Archives for April 2025

Happy Monday! We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Did you do anything fun? We’d love to hear about it.

In This Issue: Lost Cats, Jousting Acts & Regional Recaps | Deal of the Day | Compact Switch Rack Mount Kit | The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Lost Cats, Jousting Acts & Regional Recaps

Happy Monday!

Happy to report our cat returned from his vacation unscathed after 3 days! He doesn’t seem eager to go back out again and has been happily loafing around as cats do. Spring break has been very busy this year for the kids. One of my friends that I met playing the Pokémon card game happens to be a falconer at Medieval Times, and we went to see him perform. I was a little nervous that our kids wouldn’t enjoy the show, but the kids loved it and had a blast. If you haven’t seen a show, try it out if you’re into jousting, horsemanship, eating food with your hands, and great entertainment! The kids also saw the Minecraft movie later in the week which they enjoyed and my oldest daughter got inspired to play Minecraft once again.

This past weekend was the craziest weekend where we attended the Atlanta Pokémon Regional tournament, and it was one of the largest tournaments Pokémon has hosted. There were thousands of people enjoying the hobby. I didn’t fare so well in the card game, winning 1 my first, losing my second, and winning my third, and then losing two consecutive rounds at the end. If you lose more than twice you are out of day two contention, which is really difficult to make. Out of our 15-person North Atlanta local crew, only one made day 2! We were happy with our experience though and had fun playing the side events afterwards. My daughter loved playing the side events and experiencing the regional as well. It was a very long weekend, full of travelling, getting up early to get to the Georgia World Congress Center, and walking at least 15 miles over the weekend! If you are into Pokémon, I highly recommend going to a Pokémon regional if there’s one near you, even as a spectator, you’ll have lots of fun.

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

This Cisco 9200CX Compact Switch Rack Mount Kit provides a stable and professional mounting solution, eliminating the need for improvised supports or shelf-based setups. Using this rack mount kit helps network administrators maintain a tidy, well-organized rack environment. It also promotes proper airflow and cooling, which are essential for keeping your switches running at peak performance and extending their operational life.

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Learning Center Article – The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables

Power cords and cables are essential components in our daily lives. They power everything from household appliances to complex industrial machinery. Understanding their various types, applications, and safety considerations can help you choose the right product for your needs.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Mercedes’ New S-Class can drive itself—and it even has ChatGPT on board. 
• Apple is facing two class-action lawsuits in the US and Canada over its delayed AI-powered Siri features, after hyping them in ads and pushing iPhone 16 upgrades. Behind the scenes, reports reveal Apple’s Siri demos were largely fictional, with internal chaos and budget cuts leaving the assistant far from ready.
• Blue Origin’s all-female crew, which includes pop star Katy Perry, launched into space on Monday morning.
• Kool-Aid is shaking things up with its first new powdered drink mix in over five years, bringing fresh flavor to its classic lineup. Adding to the excitement, the brand is also launching a can’t-miss collaboration with a popular footwear company, giving fans a fun and flavorful way to show off their Kool-Aid love.

Happy Friday! It’s National Pet Day! As we head into the weekend, take a moment to appreciate the little joys—whether it’s a furry friend, a favorite hobby, or some well-earned rest. Any weekend plans?

In This Issue: Just Chillin’ | Deal of the Day | Kendall Howard Rack Mount Triple Fan Panel | Fiber Optic Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Just Chillin’

Sunny Friday, everyone!

The weather here in the Philippines is burning hot—like, step-outside-and-instantly-regret-it hot. I love the beach, but with this kind of heat, even that’s a challenge. I swear, it feels like the sun’s trying to peel my skin off!

But when it gets this hot, we Filipinos turn to one of our all-time favorite desserts: Halo-Halo! If you haven’t heard of it, “Halo-Halo” literally means “mix-mix” in English—because that’s what you do before digging in. It’s a colorful, icy treat made of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and a mix of goodies like sweetened banana, jackfruit, red and green gelatin, sweet beans, macapuno (coconut strings), nata de coco, ube halaya, leche flan, and sometimes even a scoop of ube ice cream on top. It’s a sweet, chilly escape from the heat, and honestly, it hits the spot every time.

Last weekend, while enjoying my Halo-Halo, I binged a 16-episode K-Drama—definitely a personal win! I’ve recently been hooked on K-Dramas because their storylines are fresh, fun, and full of unexpected twists. It’s a nice change from the local dramas I usually watch.

How about you? How’s the weather in your area—hot, cold, rainy, or just right? Would you try Halo-Halo if you had the chance? And are you into any foreign series or movies lately? I’d love some recommendations for what to watch next!

Have an awesome and refreshing weekend ahead!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This panel is the same size a 3U filler panel and comes with (3) 105 CFM ultra quiet fans – that’s 315 cubic feet of air per minute. Unlike other fan panels on the market this has a custom configured cord that is designed to take up only one outlet space in your racking system.

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Learning Center Article – Fiber Optic Connectors: Detailed Guide to Types and Uses

Fiber optic connectors might be small, but they play a big role in ensuring fast and reliable data transfers. They link fiber optic cables, allowing data to move quickly with minimal loss. In this guide, you’ll explore various types of fiber optic cable connectors, each with unique features and best uses.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Starting today, ChatGPT is getting a major upgrade to its memory features, aimed at making conversations even more personal, seamless and context aware. The rollout, which is happening gradually for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, brings smarter memory capabilities across text, voice and image interactions. 
• Microsoft is gradually rolling out its highly anticipated (and controversial) Recall feature to Windows Insiders after multiple delays. Originally set to debut with the launch of Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, Recall faced pushback due to security and privacy concerns. Microsoft postponed its release in June and again in October 2024 to ensure the feature was secure and refined. Now, it’s finally making its way to testers as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Windows AI experience.
• T-Mobile is set to begin issuing the first round of payments in April 2025 as part of its response to a major data breach affecting around 76 million customers. Eligible individuals may receive reimbursements of up to $25,000 for financial losses linked to the breach. In response to the incident, T-Mobile has overhauled its cybersecurity operations, boosting security spending by $150 million through the end of 2023 and pledging a continued focus on customer protection.
• Wendy’s announced the newest editions of its signature Frosty. According to Wendy’s, Frosty Swirls will “feature new sauces” on the ice cream treat, while Frosty Fusions “include sauces and various sweet treat mix-ins,” like Pop-Tarts and Oreo cookies.

Happy Thursday! We hope your day is off to a good start. Just a little reminder that we’re always here for you—whether you need a hand, a product, or a bit of inspiration. Keep going—you’ve got this!

In This Issue: New Products are here! | Deal of the Day | PDU Metal Case Power Cord | Bidirectional or BiDi Transcievers | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Products are here!

Good Morning & Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here, and I hope you’ve got something fun planned! I’m heading out of town today, but before I go, I wanted to share something exciting happening here at CablesAndKits!

Our Product Team has been growing, and we’re focused on expanding our selection to create an even better shopping experience for you. We’ve just kicked off a wave of new product additions—and this is only the beginning!

To make it easier to find the latest items, we’ve added a New Products category on our website. You can check it out here! Be sure to browse what’s available now and keep checking back—we’ll be adding more soon!

We’d love to hear from you, too. If there are specific products you’d like to see on our site, let us know! Your feedback helps us grow in the right direction.

Thanks for being part of our journey!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 12 outlet PDU is the perfect power solution for your data center, server room, or network wiring closet. Built with a heavy duty metal housing, this PDU features 12 total outlets made up of 2 front outlets and 10 rear outlets giving you the ultimate in powering flexibility. It also was built to fit into a standard 19″ rack making it a convenient option to add to your existing rack.

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Learning Center Article – Bidirectional or BiDi Transcievers Explained

Fiber optics are great for achieving extremely fast networks. They’re also essential for very long networking connections that extend multiple kilometers in total distance. If the latter is important for your operation, then SFP is likely the fiber optic connection that you will need. Traditionally, SFP is a single-mode fiber, meaning that signals can only travel in one direction at a time. While the systems can still efficiently communicate, the ability to send signals in both directions would speed up communications and improve efficiency.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Gemini can now turn your Google Docs into podcasts. 
• T-Mobile is increasing its Regulatory Programs & Telco Recovery Fee for each voice and mobile internet line starting April 23. For voice lines, the fee is revised to $3.99 per month, up by $0.50 from the previous $3.49; for data-only plans, it will be $1.60 per month, up from $1.40. T-Mobile has been notifying customers via SMS.
• Atmospheric rivers are storms akin to rivers in the sky that dump massive amounts of rain and can cause flooding, trigger mudslides and result in loss of life and enormous property damage.
• The iconic snack duo is back—Mountain Dew and Doritos are reuniting with fan-favorite flavors that have snack lovers buzzing! Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus hits shelves nationwide on April 21, followed by the return of Doritos Guacamole on April 28. Social media is already lighting up with excitement, making this flavor comeback one of the most anticipated of the year.

Halfway there! National Unicorn Day reminds us to embrace a little magic and creativity in our day. What’s something great you’ve accomplished so far this week?

In This Issue: Making Memories | Deal of the Day | RJ11/RJ12 Keystone Jack | OM3 vs OM4 | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Making Memories

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week. This week has been a whirlwind! For the next two weeks, we’ll be down visiting my parents in the Florida Keys. It’s a beautiful place, but this trip comes with a lot of emotion.

We’re here to hang out and take care of my grandmother while my parents go on a trip. It’s exciting because I’m grateful for the chance to spend some time with her, but it’s also bittersweet—she suffers from dementia, which is hard. Ever since my grandfather passed a few years ago, she has regressed rather quickly. Honestly, since they live so far away, it’s always a little nerve-wracking to show up and worry that she might not remember who I am. But I try to remind myself that it’s not her fault and never intentional.

Anyway, like I said, I’m really looking forward to spending time with her. It’s time I’ll never forget, and I’m thankful to have the flexibility to be here. I look forward to sharing some of the sweet memories we get to make over the next week.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This UL-listed RJ11/RJ12 Keystone Jack is designed for reliable voice and low-speed data applications. Featuring a 6×6 termination layout, it is compatible with Keystone modular wall plates and patch panels. Requires a punch-down tool for installation. White color for a clean, professional finish.

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Learning Center Article – OM3 vs OM4: a Detailed Comparison

When building or maintaining a fiber optic network, you will constantly face hardware decisions. Those decisions require constant research and relearning to stay up to date with modern choices, and that effort extends to cable options as much as switches or any other device in the network.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Colossal Biosciences, the company behind so-called “de-extinction tech,” made headlines after appearing on the cover of Time magazine having claimed to have brought back dire wolves, a species that died out over 10 millennia ago. 
• Google launched Gemini 2.5 Pro, their smartest AI model, initially exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, but surprised users by releasing a free experimental version.
• Wendy’s recently announced at its Investor Day that Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions will be hitting menus nationwide this spring.
• Pizza Hut just put its own spin on ‘caviar’ with these pepperoni-flavored pearls.

Happy Tuesday! It’s National Empanada Day! A little midweek treat goes a long way. What’s your go-to comfort food to get you through the workweek?

In This Issue: Spring Break in Bloom | Deal of the Day | Keystone Snap In Module | PC vs UPC vs APC | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Spring Break in Bloom

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone’s having a great week so far!

I know it’s Spring Break for a lot of people which definitely brings a more relaxed vibe to the week.

While I won’t be hitting the beach myself, I am taking a couple of days off at the end of the week to escape to the mountains of Tennessee! I’ll be staying near the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area—which means plenty of options for fun and adventure.

Of course, we’ll be spending some time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I’m hoping to catch it as it starts to come alive for spring! The Smokies are home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, so I’m crossing my fingers for a beautiful show of wildflowers and fresh greenery as the forest wakes up for the season.

As for the rest of the trip, we’re still piecing together our plans. It’s been years since I visited the area, so if you’re a frequent traveler to the Smokies, I’d love to hear your favorite spots—send me your “must-do” list!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This UL-listed Keystone Snap-In F-Type Module is perfect for Video/CATV applications, featuring a female-to-female F connector for seamless connections. Designed for compatibility with Keystone modular patch panels and wall plates, it ensures a secure and professional installation. Ivory color for a clean, finished look.

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Learning Center Article – How to Choose the Right Fiber Connector: PC vs UPC vs APC

One common philosophy is to focus on physical contact between the fibers. Doing so is difficult, as at least some air gap tends to exist inside the connector. To combat that and the signal disruption that comes with air gaps, three types of physical contact connectors are used in a wide range of systems. These are PC, UPC, and APC connectors.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is adding multimodal capabilities to its search-centric AI Mode chatbot that enable it to “see” and answer questions about images, as it expands access to AI Mode to “millions more” users. 
• Harry Potter fans in Chicago are in for a magical treat as a brand-new Harry Potter Shop opens this Thursday. Spanning 11,000 square feet, the immersive store features themed areas, interactive displays, personalized merchandise, and the largest Butterbeer Bar in the U.S., offering fans a chance to step into the Wizarding World and enjoy enchanting experiences inspired by the beloved series.
• A growing number of people are using virtual reality to enhance their home workouts.
• Cinnabon is trying to avoid extinction with the help of TikTok and ice cream.

A new week is here! Just like a cold drink after a long day, a fresh start can be refreshing. Let’s tackle the week ahead—cheers to new opportunities!

In This Issue: One Missing Cat, One Epic Week | Deal of the Day | HDMI Keystone Jack | Polarity for MPO Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – One Missing Cat, One Epic Week

Happy Monday!

What a rough weekend we’ve had! On Saturday one of our cats decided to go out on an adventure and hasn’t been back since! We’ve been searching for him, but unfortunately weren’t able to find him. To make the search even more challenging, we had some storms roll in and our cat is not a fan of storms or thunder. We’re praying that he found shelter or someone found him and he’s safe. One of my coworkers lost her cat and a year later he returned! I hope it doesn’t take that long, but I do hope my cat returns!

Other than that, it’s Spring Break week! We opted not to go out on a trip this year as we are going to be attending Atlanta Pokémon Regionals this weekend! We have some other fun things planned for the kids this week and hopefully it’ll cheer them up from missing our cat. I’ll write more about our own adventures next week!

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

This HDMI keystone coupler allows you to easily add an HDMI jack to any standard keystone wall plate, surface mount box or patch panel. The snap-in HDMI jack is simple to install and provides you with a robust female to female in-line HDMI coupler.

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Learning Center Article – Polarity for MPO Cables

High-end fiber optics are important to modern networking, but they’re a lot more complicated than some of their older counterparts. If you need the power of fiber, you might be looking into MPO systems. They can hit some of the highest speeds on the market today, but utilizing them requires knowledge. One key piece of knowledge that can help with MPO systems is polarity.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Starting in May, United Airlines will roll out Starlink Wi-Fi service on its regional jets, promising a smoother and more connected experience for travelers—especially on longer flights. The high-speed service will be free for members of United’s MileagePlus frequent-flyer program. 
• Fanatical’s latest Build Your Own Adventure Bundle lets PC gamers score over $450 worth of Steam games for under $30. Available until April 20, this customizable deal allows buyers to mix and match titles, with individual game prices dropping as you add more to your bundle.
• Amazon Kindle gets a free feature upgrade borrowed from TV.
• Krispy Kreme is celebrating Easter with the return of its fan-favorite Strawberry Iced Donut with Sprinkles and the debut of a festive new trio called the “Happy Easter Collection.” The returning donut features the classic Original Glazed base dipped in strawberry icing and topped with pastel sprinkles. New additions include treats like the Bunny Basket Donut, made with chocolate icing, chocolate-flavored buttercream, and a cute confectionery bunny on top—available for a limited time this spring.