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Archives for August 2021

CK Daily – 08.30.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series 48 Port PoE+ Switch | Top Products for Your Data Centers | News to Start Your Day

Anyone wishing they were at the beach?! You must be in the holiday spirit because today is National Beach Day! What’s your favorite beach spot? Do you enjoy relaxing on the beach with a good book in hand, building sandcastles, or surfing the waves? We’d love to know!

The CK Daily – Hurricane Ida and Afghanistan

Good Morning CK Fam!!!!

I hope y’all have had a wonderful, restful, recharging weekend and are ready to hop back in the work saddle this Monday morning!

While most things may be going smoothly for you at home, it is not always the case for our countrymen and women, domestic and foreign. This is not meant to be a saddening or downtrodden message, simply one of support.

Often we can feel helpless, we have obligations (work, family, caretaker, small children), but that doesn’t mean you can’t help.

Some real groups that are on the ball and helping that I support and would love to share:

Hurricane Ida relief:

Team Rubicon (Veteran operated relief program) – teamrubiconusa.org

Cajun Navy – https://cajunrelief.org/

Afghanistan Relief and Human Trafficking Prevention:

Operation Underground Rescue – ourrescue.org

Tim Tebow Foundation – https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/anti-human-trafficking

While it may be difficult to feel like you are doing nothing, support them monetarily, through prayer, sharing with friends and family how they can help, or with care packages.

May all of our neighbors have God’s protection through these tribulations. Join me in prayer for these people who are losing their homes, hope, family members, and more.

Have a great week,

Corey

Hot Topic of the Day

In a recent poll, 2,000 American moms with children ages 3–18 to identify the traits of a “cool” mom—and then asked their kids to set the record straight. The results showed that 3 in 5 kids think moms who help with homework and school projects are considered “cool” moms.

The poll mainly revealed that snacks are really the true way of winning the kids over. Half of moms have made a cheese board for their children, and more than half admitted that their kids eat more sophisticated snacks and lunches than they do.

Do you think snacks win over the “cool” mom title? What snacks do you pack in your kid’s lunches? Would you admit that your kids eat more sophisticated snacks than you? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

Happy Monday! Today we’re taking a closer look at the Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series 48 Port PoE+ Switch!

Cisco 3560 X switches help maximize productivity by giving IT managers the tools needed to support enterprise applications and advanced traffic management. With an array of network modules and redundant power supply options available, these standalone switches can be customized and scaled to support nearly any application. Options for the 3560X include Gigabit and 10GE uplink ports, PoE+ and non-PoE support, redundant fans, and an array of port densities that allow the devices to be tailored and customized. By upgrading IOS versions users and add OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) routed access, multicast routing, IPv4 and IPv6 support, advanced QoS (Quality of Service). Hardware security, Cisco Energywise power management and type A and B USB interfaces are standard. These feature-rich, fixed-configuration devices are the switch of choice for small to medium-size businesses looking to maximize IT budgets while maintaining rich functionality.

They have several incredible features – so be sure to snag one today! 

Top Products for Your Data Centers – CK Learning Center

Data Center Racking, Cabinets & Accessories

You wouldn’t buy a car and just leave it sitting around without taking care of it and protecting it, right? You definitely would not buy network equipment and just leave it sitting around on the floor or stacked on boxes where it is not secure or safe, would you? Of course not!

Having the right data center layout and network racking setup is just as important as the switches and cabling you use in your data center and business. We have a huge selection of all of the racking components you need to get organized and to keep your data center from getting cluttered.

Check out all we have to offer at CK in this learning center article. 

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • China is cracking down on youth videogame addiction. No gaming will be allowed during the school week and only one hour a day will be allotted on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays. 
  • Ikea announced plans to launch a furniture buyback and resale program in the U.S. The program will be piloted at its store in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, through Sept. 19, with the goal of eventually making the service available at all U.S. locations.
  • Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on Sunday as a Category 4 storm with winds of 150 miles per hour, one of the strongest storms to hit the region since Hurricane Katrina. Ida has since been downgraded to a tropical storm.
  • Apple’s new iPhone 13 is set to have satellite connectivity. This will allow you to be able to make calls and send texts in areas lacking cellular coverage. 
  • TikTok owner ByteDance has made its first foray into virtual reality (VR) through the acquisition of a start-up called Pico.

CK Daily – 08.27.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco 10GBase-LR SFP Module | Purpose Driven Goals | News to Start Your Day

Happy Friday! We hope you had a great week and are looking forward to the weekend! Any fun things planned? Also, we know that a lot is happening in the world. If there is any way that we can be praying for you, please let us know!

The CK Daily – Back on the Conference Route!

Happy Friday, folks!

I don’t know about you all, but I’m looking forward to a restful weekend! Why? We attended our first conference this week, the first conference I’ve been to since January 2020! I love to travel, meet with prospective partners, and enjoy some GREAT food! It was exciting to be able to attend a conference again! I will say it’s WAY smaller than it used to be. However, the smaller conference allowed us to spend more time with prospective partners, which is always good!

So this brings me to the question: are you ready to attend conferences or meet face to face with your partners or clients?

Chris

Hot Topic of Day

Manchester City is the reigning champions of the English Premier League and they are now seeking to reduce the amount of landfill waste. They will introduce an “edible coffee cup as an amazing solution to waste. You’ll be able to eat your cup!

The cup is made by a Scottish startup called BioBite, and is essentially a 100-calorie vegan biscuit in the shape of a cup. Made with wafer in much the same way as an ice cream cone, the cup will stay leak-proof for 12 hours, and even more amazingly, crunchy for a full 45 minutes, which for the American readers is exactly and always one-half the duration of a ‘football’ match.

Do you think you’d enjoy this cup alternative? Would you drink it fast enough before the biscuit becomes soggy? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

We’ve made it to the end of the week CK Family! We’ve saved one of the bests for lasts – the Cisco 10GBase-LR SFP Module.

The Cisco 10GBase-LR SFP+ transceiver module was designed for long range data transmission and supports data transfer over a distance 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) using singlemode fiber. This transceiver module transfers data at a rate of 10 Gigabits per second and is an ideal option for connectivity needs in large data centers, enterprise wiring closets, large campuses, and Metro Area Networks.

While this SFP+ module is capable of transmitting data over long distances, there is no minimum distance required. As such, this module is also suitable for short range data transmission as well.

Pick one up for 25% off this week!

Purpose Driven Goals – Jon Gordon

Enjoy today’s motivation from Jon Gordon. You can find the full article here. 

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For years I chose Organic Valley milk over other brands in the supermarket. I had no idea why until I spoke at their remote headquarters surrounded by acres of farm land in the middle of Wisconsin.

I discovered a company that didn’t believe in sales and revenue goals. Of course they forecasted sales for budgetary, planning and growth purposes and measured numbers and outcomes, but they did so with the belief that numbers were just a byproduct of how well they were living and sharing their purpose.

Instead of focusing on goals with numbers, Organic Valley passionately focused on their purpose driven goals: providing opportunities for farmers to make a living; sustainability of the land; and providing families with healthy dairy products that were free of hormones and antibiotics. The result: Organic Valley’s numbers kept growing and growing.

While speaking to an NFL team a few years ago I had each player write their goals on a piece of paper. After a few minutes I had them rip up the paper they had just written on. I was inspired by my friend Joshua Medcalf’s book Burn Your Goals but didn’t want to be the guy known for causing a fire in an NFL meeting room so I had them rip up the paper instead.

You could hear the complaints and feel their anger and frustration while they ripped up the paper they had just spent time and energy writing on. I then asked, “How many of you wrote down win a super bowl, win x number of games, achieve x number of yards, have x number of interceptions, etc.?”

All the hands went up. I told them that every person in every NFL meeting room has the same goals. So it’s not the goals that will make you successful. Otherwise everyone and every team would be successful after writing down their goals. Instead it’s your commitment to the process, your growth and your purpose that drives you to reach these goals that will determine what you accomplish.

I then had them write down their commitments and purpose for playing and had them share with the rest of the team. It was powerful.

The truth is numbers and goals don’t drive people. People with a purpose drive the numbers and achieve goals. Research clearly shows that true motivation is driven by meaning and purpose rather than extrinsic rewards, numbers and goals.

A study of West Point alums showed that those who had intrinsic goals, “I want to serve my country and make a difference” outperformed those with extrinsic goals “I want to rise in the ranks and become an officer because it’s prestigious.”

Goals may motivate you in the short term but they will not sustain you over time. Without a good reason to keep moving forward during challenges you either quit or go through the motions like one of the walking dead.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t measure numbers or have goals. It’s okay to have a goal you want to achieve but once you identify a goal or outcome you will be more powerful and energized if you focus on your purpose. Your greater purpose will lead to greater performance!

Purpose-driven goals sell more milk, win more football games, enhance performance and lead to outcomes that far surpass your numbered goals.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • Apple will allow app developers to email their users about alternative purchase options, in a major change to App Store policies. App makers want to contact their customers directly to encourage them to pay directly and avoid Apple’s App Store fees, which range from 15% to 30% of gross sales.
  • The U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday that it will forgive $1.1 billion in student debt for 115,000 borrowers. The debt forgiveness will go to those who attended ITT Technical Institute, a for-profit school that is now defunct.
  • Peloton said it’s cutting the price of its less expensive Bike product by about 20% to $1,495. The price drop will also take effect in the U.K., Canada, Germany and Australia.
  • Tropical Storm Ida is strengthening in the Caribbean Sea and is forecast to threaten the northern U.S. Gulf Coast as a major hurricane this weekend.
  • Tesla filed an application with the Texas Public Utility Commission to sell electricity in the state.

CK Daily – 08.26.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco 8861 Five-line Color Display IP Phone | What does AWG mean for Ethernet patch cables? | News to Start Your Day

Happy National Dog Day! Today we celebrate our 4-legged friends that protect us, make us feel safe, and aid us when we need them. Do you have the title of dog mom/dog dad? Send us a photo and show us your pup! 

The CK Daily – Too much of a good thing. 

As you are reading this, I am flying back from an event in Chicago. It has been a phenomenal trip meeting with new and old vendors, learning a lot, having great conversations, and seeing some old friends in the industry. Oh, and probably the best part is getting to eat some amazing food…ok, getting to eat WAY TOO MUCH of that amazing food.

When in a different city, you, of course, have to eat stuff that is local to that area. We always joke about not eating at a chain restaurant that we have back in Georgia or at least in our area. We succeeded in not doing that again this year, but dang, we did eat some good food this week. I am a huge fan of deep-dish Chicago pizza and so was everyone else with me on the trip. We ended up eating at Giordano’s twice. That might not sound like a lot, but trust me when I say it was a ton of pizza in the three days we were here. The pizza was absolutely amazing! The sauce was perfect, the cheese was great, the meats (all the meats…) were so good. I literally could not stop eating it…both times. I regretted the decision of not stopping…again, both times.

As we all know though, too much of a good thing can be bad. Chris joked about us going there again last night. Normally I would have been fine with it, but immediately I had to say “no!”. It was a sad moment, but I knew I had reached my limit on the deep-dish pizza. It is even shocking to me. Haha!

While I am a huge Giordano’s fan, I know this is a very heated topic all over. I have had all three of these but what’s your favorite type of Chicago deep-dish pizza – Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, or another option?

Have a great Thursday and go order yourself a deep-dish pizza from somewhere!

Jason

Hot Topic of the Day

A German animal shelter began using the Tinder dating app to post profiles of lonely dogs and cats looking for love. They hired a photographer to come in and take their profile photos and write their profiles to help them all find “the purrfect match.” People could then swipe right on the animals. Many requests have been processed and the shelter has started interviews in hope of finding homes for the single pets.

Would you use Tinder to find the perfect four-legged friend for you? What would you like to see in their profile to be able to swipe right on them? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

Happy Thursday! Today we’re highlighting the Cisco 8861 Five Line Color Display IP Phone and this is one you want to snag while it’s 20% off!

This Cisco CP-8861-K9 desk phone is an excellent choice when looking for a phone to help you increase productivity through an engaging user experience. This phone features crystal clear wideband audio performance, comes with 5 programmable lines, Bluetooth, Cisco Intelligent Proximity, an integral Gigabit switch, and the ability to add Key Expansion Modules. Not only is the 8861 highly function, but it comes in a sleek ergonomic design and is highly reliable and secure.

What does AWG mean for Ethernet patch cables? – CK Learning Center

What does AWG mean for Ethernet patch cables? What is the AWG for Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables?

AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. It is the common measurement used in the U.S. and Canada to determine the thickness of a wire made for electrical purposes. First established in 1857, AWG originally measured basic solid wire. Now it is used to measure stranded wire as well, which can lead to some confusion when looking at a cable to determine AWG. Stranded wire contains air pockets, which can make a cable look much bigger than it is.

Gauge size can be counterintuitive for some, as smaller numbers mean larger wire diameters, which means there is less resistance for the signals carried through the cable. The wire in Cat6 and Cat6a patch cables, with their improved performance abilities, run slightly thicker than their Cat5E counterparts, giving you a better quality of throughput.

Cat5e cables usually run between 24 and 26 AWG, while Cat6, and Cat6A usually run between 22 and 26 AWG.

One of the newest types of Ethernet cables on the market, Slim Run Patch Cables, actually have a 28 AWG wire. This allows these patch cords to be at least 25% smaller in diameter, than standard Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet. While the higher AWG in slim Ethernet cables limits the length of the cable you can run without creating resistance, these cables are beneficial for high-density networks and data centers, as well as a lot easier to install and manage.

Find this on the CK Learning Center here. 

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat battle to achieve price parity with real meat. Meat substitutes and alternatives cost more than animal meat products due to supply-chain issues, higher costs of ingredients, and higher costs of production.
  • Using Microsoft Teams on an iPhone may require some serious updating soon as the platform will only work on certain versions of iOS. Microsoft has revealed that its video conferencing service will soon only work on iOS 14 and above, meaning a change for many users with older devices.
  • Spencer Elden, who was photographed nude as an infant and appears on the cover of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album, is suing the band over the image. In the filing, Elden’s lawyer claims the image constitutes child pornography, violating federal laws. Elden is seeking $150,000 in damages from each of the 15 defendants named in the suit.
  • Disney has reached a deal with the Service Trades Council Union to require all of its unionized employees working at Walt Disney World in Florida to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by October 22, 2021.
  • Cryptocurrency creators who claim they are trying to educate consumers say their content is getting censored and taken down for violating community guidelines on TikTok. TikTok recently rolled out a system that automatically removes content that violates community guidelines. Many creators are now considering a shift to Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Discord if TikTok continues to remove crypto-related posts.

CK Daily – 08.25.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series 48 Port PoE+ Switch | 12 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy Life More | News to Start Your Day

Calling all thrifters!! Today is your day – it’s National Secondhand Wardrobe Day! Head on over to your favorite thrift store and snag some great deals on some new items for your wardrobe! What’s been your best thrift store find? 

The CK Daily – Getting Through the Ups and Downs

Happy Wednesday!

Can you believe August is almost gone? This month has flown by for me, but I am not complaining. This weekend my husband and I are celebrating many different things. My son’s birthday is this weekend, and we are throwing him the ultimate Home Depot/Construction themed birthday party. He is all about excavators, so we are pretty excited to see his eyes light up with all of our decorations. We are also having a gender reveal party for our unborn child this weekend, along with celebrating 8 years of marriage. So yeah, the last few days of the month are jammed-packed for my household.

With all the exciting things happening in my life, I can’t help but think about those who are not experiencing such joyous times right now. From COVID-19 ramping back up and affecting people to the helpless people in Afghanistan, times are rough for many. It’s so easy to take life and health for granted, but the recent events that have been happening around our country and in the world have caused me to take a break and thank God for protection. 

As you finish out your week, I ask each of you to take a moment to think about the great things going on in your life. Once you’ve done that, take another moment to think about those who aren’t doing as great as you. We all have our ups and downs, but as a good Samaritan, let’s not forget about those that are not as fortunate.

Have a great week friends! 

Shanyce

Hot Topic of the Day

Yesterday, Starbuck officially launched their autumn drink menu. To try and get a leg up on Starbucks, Dunkin’ launched its pumpkin cream cold brew and pumpkin spice signature latte drink on August 11th. They even added apple cider doughnuts to the mix! Panera is also seeking to have a spot in the running with their fall drinks being added to their menu on September 1st! 

Where is your favorite place to get fall-themed drinks? Are you a big pumpkin spice fan? Do you think it’s too early to have fall-themed drinks on the menu? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

We’ve finally made it to the middle of the week! Are you already looking forward to the weekend?! Today we’re focusing in on the Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series Switch that has (48) 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports and (2) USB Ports, WS-C3560X-48P-S.

Cisco 3560 X switches help maximize productivity by giving IT managers the tools needed to support enterprise applications and advanced traffic management. With an array of network modules and redundant power supply options available, these standalone switches can be customized and scaled to support nearly any application. Options for the 3560X include Gigabit and 10GE uplink ports, PoE+ and non-PoE support, redundant fans and an array of port densities allow the devices to be tailored and customized. By upgrading IOS versions users and add OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) routed access, multicast routing, IPv4 and IPv6 support, advanced QoS (Quality of Service). Hardware security, Cisco Energywise power management and type A and B USB interfaces are standard. These feature-rich, fixed-configuration devices are the switch of choice for small to medium-size businesses looking to maximize IT budgets while maintaining rich functionality.

This week, enjoy 25% off this product!

12 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy Life More

Today’s article is from Ramsey Solutions – read the full post here!

Ironically, it’s hard to slow down. It takes a ton of discipline. You’ve got to choose to go against what the rest of the world is doing. But it’s worth it—I promise. Here are a few practical ways to slow down.

1. Pay attention to what gets your attention.

Slowing down starts when you begin to pay attention to the world around you—to be truly focused on what’s in front of you. The problem is that we try to divide our attention between a million things all at once. We think multitasking will help us get more done, but in reality, it only leaves us stressed and frazzled.

2. Be present.

It sounds nice, doesn’t it? Just be present. Just be where you are. If it were that easy, we wouldn’t struggle doing it. But in our busy lives, with so much competing for our attention, it feels almost impossible to focus on what’s in front of us.

3. Don’t allow your phone to be a distraction.

Speaking of barriers to being present, let’s talk about cell phones. We’re addicted to our phones—addicted to the temporary rush they bring. The noises, alerts, dings, and little red dots keep us feeling hurried because there’s always another notification to check.

Don’t let your phone run your life. Don’t allow it to flood your body with stress hormones. Don’t give it the power to steal your time, attention and peace of mind.

4. Focus on the people in front of you.

When we’re rushing, we often push people to the side. We don’t take time to look the cashier at the grocery store in the eye and ask how their day is going. We never take time to just hang out with a friend or neighbor (here in the South, we call that visitin’).

So, stop and slow down, put the device away, look your loved ones in the eyes, and spend quality (translation: unrushed and undivided) time with them.

5. Drive the speed limit.

Yes—I know. This one is tough. If you’re like me, you’re tempted to speed through traffic, weaving in and out of cars to shave a few minutes off your commute. But you’re not a NASCAR driver, and this isn’t a race.

6. Do something creative.

We’re all creative. Whether you like to do watercolors or make spreadsheets, there’s something you’re good at bringing into the world—something that brings you life. Making time for creative work helps us slow down and enjoy the moment.

7. Accept your limitations.

I don’t know about you, but I have a Mother Teresa complex sometimes—I feel like it’s my job to save the world. I sign up and say yes to things I don’t even want to do, because if I don’t show up, won’t it all fall apart?

8. Take the Why Do I Feel So Busy? life balance quiz.

You know you’re too busy, but you might not know why. Time-management hacks are great, but a lot of the time, they only address the symptom of the problem—not the source.

9. Make time for play.

As we age, we have a hard time making fun a priority. We might even feel guilty for having fun—like it’s a luxury we can’t afford. Maybe you’ve entirely forgotten how to have fun! When we slow down and make time for play, we recharge our batteries, laugh, connect with people, and reignite the spark of joy that’s missing from our hectic lives.

10. Practice silence.

Can you be still? What if you could just stop? Stop the noise, stop the rushing, stop trying to perform, stop trying to keep up. Just stop. Be still. Schedule little pauses throughout your day—even just a minute or two can help calm your mind.

11. Journal.

One of the problems with being too busy is that we don’t make time for reflection. We never pause to check in with ourselves, think back on the day, or consider whether or not we like how we’re spending our time. Journaling is an awesome practice that helps you slow down and connect with yourself.

12. Add these books to your reading list.

Here are a few books that have helped me—on a personal and professional level—learn to slow down and enjoy my life:

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Redefining Anxiety by Dr. John Delony

Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance by Christy Wright

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • Microsoft is planning to launch cloud gaming services on Xbox consoles this holiday season. This will allow people to stream games over the internet rather than install them locally. 
  • Airbnb says that it plans to temporarily house 20,000 Afghan refugees. Refugees will be housed in properties listed on Airbnb’s platform and the stay will be funded by Airbnb. 
  • Chewy, the now publicly-traded company, wants to hold on to the corporate culture that drew customers when it was a start-up. Chewy CEO Sumit Singh said he wants to order dog food — and even getting a delivery of cat litter — to feel a little like going to Disney World.
  • Serena Williams has pulled out of the U.S. Open to recover from a torn hamstring.
  • Waymo is opening up rider testing of its self-driving car in San Francisco. 

CK Daily – 08.24.2021

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In This Issue: 10ft Blue CAT8 Ethernet Cable, S/FTP, 40Gbs, 2GHz, Easyboot | Understanding Wavelengths | News to Start Your Day

Happy Tuesday! Did you know that today is the day that the first waffle iron patent was issued?  In 1896 Cornelius Swarthout received his patent. Seems like the perfect day to pull out the waffle maker and celebrate! What toppings are you putting on your waffle?

The CK Daily – Planning Out the Week

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday! I don’t know about you, but it seems to me like life has gotten really busy lately! I think there’s something about this time of year when people are back from Summer vacations, school has started, and it seems like life kind of kicks into overdrive a bit!

When life gets busy and hectic, I find that it can make me feel a bit stressed and overwhelmed! I’m the type of person who can find myself paralyzed when I have too many things that need to be done and when I don’t have a solid plan of attack for getting everything done. That’s why I have recently started utilizing lists to keep myself organized and on track, and it has made such a difference in my productivity!

At the beginning of the week, I try to spend about 20 minutes or so making lists of the things that I know need to get done that week. I create a list for work-related tasks, personal tasks, workouts that need to get done… you name it, if it’s important it gets written down and prioritized! It’s funny how taking just a small amount of intentional time to plan the week out and actually writing things down can have a huge impact on how the week goes. Not to mention, the sense of satisfaction that comes from checking something off your list is awesome! That in and of itself is super motivating! Do you use lists to keep yourself on track? I’d love to hear and tips and tricks if you’re a list-keeping pro! 

Rebecca

Hot Topic of the Day

Have you been to a restaurant recently that has replaced its physical menu with QR codes? Chances are this change in the industry will become permanent. QR code downloads have soared over the last year and a half. Using them will allow more flexibility for a restaurant to change their menu from day to day and also allow the opportunity to track trends and various data on consumers. Read more about this here! 

Do you like QR codes? Do you enjoy scanning a QR code and looking at the menu on your phone over having a physical copy of the menu? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

Happy Tuesday! Today, we’re taking a look at our 10ft Blue CAT8 Ethernet Cable, S/FTP, 40Gbs, 2GHz, Easyboot that is 20% off this week!

Our S/FTP (Each pair Foil shielded / 4 Pair Braid Shield) Booted Category 8 (Cat8) Ethernet Patch Cables are the newest addition to the network cabling family and have hit the ground running! With the ability for 40gb and 2GHz bandwidth transmission over 20 meters, these network data cables are a Data Center Manager’s dream to handle the speeds that their network and users need. These patch cables are backward compatible with both Cat6 and Cat5e, and all previous categories.

Understanding Wavelengths – CK Learning Center

No one ever accused fiber optics of being simple technology. Instead, we tend to acknowledge that this powerful technology is difficult to design and complicated in its application. Mastering those complications is often worth it because it enables us to build better networks and do a better job with those networks. In that endeavor, we can tackle a brief tutorial on wavelengths and how they impact fiber optic designs.

What Is Wavelength?

The second word in “fiber optics” already tells us plenty about the nature of this technology. It deals with light — more specifically electromagnetic radiation — as the signaling medium. Wavelength is very simply a measure of the space between two photons in a solid beam of light. Conversely, we have a frequency which measures the time between two signals. The two terms are opposite sides of the same coin. If you have a shorter wavelength, it takes less time between signals and a higher frequency.

With this in mind, the wavelength (or frequency) of any light source tells us the physical limitation of how we can use that light in signal processing. We can never send signals that are faster than the frequency of the beam, and we cannot use equipment that is smaller than the wavelength. This is a rough summary, but it paints a good enough picture.

Aside from the basics, the wavelength also tells us how light will interact with other objects. When it comes to designing fiber optics, those interactions are the most important pieces of information hiding within a wavelength.

Absorption

When fiber optics are engineered and tested, there are two issues that can impact their effectiveness. Absorption is one of them. Materials have a natural ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation. For any given substance, only radiation of certain wavelengths can actually interact and be absorbed. When we deal with fiber optic cables, the largest source of absorption actually comes from microscopic water droplets. That drives manufacturers to avoid wavelengths where that absorption is at its worst.

Scattering

Like absorption, scattering happens at different wavelengths for any given material. Also like absorption, the culprits of scattering within a fiber optic cable are small and easy to overlook. Particles of dust and even the air itself can cause scattering problems, so again, the design is to use wavelengths where these problems are smallest.

The term for signal loss related to absorption and scattering is attenuation. Engineers try to make attenuation numbers as small as possible, and when you account for both absorption and scattering at the same time, you find that very specific frequencies work best. The most common wavelengths in use today are 850, 1300, 1310, and 1500 nanometers. You’ll notice large gaps between each of those numbers. Those just happen to be the magic wavelengths where the attenuation values hit minima.

This is only the beginning. We can find that different types of fiber optic signals can further impact which wavelength is best for a function. Multimode and singlemode fiber, for instance, have different naturally occurring sources of interference. That’s why they tend to operate with noticeably separate wavelength ranges.

Putting it all together, it isn’t necessary to optimize wavelengths when you choose fiber optic systems. That’s baked into the design. Instead, it helps to understand why wavelength is an important identifier and how emerging, more advanced systems might play with wavelength in order to improve the technology.

You can find this article here on the CK Learning Center. 

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • Starbucks’ new apple crisp macchiato joins the pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin cream cold brew on the fall menu. The autumn lineup will hit cafes starting today!
  • Following a months-long delay, Peloton said a less expensive version, priced at $2,495 is finally set to debut in the United States next week.
  • Walmart has launched a delivery service called GoLocal. The white-label service will deliver goods from other local retailers to customers. 
  • Disney has reached a deal with the Service Trades Council Union to require all of its unionized employees working at Walt Disney World in Florida to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by October 22, 2021.
  • Clipart of a rock just sold for 400 ether, which is about $1.3 million. The transaction marks the latest sale of EtherRock, a brand of crypto collectible that’s been around since 2017 – making it one of the oldest non-fungible tokens on the block.

CK Daily – 08.23.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco Aironet 3600 Series Access Point | 6 Books on Failure to Build Your Resilience | News to Start Your Day

Happy Monday! We hope you enjoyed the weekend and were able to find some time to relax! Are you looking forward to the week ahead? We’d love to know what this week looks like for you! Big plans, important meetings, daydreaming about the weekend? Let us know!

The CK Daily – Life, Death, and Living

Good Morning CK Fam,

As this is an open window into my life and heart. I have no qualms sharing with you the true depths of what happens in my life personally.

This last week/weekend (and even this morning), has been laden with not great news. We lost my Great Uncle last week, additionally, my wife’s coworker was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer with a mass in the liver to accompany that.

Heavy stuff, I know. There should always be something to be taken away from these moments in life, and I felt compelled to share today. Being in my 30s now, a recent father, and pretty locked down in the house from that and Covid… we must never forget to live.

Life is so short, live it with your loved ones, friends, and family alike. I’ll leave you with this:

Matthew 6:19-20

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Have a great week, go do great things,

Corey

Hot Topic of the Day

The talk of the town has been the recent news of Amazon planning to open department stores! The first stores are expected to be in California and Ohio and will take up about 30,000 square feet. While this is not the first time Amazon has ventured into a physical location, this will be a big step forward for the company. 

Would you visit an Amazon retail location? Would this encourage you to stop using Amazon Prime in order to see the physical item in the store? What do you think the store would look like? 

Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

Happy Monday! We hope you had a wonderful weekend! We’re kicking off our Deals of the Week this week with the Cisco Aironet 3600 Series Access Point, AIRCAP3602IAK9-R.

This ready-to-install, easy-to-manage access point offers high capacity, high security, enterprise-class features to deliver wireless LAN access with a low total cost of ownership. Designed for coverage in offices and similar RF environments, this unobtrusive access point features integrated antennas and dual IEEE 802.11a/g/n radios for comprehensive and predictable coverage, providing a combined capacity of 450 Mbps.

Snag one for 25% off this week!

6 Books on Failure to Build Your Resilience

Enjoy today’s article from SUCCESS. You can find the full version here.

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Resilience requires setbacks. Learning from failure requires certain tools that may not come easily. With that in mind, here are 6 useful, practical books to help you learn resilience as a process. Only then can you seize success from the jaws of failure.

Go for No! Yes Is the Destination, No is How You Get There

By Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

Everyone works in sales to a degree. And not just if you’re on a sales team. If you manage an office, own your own business, write proposals for funding, or currently seek a new career, you are in sales. And as a salesperson, the reply you will hear most often is: No.

Go for No! leads this for a reason. It is both inspirational and practical. At a quick read of 82 pages, Fenton and Waltz distinguish failure from failing by example. The lessons are not simple feel-good platitudes. Rather, the book guides you step by step from seeming failure toward real success. Although this list aims to offer useful books for a range of tastes, Go for No! leads for a reason. It will empower you with practical skills in turning seeming negatives into positives.

The Resilience Factor: How to Face Adversity, Trauma and Tragedy Like a Superhero

By Dr. Syleecia Thompson

Dr. Thompson knows setbacks. She knows success, too. A cancer survivor with no shortage of obstacles in her life, she persisted through adversity to earn a doctorate in business administration and manage more than 160 clients as an entrepreneur.

The Resilience Factor emphasizes personal growth over business practices. That is, building inner strength and fortitude in the face of adversity. Yet, the reader may apply her lessons to all of life’s struggles. This amazing and personal book leans on a self-help model, appealing to readers to look inward. The author includes a guided journal to use as a self-aware, practical guide to build resilience in the face of challenge.

The Failure Book: How 22 Extraordinary People Persisted to Beat the Odds and How You Can Too

By Karen Lilly and Chad Lilly

When we fail, we often fall into the habit of aiming lower. Didn’t get the big client? You might be tempted to try for the smaller one next time. But if you fail then too, the cycle continues. This approach becomes a self-defeating web that has captured each of us at some time. What if you aimed…higher?

The Failure Book serves in part as inspiration by relating the failure-to-success stories of renowned scientists, business leaders, athletes in others. But just as importantly, this paperback-only book provides practical advice and exercises to build your resilience in the face of defeat.

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Successful

By John C. Maxwell

Although this list is focused on recent books, no practical list on building success from failure should miss this 2007 classic. Although academic in approach, Failing Forward is quick and engaging to read. Maxwell makes strong use of scientific studies and historical anecdotes. In doing so, he develops a case to help you not only stop fearing failure, but why you should embrace it as a means to future success.

The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness

By Jonas Salzgeber

Failure, resilience, and ultimate success are ancient concepts. They are the stuff of ancient myths and legends. That is, they are timeless. And although Salzgeber’s book draws from the Greek stoic philosophers, his 2019 publication is fully contemporary. Easy and fun to read, The Little Book of Stoicism serves as a practical guide. You come to terms with failure as not only something to endure in life, but as a necessary part of it. If you’ve found yourself overloaded, bogged down, and seeking strength in simplicity, this book is for you.

After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again

By Dan Santat

Yes, this is a children’s book. It is fun and silly, and not intended for you to read it on your own. Instead, the inspiration you gain will come from the process of reading it to others.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • The Food and Drug Administration could grant the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine full approval. The move would make it the first Covid vaccine to go from emergency use authorization to full FDA approval.
  • Target will nearly triple the number of Disney shops inside its stores to more than 160 by the end of the year. The company has turned its big-box stores into mall-like destinations, with scaled-down Starbucks, Ulta Beauty, and Disney shops.
  • Apple is planning a new model of the Mac Mini that will replace the pro-focused Intel-based model it still sells.
  • PayPal has officially launched its cryptocurrency service in the UK. It marks the first international expansion of PayPal’s crypto product since it launched in the U.S. last year.
  • Wages for hourly limited-service restaurant workers climbed 10% in the second quarter compared with a year ago. Restaurants have turned to raising wages in response to difficulties finding enough willing workers to staff their businesses.