. It was the perfect day for a hike, and there were a ton of families and people with dogs taking advantage of the weather. We had to park along the road leading up to the trail because it was so busy. There were several steep sections, and it felt like we were climbing uphill the entire time. We took many breaks and paced ourselves, and there were a few moments when I thought about giving up. I am glad I kept going because the view at the top made it worth it. The sense of accomplishment felt great too.

I am still recovering from the hike. My calves are not happy, but one day I hope to take the kids with me.

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

The Cat6 Panel-Mount Ethernet Patch Cable provides a clean and professional network connection for wall plates, panels, and custom enclosures. Designed with a bulkhead-mountable female RJ45 connector, it allows for secure and convenient installation—no need to punch down or terminate wires.

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Learning Center Article – Port Mirroring 101

When you have an important network, it’s a common practice to use some form of network monitoring. This can help you keep an eye on things for better security and network performance. How do you implement monitoring techniques into a network? One of the most straightforward methods is to use port mirroring.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• FAA ends shutdown-era flight limits as controller staffing rebounds. 
• ​​​UK Twitter hacker who breached Obama’s account ordered to repay $5.4 million in Bitcoin.​
• ​​Amazon saves 30 cents per item by replacing workers with robots.

TGIF! Today is National Family PJ Day, and honestly, what a perfect way to roll into the weekend. It’s all about comfort, coziness, and rocking your favorite pajamas with the people you love. What’s your ideal “stay comfy” weekend plan?

In This Issue: A Week Full of Meaning | Deal of the Day | Modular T Adapter | Certified Pre-Owned Cisco | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Week Full of Meaning

Merry Friday, everyone. Hope your week has been steady. Mine had its own rhythm, and honestly, it was a good one.

Monday was my “second birthday.” Marines know what that means. The Marine Corps’ birthday always hits in a quiet way for me. A little celebration, a little reflection, and a reminder of the standard I still try to live by. Nothing fancy, just pride that sticks with you.

Tuesday brought a moment I won’t forget anytime soon. My oldest son honored me at his Veterans Day recital. When he pointed at me and said, “That’s my dad,” it stopped me. Serving was one chapter of my life, but seeing your kid recognize it with that kind of respect hits different. That one stayed with me.

The week kept moving after that. Basketball practice with the boys on Wednesday and Thursday. Missed shots, made shots, laughing, coaching, just spending time together. Simple but good.

We’re heading into a packed weekend now. The girls have a softball tournament that runs all weekend, and my oldest son and I have the 8U soccer end-of-season celebration. There will be medals, proud faces, and the usual fun chaos that comes with kids and sports.

Sunday will be church, and I’m already looking forward to that reset. It slows everything down for a minute and helps me remember what keeps me grounded.

It has been a full week, meaningful in a lot of ways. Even if the weekend runs me ragged, I’m ready for it.

What moments stood out in your week?

Matthew

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily expand your RJ11 phone line with this RJ11 (6P4C) 1F/2F Modular T Adapter. Designed with one female input and two female outputs, it enables quick and reliable connection of multiple phone or fax devices to a single line. Constructed with high-quality copper-plated contacts to ensure optimal signal transmission and long-lasting performance.

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Learning Center Article – Certified Pre – Owned Cisco & More: The IT Secret

Certified Pre-Owned Cisco gear is a game-changer for businesses and IT professionals who want premium equipment without the premium price tag. Our CPO products undergo a meticulous refurbishment process, ensuring they meet the same standards of reliability and performance as new equipment. Plus, we back it with a lifetime warranty and advance replacement, so you can buy with total confidence.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• La Niña will dominate winter weather, federal forecasters say. 
• ​​​Amazon rebrands its Starlink competitor to Amazon Leo.
• ​​Mozilla will add an ‘AI window‘ to Firefox.