CablesAndKits Blog

Midweek check-in: how’s your stress level today? 🌿 National Stress Awareness Day is all about slowing down and finding calm in the chaos. Take a deep breath, stretch a little, or step outside for a quick reset. You deserve it.

In This Issue: Proof That Dedication Pays Off | Deal of the Day | AC Power Cord | Ethernet Jacket Ratings | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Proof That Dedication Pays Off

Happy Wins-day, everyone!

Speaking of wins, I want to share one of the proud moments we witnessed last weekend. My cousin was invited to join a local pageant in our municipality. It was quite a challenge for him since he only had a month to prepare. He needed to build muscle and improve his physique. During the pre-screening, he still had some baby fat on his face and body, but after a month of consistent gym workouts, we were all impressed by his transformation.

Aside from preparing for the pageant, he’s also a student, a varsity player at his university, and works part-time at night. The dedication this kid has is unbelievable. He’s naturally shy (I can attest to that), but to help his mom, who’s been working so hard for their family, he decided to give it a shot. He said if he won, the cash prize could help pay for his tuition.

And after all that hard work, he won 2nd runner-up! It’s not the main title, but for us, he’s already a big winner, and we couldn’t be prouder. Not bad at all for a first-time contestant! He even received a cash prize that will go toward his studies, and some people approached him afterward, encouraging him to continue this journey because they see great potential in him.

These are the kind of people I truly admire, those who don’t just wait for opportunities but work hard to create them. If I had the means (and hopefully someday I will), I’d love to help him finish his studies. His dream is to become a civil engineer. And if not him, maybe I could help other kids like him, those who are determined to reach their goals in life but lack the resources to do so.

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The AC Power Cord is a 6-foot black cable featuring a 1-15P plug and C7 connector, perfect for laptops, printers, gaming consoles, and other electronics. Built with durable 18 AWG wire, it ensures efficient power delivery for devices using non-polarized 2-slot connections and is a reliable choice for everyday use.

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Learning Center Article – Understanding Ethernet Jacket Ratings: An Overview

When you’re planning a network, you usually think about the equipment you need and how you can connect it. That’s already plenty to consider, but it turns out that your responsibilities run deeper than that. You also have to think about safety. In the world of Ethernet, the fire risks are well understood and carefully controlled by governing agencies. In order to keep up with fire codes, what you really need to understand are Ethernet jacket ratings.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Toyota recalling more than million vehicles in U.S. due to rear camera flaw. 
• ​​​International stocks slide as concerns about AI and tech company values spread.​
• ​​Krispy Kreme adds nine new flavors in growing everyday menu to 16 from 10 doughnuts.

It’s Tuesday, and things just got sweeter! 🍭 Celebrate National Candy Day by treating yourself to your favorite sugary pick-me-up. What’s your go-to candy when you’re craving something sweet?

In This Issue: Island Reset | Deal of the Day | Keystone Surface Mount Box | Meraki Antenna Comparison | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Island Reset

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is having a great start to the week!

I’m back home after a little time away at my favorite place, Hilton Head Island! There’s just something about being on the island that helps me relax and makes me feel at ease. I love how nature has been so intentionally preserved there. Hilton Head’s entire design philosophy is all about the harmony between nature and development. They have enforced strict rules such as no buildings taller than the tallest tree, muted/natural color pallets for buildings, low lighting signage, and strict landscape preservation.

The intentional planning really allows the natural beauty of the island to shine. It’s mostly made up of evergreen trees, so even in the winter, Hilton Head stays lush and green. I love the live oaks draped in Spanish moss and the many magnolia trees on the island! They make everything feel timeless and peaceful!

Every time I visit, I leave feeling refreshed and a little inspired. I always enjoy the time of slowing down a bit and appreciating what’s in front of me! Hoping to carry that feeling into the rest of the week!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Give your network a clean, professional look with the Unloaded 1-Position Keystone Surface Mount Box. Designed to blend seamlessly into any home or office, it protects and hides your network connections while offering easy installation using double-sided tape or screws. Ideal for cubicles or baseboard cable runs, this single-position box provides a simple and neat way to add a network outlet anywhere.

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Learning Center Article – Meraki Antenna Comparison Guide for Optimal Performance

When it comes to building powerful and reliable wireless networks, Cisco Meraki is a name that has more than proven itself. If you’re interested in Meraki access points, you can build an amazing Wi-Fi network, but you’ll need to shop around for the right antennas.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Uber forecasts strong holiday-quarter bookings on membership boost. 
• ​​​Burger King has announced its annual, limited edition BK Advent calendar, which has 12 drawers filled with $100 worth of nostalgic and festive gifts, games, and merchandise, and costs $19.54.​
• Walmart CEO quietly warns its 2 million workers about AI’s impact: ‘Every job will change’.

Hello Monday! Let’s start the week strong with a positive mindset and a little motivation to keep us moving forward. What’s one goal you’d like to accomplish this week?

In This Issue: Candy, Colds & Kindness | Deal of the Day | Series Security Brackets | OEM vs Third-Party Maintenance | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Candy, Colds & Kindness

Happy Monday!

We had a fun Halloween weekend. On Friday we went over to a friend’s house to trick-or-treat and hand out candy. The kids had a great time and definitely enjoyed their candy haul.

Unfortunately, my wife caught a cold, so we spent most of the rest of the weekend indoors resting. The kids and I played a lot of Minecraft and Roblox to pass the time. At one point my youngest looked at me and said, “We ate too much candy. We should eat something healthy,” and then grabbed some fruit instead. I was both surprised and impressed! Definitely a proud parent moment.

With everything going on in the world right now, I encourage you to donate to your local food banks if you’re able. Every bit helps, and it’s a good way to give back to our communities as we head into the holiday season.

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 Cisco ASA 5500-X Series Security Appliance Brackets provide a secure and efficient mounting solution for Cisco ASA 5512-X, 5515-X, and 5525-X firewalls. Made for easy integration into standard racks or cabinets, these brackets ensure stability, organization, and proper airflow for reliable network performance. The kit includes front or rear mount brackets with screws for simple installation, helping maintain a neat and tangle-free setup.

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Learning Center Article – OEM vs Third-Party Maintenance: Key Differences Explained

When you have a lot of technology assets, they need regular care. You rely on the devices for many functions, and in many cases, they are critical to the operations of your business. The best way is with a maintenance contract. You can hire experts to regularly look after your equipment and ensure that everything is working. In the case of enterprise-scale IT, there are two versions of maintenance contracts that come up more than most: OEM and third-party maintenance.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• ​Microsoft signs $9.7 billion contract with IREN for Nvidia chips. 
• ​​​​FDA’s top drug regulator resigns after federal officials probe ‘serious concerns’ about his conduct.​
• ​​​New radar tech developed by Polar Bears International and Spotter Global aims to protect polar bears in the Arctic as climate change endangers their survival.

Happy Friday and Happy Halloween! 🎃 Whether you’re dressing up, passing out candy, or watching spooky movies, here’s to a day filled with fun and fright. What’s your Halloween plan this year?

In This Issue: Trick-or-Treats and Team Spirit | Deal of the Day | Charging Cable | How to Recycle IT Equipment | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Trick-or-Treats and Team Spirit

Happy Halloween! 🎃

I’m really looking forward to this weekend. It’s shaping up to be one of those perfectly chaotic, memory-making ones. First up, we’re hitting the neighborhood for trick-or-treating with my wife and kids. The kids are already bouncing off the walls about their costumes, and I can’t wait to roll out my secret weapon: a 3-foot-tall Gremlin that’s guaranteed to give the neighbors a good scare (and probably a laugh, too). There’s just something about Halloween night, the excitement, the laughter, and that feeling of being a kid again that makes it one of my favorite times of the year.

Of course, I’ll be eating obnoxious amounts of candy right alongside the kids, because let’s be honest, that’s part of the fun. But more than anything, I’m trying to slow down and really live in the moment. Life moves fast, and weekends like this are the ones that stick with you. The laughter, the sugar rush, and those little moments of joy are what make it all worthwhile.

After the Halloween fun winds down, it’s back to cheering on my girls at their softball tournament. Watching them play and seeing their hard work and teamwork pay off fills me with pride in a way that’s hard to describe. And to wrap it all up, we’ll be at church on Sunday, grounding ourselves, giving thanks, and starting the new week with full hearts.

Matthew

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Say goodbye to carrying multiple cables with the 3-in-1 Charging Cable. Designed with USB-C, Micro-USB, and Lightning connectors, it powers all your devices with one convenient cord. Perfect for travel, work, or home use, this durable red nylon-braided cable resists tangles and stands out from the rest.

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Learning Center Article – How to Recycle IT Equipment and Why We Should

Any time you end up with IT equipment that you can no longer use, you need a way to dispose of it. You can take electronics to a lot of landfills, but as you will see later, that’s not an optimal idea. Instead, it would probably help if you could recycle your equipment. It would prove good for the environment, and it might even be an efficient way to get rid of equipment you might not want…and make a little money or store credit at the same time.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Ford to make new engines in India with $370 million investment. 
• ​​​Netflix taps bank to explore bid for Warner Bros.​
• ​​Chocolate‘s reign over Halloween is under threat from inflation, tariffs and high cocoa prices.

We’re one day away from Friday! Celebrate Thursday (and spooky season!) with National Candy Corn Day. Will candy corn make it into your Halloween stash this year? 🍬

In This Issue: Halloween Hustle to Holiday Magic | Deal of the Day | Rack Screws with Washers | Benefits of Blade Servers | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Halloween Hustle to Holiday Magic

Halloween’s looking a little different this year! My 15-year-old son, who’s played soccer his whole life, decided to start kicking for the high school football team, and they’ve got a home game on Halloween night! So instead of handing out candy, we’ll be under the Friday night lights cheering him on. It’s a change from tradition, but we’re excited for this new season in his life.

And as soon as that final whistle blows, it’s officially holiday mode for me! 🎄 The very next day, Christmas is going up. I can’t wait to pull out the decorations and fill our home with festive cheer. It’s truly my favorite time of the year. Cozy nights, twinkling lights, holiday candles, holiday creamers for my coffee, warm blankets, and all the magic that comes with it. It’s never too early, right??!!

Have a great week!

Mandy

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Kendall Howard 10-32 Rack Screws and Cage Nuts provide durable, high-quality mounting for servers, shelves, and network equipment. The hardened steel screws feature easy-to-use Phillips Truss Heads, while the zinc-finished cage nuts offer strong, snap-in threading for secure installation in cabinets and racks.

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Learning Center Article – Benefits of Blade Servers in Your Data Center

No matter the type of business or application, when you need a server, you have to choose from an extensive list of options. Finding the right way to design and maintain your servers is an undertaking. While you weigh your options, it’s worth your time to take a closer look at blade servers. They are designed to save space, but that description hardly does them justice.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Tesla recalls nearly 6,200 Cybertrucks because the light bar may fly off. 
• YouTube offers employees voluntary buyout as company embraces AI: “The Next Frontier”​.
• ​​Microsoft‘s massive AI spending draws investor concerns as cloud business booms.

Happy Wednesday! Today is National Cat Day—the purrfect excuse to shower your feline friends with extra cuddles and treats. Do you have a cat at home? Tell us about them! 🐱

In This Issue: From Hawkins to Halloweentown | Deal of the Day | Wall Mount Rack | Slim Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – From Hawkins to Halloweentown

Only two more days until Halloween! 🎃

To get into the spooky spirit, I started rewatching Stranger Things this week. There’s something about returning to Hawkins, with its eerie music, mysterious labs, and flickering lights, that just fits this time of year. It’s not super scary, but it has the perfect mix of mystery and nostalgia for October.

My fiancé and I also have our own Halloween tradition. Every year, we watch Halloweentown together. It’s light, fun, and full of childhood magic, which balances out the darker world of the Upside Down perfectly.

Whether you’re into spooky adventures or cozy throwbacks, now’s the perfect time to grab a blanket, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a good Halloween movie night.

Sterling

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The 16U V-Line Wall Mount Rack is a durable, space-saving solution for IT and A/V setups. With an 18″ depth and 300 lb capacity, it keeps equipment secure and organized while improving cable management. Its open-frame V-Line design allows easy access, and dual-mount rails with 10-32 tapped holes and cage nut options provide flexible installation. Ideal for small spaces and budget-friendly setups.

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Learning Center Article – Benefits of Slim Ethernet Cables

A major part of network design is picking the right cables. Some cabling decisions are made for you, as you want to minimize costs while maintaining specifications. Many times, you will only have one viable cable choice after you consider bandwidth needs, run length, form factor, and all the rest. A perfect example involves Cat6 cables. When Cat6 is ideal for your performance and cost needs, you can still choose between cables of different diameters. In particular, slim Ethernet cables provide interesting benefits that can translate to major performance changes for your network.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Musk launches AI-powered site ‘Grokipedia‘ to counter Wikipedia. 
• ​​Thermo Fisher to buy clinical services provider Clario for up to $9.4 billion.​
• ​​​Dunkin’s holiday lineup, featuring new treats and returning favorites, arrives nationwide on November 5.