Archives for July 2025

Happy Thursday! It’s National Mutt Day—a day to celebrate all the lovable, quirky mixed-breed pups out there! Got a furry friend at home? We’d love to hear about them.

In This Issue: Clean Space, Clear Mind | Deal of the Day | 6-Outlet Swivel Wall Tap Adapter | MPO/MTP Cabling | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Clean Space, Clear Mind

Good morning!

This weekend was an adulting kind of weekend! I had a relaxing Friday night, but Saturday was all about getting stuff done, and I had a lot of fun doing it! I headed back to my college apartment for a big deep clean since my roommates have just moved out, and it was the perfect chance to finally get everything nice again.

My boyfriend kindly came to help me clean, so we brought a speaker to blast music and power through the hours of cleaning. From wiping baseboards to scrubbing the fridge and wiping out all the cabinets, we got every inch of the apartment clean. With fewer things in the apartment, it made the job much easier and way more satisfying. As a type-A person, it was like a dream to get everything scrubbed down and shiny after having 4 people in the apartment all year!

After a solid five hours of cleaning, we crashed for the night and finished up the last little tasks Sunday morning before heading back home. It was a quick trip, but totally worth it. I feel so much better knowing I’ll be walking into a fresh, clean space when I move back next week!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Maximize your outlet usage and protect your electronics with this 6-Outlet Swivel Wall Tap Adapter featuring 300-joule surge protection. Designed for convenience, this adapter includes three fixed outlets and three swivel outlets that rotate 90 degrees to accommodate bulky plugs and tight spaces—ideal for behind furniture, entertainment centers, and workstations.

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Learning Center Article – MPO/MTP Cabling in Data Centers

When it comes to maintaining a data center, the job is never-ending. As soon as the last upgrade finished, new technology arrived to force a new round of improvements. Some networks are still installing 10G fiber optics, even while 40/100G is essentially the new standard. It’s just part of the game. If you want to give yourself a fighting chance to keep up with these paces, you need fiber optics that are scalable and efficient. Those two words form the entire design philosophy behind MPO/MTP systems.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is expanding its AI-powered age estimation tool to boost online safety for kids and teens. Already used on YouTube, the tool will now roll out across more Google services—starting in the U.S.—to help ensure a more age-appropriate digital experience for users under 18.
• Proton has launched Proton Authenticator, its first two-factor authentication (2FA) app, offering a privacy-focused alternative to tools like Google Authenticator and Authy. It’s free to use—with or without a Proton account—and available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Krispy Kreme just launched its Passport to Italy doughnut collection, inspired by classic Italian desserts. Available now for a limited time, the lineup includes a Cannoli Inspired Doughnut, a lemon-filled Limone Delight, and a Tiramisu Inspired Doughnut.
• Uber Eats is adding AI tools to enhance menus with better descriptions, review summaries, and upgraded food photos. Customers can now upload order photos during reviews—and may earn Uber credits if featured. A new Live Order Chat also lets restaurants message customers to clarify special requests or issues before delivery.

It’s National Climb a Mountain Day! Whether you’re conquering nature trails or just your to-do list, today’s a great day to keep pushing forward.

In This Issue: Big Love from a Little One | Deal of the Day | 3-Outlet Cube Adapter | Polarity for MPO Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Big Love from a Little One

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week. It’s been HOT out there, but things are looking up this week. After quite the rainstorm last night, we’ve finally broken out of the 95+ degree weather, and I am grateful!

This weekend is a big weekend! Our little guy turns TWO! Where has the time gone?! Every single day I am in awe of his growth and how time is going by so fast. Sometimes the days go by so fast, you take for granted all that there is to be grateful for when it comes to little ones. Here are a few things I am loving:

1. How big he loves! There is nothing sweeter than a little one running up and hugging your legs from the excitement they have to see you, even if they just saw you 10 minutes before.
2. The little things he looks forward to with us each day. We have this new routine where after bath time, we enjoy a short show together before reading a book and heading to bed. I just love his excitement to lay in the bed, snuggle, and watch the show.
3. The bliss. The smallest things that we think are so silly are some of the funniest and best things that happen in his day. I think this is one of the biggest lessons adults can learn/take from kids.

I could name a million more things that I love about this phase of life that we’re in with our little one and it’s even sweeter know it’ll hopefully only keep getting better.

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Power multiple devices with ease using this compact 3-Outlet Cube Adapter. Designed with a space-saving cube shape, this adapter instantly expands a single grounded wall outlet into three grounded 3-prong outlets—perfect for use in kitchens, bedrooms, offices, and travel setups. Rated for 125V/15A and up to 1875W, this cube adapter supports most household appliances and electronics.

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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. Without this knowledge, you won’t get a connection across any of your lines.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• TikTok announced new features including enhanced parental controls, more tools for creators, an interactive wellbeing feature, and the official launch of Footnotes, its fact-checking system.
• Google has urged employees to rapidly adopt AI tools to boost productivity, as the company looks for ways to cut rising costs.
• Microsoft is offering up to $330,000 in total compensation—including equity and bonuses—for top-tier AI engineering and research roles, aiming to stay competitive amid growing global demand for AI talent.
• Dunkin’ has added two new fruity iced drinks to its menu: the Golden Hour Refresher, a mix of Mango Pineapple and Strawberry Dragonfruit with lemonade, and the Blueberry Breeze Refresher, a blueberry-flavored drink inspired by coastal vibes.

Winging it this Tuesday… literally! It’s National Chicken Wing Day, and we’re all for taste testing every sauce on the menu. What flavor gets your vote?

In This Issue: Appreciating the Little Things | Deal of the Day | T-Shape 3-Prong Adapter | SFP, SFP+, QSFP and QSFP+ | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Appreciating the Little Things

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

I’m finally recovering after several days of not feeling my best and am sooo ready to feel 100% again. I’ve been dealing with some stubborn head congestion since last week and ended up completely losing my voice on Thursday. It didn’t even begin to come back until Sunday, which felt like forever to go without being able to talk! It really reminded me how much we take simple things for granted… like having a voice and being able to communicate easily! I definitely have a newfound appreciation for mine now!

Even though I wasn’t feeling great, I didn’t get much time to rest over the weekend because it ended up being super busy and a bit exhausting. As much as I enjoy staying active and productive, I’m thankful that this week looks a little quieter so I can finish healing and get a little rest!

Here’s to a slower-paced week, good health, and the little things we often overlook—like our voices! Wishing you all a fantastic Tuesday and a wonderful rest of your week!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Featuring a 3-Outlet Grounded Power Block in green in practical T-shaped design, this adapter turns one grounded outlet into three grounded 3-prong outlets—ideal for accommodating oversized transformer plugs without blocking adjacent sockets. Perfect for indoor use, this grounded power block is ETL listed for safety and handles up to 15 Amps and 1875 Watts at 125 Volts.

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Learning Center Article – What are the differences between SFP, SFP+, QSFP and QSFP+?

There’s a lot to consider when building a fiber optic network. There are so many different ways to approach optical communication, and every device has its own list of pros and cons. In modern, dense networks, small form factors are a constant necessity. Without such interfaces, you simply can’t pack enough networking components into the limited space that is always constricting the network’s design. That’s why so many form factors have emerged. This simple guide is going to help you map the differences between SFP, SFP+, QSFP and QSFP+. With it, at least some of your networking decisions should come a little more easily.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Atlanta Fire Rescue is launching a dedicated drone unit on August 14, made up of six members with a pilot and observer on each shift. The move follows the successful use of drones in recent rescue efforts, including locating two men on the Chattahoochee River.
• SpaceX is set to launch its Starlink 10-29 mission tonight, July 29, at 11:30 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket will carry 27 Starlink internet satellites and has a launch window extending to 3:30 a.m. on July 30. Weather conditions may affect timing, but viewers along the East Coast, especially north of the launch site, may catch a glimpse of the rocket lighting up the night sky.
• Pizza Hut’s $2 Personal Pan Pizza deal has been such a hit that the chain is extending it into August.
• The Cheesecake Factory is celebrating National Cheesecake Day on Wednesday, July 30 with a new flavor and a sweet deal. The limited-time flavor, Peach Perfect with Raspberry Drizzle, features peach cheesecake on a vanilla crust, topped with peaches and raspberry sauce.

Happy Monday! It’s National Milk Chocolate Day! Whether it’s drizzled on ice cream or mixed into popcorn, chocolate makes everything better. What’s your favorite sweet combo?

In This Issue: Beat the Heat, Beat them all! | Deal of the Day | 3-Outlet Indoor/Outdoor Wall Tap Adapter | Understanding Wavelengths | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Beat the Heat, Beat them all!

Happy Monday!

It was a scorcher this weekend—just stepping outside felt like walking into an oven. We mostly stayed indoors to escape the heat, and I started watching The Sandman series on Netflix. It’s based on the books by Neil Gaiman, and I’ve got to say, it’s been really good so far. A little dark and mysterious, but the visuals and storytelling are amazing.

The family and I have also been playing a lot of Settlers of Catan lately. They’re getting really into it, which has been fun… and also mildly competitive. It’s been a great way to spend time together before school kicks back up this week. Yep—school starts on Friday, and my girls are actually excited about it. We’ll see how long that lasts once the early wake-ups hit!

I also competed in a Pokémon TCG tournament this weekend and landed in 8th place out of 34 players. Not too bad! I’m slowly climbing up the ranks.

Stay cool out there—it’s shaping up to be another hot 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

Expand your power options with this durable 3-Outlet Indoor/Outdoor Wall Tap Adapter. Designed with a solid one-piece construction, this grounded 3-prong adapter instantly converts a single outlet into three, allowing you to power multiple devices simultaneously—indoors or outdoors. With a weather-resistant build and LED power indicator, this wall tap offers both convenience and visibility in dark or outdoor environments. It supports up to 15 Amps and 1875 Watts at 125 Volts.

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Learning Center Article – Understanding Wavelengths

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.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Alibaba will launch its Quark AI Glasses in China by late 2025. Powered by its Qwen AI model and Quark assistant, the glasses offer hands-free calling, translation, transcription, and access to Alibaba services like Alipay and Taobao. Global expansion is possible, but pricing and specs are yet to be announced.
• Startup Z.ai (formerly Zhipu) has unveiled its new GLM-4.5 open-source AI model, which costs less to use than rival DeepSeek. At half the size, GLM-4.5 requires only eight Nvidia H20 chips to run and features “agentic” AI that breaks tasks into subtasks for greater accuracy.
• Target is rolling back its price-match policy where customers can request to buy an item at a lower price if they find it cheaper at Walmart or on Amazon within 14 days of purchase. Customers will only be able to get a price adjustment if a lower price is found in Target stores or its own website.
• Starbucks’ raspberry syrup is making a limited-time comeback starting Tuesday, July 29, and it’s bringing a new drink with it: the Raspberry Cream Cold Brew. The fruity fan-favorite returns after a two-year hiatus, but just like summer—it won’t be around for long.

Friday vibes: Like a merry-go-round, work weeks can feel like one big loop—meetings, tasks, repeat. But hey, at least weekends break the cycle! What are your plans for the weekend?

In This Issue: Relax, Recharge, Repeat | Deal of the Day | NPT Adjustable Pipe | Distribution Layer Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Relax, Recharge, Repeat

Happy Friday!

This past week was a refreshing break from the usual routine, filled with a nice mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. I spent some quality time outside, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather, which was a great change of pace. One of the highlights was getting out on the golf course—swinging the clubs, walking the fairways, and just enjoying the game and the scenery. I also made time to catch a movie, which was a perfect way to wind down. The combination of fresh air, some friendly competition, and a good film made for a well-balanced and enjoyable week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Sterling

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Achieve precise mounting height with this adjustable 1.5″ NPT pipe, designed for ceiling-mounted TV and projector installations. With a telescoping range of 220mm to 370mm (8.66″ to 14.57″), it provides flexibility without the need to cut or replace pipe segments. Built from high-quality steel and finished in matte black, it’s perfect for professional AV setups in commercial or residential environments.

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Learning Center Article – What Are Distribution Layer Switches?

Cisco has a three-layer hierarchy that makes up robust high-end, expansive networks. Many Cisco switches are designed around this three-tier idea, so it helps to understand those tiers. They are the core, distribution, and access layers of a network, each with its specific switch type, such as the distribution switch. The core layer of the network consists of the switches that make up the backbone of the whole network. These switches are the gateways to the rest of the WAN (or the internet). They tend to be very high bandwidth switches, and they often don’t need as many ports as switches for the other layers.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Uber has partnered with EV maker Lucid and self-driving tech startup Nuro to prepare for a robotaxi future. It’s a bold but strategic move to gain more control as the industry shifts toward autonomous vehicles.
• After egg prices surged last year, now it’s beef that’s hitting record highs—up nearly 9% since January and averaging $9.26 per pound. The USDA reports steak and ground beef prices have jumped 12.4% and 10.3% year-over-year. Unlike eggs, bringing beef prices down will take longer.
• Drones are proving invaluable in firefighting—not just for spotting hot spots or mapping fires, but also for starting backfires in hard-to-reach areas. In the recent Green Fire, drones in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest dropped chemical-filled ping pong balls that ignite on impact, creating controlled burns to help stop larger wildfires from spreading.
• Applebee’s has two new dishes: Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine and the BIG Bangin’ Burger, both packed with bold flavors. Even better, they’re part of a $25 deal that includes two entrees and an appetizer or two salads—perfect for a tasty, affordable night out.

How’s your Thursday shaping up? It’s National Refreshment Day—the perfect excuse to take a well-deserved break and sip something ice cold. What’s your ultimate cool-down drink on a hot summer workday?

In This Issue: Friday Night 5K | Deal of the Day | NPT Coupler | Power Injectors Vs Power Supplies | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Friday Night 5K

Hey everyone!

This week was a nice mix of productivity and fun! I had a long study day on Saturday and an average relaxed Sunday, but my Friday night made up for it. After work, I headed out to do a 5K run! My boyfriend ran, and I ran/walked alongside his mom!

The race supported a local nonprofit that I love, ‘Love Your Story’. One of our family friend’s daughters runs it, and their mission has always stood out to me. They help families impacted by disabilities by providing free housing for those traveling to the area for their child’s medical care. They also host community meetups that give caregivers and family members a space to feel seen and supported. What they do is so incredibly impactful, and I’m so glad I got to be part of it!

It felt really special to be active with my own family while supporting another family’s amazing cause. The event was super fun with food trucks, a DJ, and even a bouncy house for kids. There was such great energy from everyone there, it was a night to remember!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Securely extend or connect mounting pipes with this 1.5″ NPT Coupler, designed for use with standard 1.5″ threaded NPT pipes in ceiling TV and projector mount systems. Built from high-strength materials and finished in sleek black, this coupler offers a reliable and professional solution for both commercial and residential AV installations.

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Learning Center Article – Power Injectors Vs Power Supplies for IP Phones

In many business settings, you still need landline phones, but that doesn’t mean you have to use traditional phone lines to fill that role. Many businesses use IP phones, as they are often more affordable and more capable. When you do deploy IP phones, you might find that you want a phone in a place that isn’t easily powered. In such a case, you could consider using a PoE injector. That brings us to an important question. How do PoE injectors compare to power supplies? Is one option better than the other?

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• T-Mobile has launched T-Satellite, a new service powered by SpaceX’s Starlink that lets users send texts from anywhere in the U.S., even without cell towers. The service will also be available to AT&T and Verizon customers.
• Amazon is warning Prime members about rising phishing scams, where fraudsters impersonate the company to steal personal info. In 2024, over 55,000 fake websites and 12,000 scam phone numbers were shut down, mostly tied to bogus order or account issue alerts.
• Coffee prices in the U.S. may rise as frost concerns in Brazil, a major coffee producer, are putting upward pressure on global coffee markets.
• Cinnabon and Reese’s are teaming up for cuffing season with limited-time treats featuring Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and Cinnabon’s signature swirl—offering dessert lovers a sweet way to cozy up.