CablesAndKits Blog

Happy Monday! 🍂 After a holiday filled with gratitude, it’s time to dive into a fresh start. Let’s channel that post-Thanksgiving energy into a productive week ahead!

In This Issue: Thankful Feasts, Festive Traditions, and Holiday Cheer Ahead! | Deal of the Day | Cat5e Surface Mount | Best Outdoor Wi-Fi Access Point Solutions | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Thankful Feasts, Festive Traditions, and Holiday Cheer Ahead!

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Ours was busy, but full of thankfulness and great food! We had two great traditional Thanksgiving meals and one not so traditional family meal the day before Thanksgiving.

At one of our gatherings, we had sort of a “Tacosgiving” which has been a bit of a running joke at the office, but I thought I’d make it a reality with my in-laws. I made some delicious steak fajitas for my in-laws, and they made some awesome chicken tortilla soup! Afterwards we all headed to the cinema to watch Moana 2 with all of our kids. A quick review – it wasn’t as great as the original. I think the songs had a lot to do with it, I can’t really remember a stand out song in the film, whereas the original had some earworms like “You’re Welcome” and “How far I’ll go”. The story was engaging and the kids loved it, so that was a plus!

The day after Thanksgiving we broke out the old artificial Christmas tree and decorated it for Christmas! It really lightened the mood. It’s said you can tell the age of an artificial Christmas Tree by the number of duct tape rings on the box and ours have plenty, it’s ancient! By the way only 23 days left until Christmas!

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

Give your wiring installation a finished look with these RJ45 surface mount jacks for Cat5e. Mount these on any flat surface for easy connections. Termination style is a 110 punch down.

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Learning Center Article – Don’t Miss Out: Maximize Your Wi-Fi with the Best Outdoor Access Point Solutions

In today’s fast-paced world, reliable internet connectivity is essential, not just indoors but outdoors as well. From parks to outdoor business spaces and large campuses, having seamless Wi-Fi access in open areas has become a necessity. Outdoor Wi-Fi access points (APs) provide the solution, delivering consistent and widespread wireless coverage that keeps users connected no matter where they are.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• JINGLE! held its grand opening on Saturday, lighting up the tree with the help of actor and Kansas City native Rob Riggle.
• ‘Moana 2’ snares $221 million in its five-day domestic opening, fueling the biggest Thanksgiving box office of all time.
• Popeyes is launching a new festive family box and a few fantastic mid-week deals.
• TikTok is expanding its dominance by promoting TikTok Shop as a competitive e-commerce platform, enticing Amazon sellers with low fees and company-funded discounts. The platform has even recruited talent from Amazon to bolster its efforts. Despite the looming threat of a potential U.S. ban on January 19, many retailers and brands remain committed to investing in TikTok Shop, recognizing its growing potential in the e-commerce space.

Happy Wednesday! 🧡 Tomorrow’s the big day! Take a moment to prep, reflect, and get excited for a day filled with gratitude and celebration. One more sleep until Thanksgiving!

In This Issue: Thanksgiving with the Mouse! | Deal of the Day | DisplayPort Cable | Transceiver vs Transmitter | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Thanksgiving with the Mouse!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I hope you are gearing up for a wonderful Thanksgiving and some well-deserved time off.

This year, we’re doing things a little different and celebrating Thanksgiving with the Mouse himself in Disney World! I’m writing this to you on Monday and I’ll be honest, I’m a little nervous at what it’s going to look like, but I’m optimistic! Honestly, if anything, I think I’m just most excited to take my little one for the first time and see what his reactions are to things. He’s a big fan of Nemo and Inside Out, so we’ll be finding every chance we can get to interact with anything dealing with those characters and movies.

I look forward to sharing about the trip upon my return. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season with family and friends!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

DisplayPort cables are used to connect your devices to a monitor. Primarily used for connecting your monitor to your PC, this cable will provide high performance based on updated signal and protocol technology.

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Learning Center Article – Transceiver vs Transmitter – Which One is Right for Your Communication Needs?

In wireless communications, two fundamental devices are transceivers and transmitters. A transceiver combines the functions of both transmitting and receiving signals, making it essential for devices like radios and mobile phones. A transmitter, however, is designed solely to send signals, crucial for applications such as broadcasting radio frequencies or remote device control.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Krispy Kreme knows how to do the holidays right. Last year, the popular donut chain honored the 20th anniversary of the Christmas classic “Elf” with a collection that made sugarplum dreams come true, and this year, Krispy Kreme is teaming up with The Grinch to make even the Grinchiest hearts grow three sizes, according to a press release. Starting on Friday, November 29, 2024, the Merry Grinchmas Doughnut Collection will bring sweet joy to participating shops for a limited time.
• Oreo fans have an early Christmas surprise with the launch of their limited-edition festive cookies! These holiday treats feature double-layered red and green creme filling for the first time ever, delivering a colorful twist on the classic double-stuffed Oreo. Adding to the cheer, the chocolate wafers are embossed with five charming holiday designs—Candy Cane, Gingerbread Man, Penguin, Snowman, and Rudolph—each showcasing clever cut-outs where the red filling peeks through. These delightful details make Oreo’s latest holiday cookies a must-have for the season!
• Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition that has brought festive cheer to homes for 98 years. Set to air on Thursday, November 28, 2024, this year’s parade promises a spectacular lineup of fun floats, giant balloons, and star-studded performances. Whether you’re celebrating with a turkey feast or a honey-glazed ham, tune in to enjoy the holiday magic and timeless tradition from the comfort of your home!
• Disney’s Moana 2 debuts this Wednesday, aiming to rake in $120–$150 million in U.S. and Canadian box office sales through Sunday. Joining the cinematic lineup are Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II, both in their second week of screenings. Analysts predict this five-day Thanksgiving weekend could surpass $200 million in ticket sales, potentially ranking as one of the top three highest-grossing Thanksgiving periods in history.

Hello and happy Tuesday! 🍁 Only 2 days to go until Thanksgiving! Whether it’s the turkey, the company, or the pie, it’s almost time to enjoy it all. Let’s savor the anticipation!

In This Issue: A Weekend Getaway in the NC Mountains | Deal of the Day | Recessed Rack Adapter | Active Optical Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Weekend Getaway in the NC Mountains

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving week so far!

I just got back from a wonderful weekend spent in the North Carolina mountains. My friend and I were invited to Jackson County, NC to promote the area on our Instagram page in an attempt to help bring awareness to the fact that the towns and businesses in the area are open again after the hurricane damage.

We stayed in Sylva, NC which has the most adorable downtown district with many incredible shops and restaurants. The town was decorated for Christmas which made it feel even more magical, although their courthouse was not yet lit up which was a slight bummer given how beautiful the building is! I believe the lighting is this weekend so if you’re nearby, go check it out!

We also spent some time in neighboring Dillsboro, NC which also had a smaller but super cute downtown. We ate at a restaurant there called Haywood Smokehouse which had some of the best bbq I’ve ever eaten! Highly recommend!

We didn’t get to do much hiking on this trip as the hikes we planned on doing were all inaccessible due to the Blue Ridge Parkway being closed for snow and ice! We were sad to miss out, but enjoyed seeing some of the winter weather as we don’t get too much snow here in Georgia!

We took the scenic route home, stopping to do a little shopping in Highlands, NC and Clayton, GA which are both adorable mountain towns.

Overall, it was a really nice and relaxing weekend – a wonderful and much needed break from the stresses of home! During this week that is all about giving thanks, I am feeling extremely thankful for the opportunities like this to get away and reset. I hope to never take them for granted! What are you thankful for this week!?

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Recessed Rack Adapters are used to mount computer, A/V, and networking equipment slightly deeper in an equipment rack (3 inches from the face of the rack), allowing the ability to close rack doors when protruding wiring or equipment would have otherwise prevented doing so. These are perfect for mounting in patch panels, shelves, and other standard 19″ equipment.

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Learning Center Article – Transform Your Network with Active Optical Cables: Here is Why They are the Future

In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, the demand for faster, more reliable network connections is higher than ever. One of the best ways to meet these demands is by incorporating active optical cables (AOCs) into your network infrastructure. These high-performance cables offer superior data transmission over long distances, making them a popular choice in industries. In this guide, we’ll explore the key benefits of active optical cables, how they work, and why they may be the perfect solution to enhance your network performance.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Universal’s “Wicked” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II” arrive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and are expected to tally more than $200 million in combined ticket sales this weekend. “Wicked” has already tallied $19.2 million at the domestic box office from advance screenings held during the week. Box-office analysts project a domestic opening weekend of between $120 million and $140 million.
• Crypto investor Justin Sun paid $6.2 million for a banana duct-taped to a wall. Sotheby’s auctioned off the infamous piece of work titled “Comedian,” created by Italian artist and cultural prankster Maurizio Cattelan.
• McDonald’s is working on a new “McValue” approach for next year that involves keeping a $5 value meal offer on the menu for the first half of the year, along with introducing a “buy one add one” option.
• Disney debuts its latest cruise ship, Treasure, as part of a plan to double its fleet by 2031. The Disney Treasure will make its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean in December, becoming the sixth ship in the company’s cruise line.

Happy Monday! 🦃 Thanksgiving is just 3 days away! Let’s kick off the week with gratitude—what are you most looking forward to this holiday? The countdown is on!

In This Issue: Thankfulness, Traditions, and Turkey Day Excitement! | Deal of the Day | Keystone Wall Plate | Crossover Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Thankfulness, Traditions, and Turkey Day Excitement!

Happy Monday and Happy Thanksgiving week!

Only 3 more days until the official Turkey Day and the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. Over the weekend we went grocery shopping in preparation for Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to going to my parents house for a Thanksgiving feast. We typically have a light breakfast and while having breakfast one of my favorite traditions is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV with the family, before heading out. It’s one of my bucket list items to go and see the Parade in person, maybe when the kids are a little bit older!

Looking back on a pretty wild year, full of it’s ups and downs, I’m still very thankful for the things that are happening in our life. I’m thankful for my family and friends, new hobbies, and I’m grateful for you all that read and support the CK and read the CK Daily! We could not do this without you! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and spend some time appreciating and reflecting on the things that are near and dear to your heart.

And as always~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

Keystone plates offer maximum versatility because you can add, reduce or simply change the connections needed on the plate. They offer the best way to install the variety of today’s wiring and cabling. This is the perfect solution for terminating your in-wall wiring.

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Learning Center Article – Crossover Cables for Professionals: Achieve Reliable Networking Solutions

In today’s highly connected world, efficient and reliable networking is the foundation of professional settings like offices, labs, and data centers. A key part of any well-running network is the crossover cable. These cables are specifically designed for direct device-to-device connections, without needing extra hardware like switches or routers.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• How to recycle unused electronic products? Read more here.
• Krispy Kreme launches 3 new holiday doughnuts — and 1 returning favorite.
• Say goodbye to the Earth’s second moon as it leaves before Thanksgiving.
• McDonald’s launching revamped value menu in New Year: here’s when.

Hello all, and happy Friday! 🌿 It’s National Relaxation Day, so let’s embrace a moment of calm to wrap up the week right. Whether you unwind with a good book, a cup of tea, or just a few quiet moments, take some time for yourself this weekend. Here’s to a peaceful day ahead!

In This Issue: Thanksgiving Prep: Let’s Make It Easy and Delicious! | Deal of the Day | HP DL380 Gen10 Server Series | Firmware vs Software | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Thanksgiving Prep: Let’s Make It Easy and Delicious!

Happy Friday! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to get those plans in full swing. Whether you’re hosting a feast or contributing a dish to the table, preparation is the secret to stress-free success!

Start by finalizing your menu—turkey, stuffing, sides, and don’t forget the pie! Create a shopping list (check your pantry first for hidden gems!) and pick up those essentials early to avoid last-minute chaos. This weekend is also perfect for tackling non-perishable prep, like setting the table or prepping make-ahead dishes.

And remember, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s about the joy of gathering with loved ones. So, keep it simple, add a personal touch, and savor the moments that matter most. 🦃

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish to enjoy and/or prepare?

The CK Team

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Boost network performance with the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 server. Powered by dual Intel® Xeon® Gold 6154 processors and 256GB of DDR4 RAM, it’s built for scalability and reliability. Featuring (8) 1.2TB 10K HDDs, this server is perfect for demanding workloads and supports Windows 2022.

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Learning Center Article – Firmware vs Software

We all have to fight with computers sometimes. When they work, they’re incredibly powerful and useful, but when they don’t work, life gets frustrating in a hurry.

That leads down the rabbit hole of troubleshooting, and in that world, you’re going to come across a lot of terms. Some that show up a lot include firmware and software. What do these terms really mean? Are they the same? Different?

This quick dive will tell you everything you really need to know about firmware vs software.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Toronto’s magical new Christmas market has a Scandinavian-inspired bar and winter train rides.
• Taco Bell returns fan-favorite treat for the first time in five years.
• Visit the merriest bar in Minneapolis this holiday season – Jingle Bar – and step in a wonderland with dazzling decor and festive fun!
• Dairy Queen is bringing back these holiday blizzard flavors for the winter.

Happy Thursday! 🧡 Thanksgiving is just a week away, and we’re grateful for the chance to celebrate. As we wind down the week, let’s look forward to good food, great company, and a little time to relax. Have a wonderful day!

In This Issue: The History of Thanksgiving | Deal of the Day | Cisco Blank Faceplate | Ultimate Guide to SFP 10GBASE, SFP 40GBASE, and QSFP 40GBase Modules | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – The History of Thanksgiving

Happy Thursday! Our team is gathering today to join together for some Thanksgiving festivities. As we prepare to do so, we wanted to share some of the history of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is more than turkey, pie, and football—it’s a celebration of gratitude and togetherness rooted in history. The tradition traces back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared a harvest feast after a challenging year of survival and cooperation. It was a gesture of unity and gratitude for a successful harvest.

Fast forward to 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, inviting Americans to set aside the last Thursday of November as a time to give thanks and reflect. Today, Thanksgiving remains a cherished time for family, friends, and feasting, an opportunity to appreciate life’s blessings, big and small.

Let this Thanksgiving remind us all to pause, reflect, and share gratitude with those who matter most. 🦃

The CK Team

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This Cisco compatible ISR 4000 NIM slot faceplate is specifically constructed to cover the NIM slot in Cisco’s 4000 series integrated services routers. This allows your router to improve airflow and run better for a longer period of time. This Cisco accessory is compatible with a variety of models.

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Learning Center Article – Ultimate Guide to SFP 10GBASE, SFP 40GBASE, and QSFP 40GBase Modules

In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a solid and efficient network is crucial. Whether you’re running a small business or a large enterprise, picking the right transceiver modules can significantly boost your network’s performance and reliability.

This guide will simplify the essentials of SFP 10GBASE modules and SFP 40GBASE modules and many more.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Black Friday deals have officially launched at Amazon. Now’s the time to get started on your holiday shopping, as we’re seeing huge discounts on TVs, tablets, apparel, toys, headphones and everything in between.
• Starbucks x Wicked merch: Items list, where to buy, price, and more details explored.
• This Massachusetts shop is offering free coffee for dancing customers.
• Amazon Echo Spot (2024) review: The smartest clock radio ever.