CablesAndKits Blog

Midweek already! How’s your week going? Whether you’re in the zone or powering through, take a moment to reset and refocus. Got any midweek wins worth celebrating?

In This Issue: The Hot Sauce Story | Deal of the Day | LC/UPC OM3 Quad Multimode Fiber Adapter | Advantages of Cloud Networking | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – The Hot Sauce Story

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

What’s your relationship with hot sauce? Here’s a fun story (and a video!) for you.

Several years ago, I was having dinner with a new friend at a wing place in the local mall. I ordered the hottest wings they had which started a conversation about hot sauces. He mentioned a sauce he’d heard about that was supposed to be one of the hottest ever made. He said there was a hot sauce store in the mall called Pepper Palace that might have it. After dinner, we headed over to check it out, and sure enough, they had the sauce he was talking about… in a glass case! It was called “The End,” and it’s one of the hottest commercially available sauces out there, rated at 6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). For context, a jalapeño pepper only ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU!

I bought it and said I would try it. Then I had a better idea. I have a friend who eats even hotter things than I do, so I figured I’d rope him into trying it with me. And if we were going to do that, why not record it? And better yet why not invite a few others to join us?

The video below is what came out of that plan. I’m in the striped shirt, and my buddy “Montoya” is in the Coke shirt. Enjoy! Lol

Watch the video here. 📹

Craig

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The LC/UPC OM3 Multimode Quad Adapter is a high-density fiber optic coupler designed to connect four pairs of multimode OM3 LC connectors. This compact, non-flanged adapter features a UPC polish for precise optical alignment and low insertion loss. The aqua housing identifies it as OM3 compatible, making it ideal for high-speed 10G/40G/100G data center applications.

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Learning Center Article – Advantages of Cloud Networking

You have heard plenty about the cloud over the years. It went from being a vague mystery to a modern expectation. Most apps these days include cloud support, and we all plan around cloud resources on a regular basis. What you might not have heard is that cloud technology is expanding and providing new opportunities beyond accessing software and applications. There are things like cloud networking that provide a whole new way to approach digital communication.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple’s latest product launch introduced the iPhone Air, a slimmer model with a high-density battery and a new processor, which the company is calling its most durable iPhone yet. The iPhone 17, Apple’s newest flagship, features a brighter, more scratch-resistant display, the A19 chip built with 3-nanometer technology, and improved AI capabilities. It also boasts an upgraded front-facing camera with a redesigned sensor for better horizontal selfies. 
• The U.S. Department of Transportation is urging inspections of solar-powered highway infrastructure, including chargers, weather stations, and traffic cameras, for hidden devices like rogue radios. The advisory comes amid rising concerns over Chinese technology in U.S. transportation systems.
• ​​Japan’s largest convenience store chain is piloting autonomous robots at a Tokyo location to help address the country’s worker shortage. The machines can handle tasks like stocking shelves and cleaning windows.
• PepsiCo is reformulating fan favorites like Doritos and Cheetos to eliminate artificial dyes by 2026. The company is testing natural colors from vegetables and spices to recreate its iconic snacks.

Happy Tuesday! 🧸 It’s National Teddy Bear Day—a soft and fuzzy reminder of childhood comfort. Whether you still have your first bear or just fond memories, today’s a good day for a little nostalgic joy. Did you have a favorite stuffed toy growing up?

In This Issue: College Nostalgia and Nature’s Beauty | Deal of the Day | Blue Extension Cord | DHCP vs Static IP | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – College Nostalgia and Nature’s Beauty

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

I had a very full and very fun weekend! On Saturday, I went to the UGA football game in Athens. As a proud UGA alumn, it’s always super fun to get back on campus, especially for game day! The tradition and pageantry are unmatched! I love the way tailgating takes over campus, seeing everyone in red and black, watching the Dawg Walk, hearing the Red Coat Band, joining the crowd in “calling the dawgs” … it’s all so much fun and definitely gets in your blood! Being there always makes me feel super nostalgic and brings back lots of great memories from my college years. There’s nothing like a Saturday in Athens!

On Sunday, I headed to Stone Mountain to meet up with my friend Jen for a day of adventuring. We started the day by hiking the mountain while it was still nice and cool outside. It’s only about a mile up, but it’s a gain of 700 feet of elevation and gets pretty steep for the last half mile or so! It’s worth the effort, though, as the views are incredible at the top! After that, we checked out the Yellow Daisy Festival which is a huge arts & crafts festival that takes place inside Stone Mountain Park. It was my first time attending and I was very impressed with all the vendors that were there! We then paddle boarded on the lake. It was my first time and I’m happy to report I didn’t fall in!

All in all, it was one of those weekends that filled my cup… celebrating traditions I love and soaking up time outdoors. I’m so thankful for experiences like these that remind me how important it is to carve out time for the things that bring you joy!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 25-foot, 14/3 gauge SJTW blue extension cord is designed to deliver exceptional performance in extreme weather conditions ranging from -58°F to +140°F. Its high-visibility blue jacket provides excellent resistance to moisture, ozone, cracking, and abrasion. The clear plug with a built-in light indicator shows when power is flowing, offering added safety and convenience.

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Learning Center Article – DHCP vs Static IP

When it comes to managing a network, one of the pivotal aspects is controlling IP addresses. Every device on a network needs an IP address, so how do you assign them? For the most part, the choice comes down to DHCP vs Static IP, each offering unique advantages depending on your network needs. Which is right for your network? Keep reading to learn more about the differences and learn for yourself.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Windows 11 Pro, normally $199, is available for just $12.97 through October 5. The lifetime license includes Copilot AI, enhanced security, and improved multitasking tools. It’s an affordable upgrade if your PC meets the requirements. 
• Google has temporarily pulled the Pixel 10’s new Daily Hub feature, designed to display events, reminders, and media suggestions, after reports of unreliability. The company says it will relaunch the tool with improvements.
• ​Volkswagen announced plans to invest up to €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in AI by 2030, aiming to integrate the technology across its operations and unlock up to €4 billion in savings by 2035.
• Aldi is continuing its aggressive growth, with plans to open more than 200 new stores this year and around 800 by 2028.

New week, fresh start! 🌤️ How was your weekend? Whether you rested or ran around, here’s to kicking off Monday with a clear mind and a full to-do list. What’s your top priority this week?

In This Issue: A Weekend of Wins and Quick Fixes | Deal of the Day | LC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator | How to Repair Cut Fiber | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Weekend of Wins and Quick Fixes

Happy Monday!

This weekend had a little bit of everything. On Friday I grabbed lunch with a friend at a Korean restaurant I hadn’t been to in a long time. We ended up talking a lot about AI and how it’s impacting just about every part of our lives. One of the things we both agreed on is that our kids are going to grow up with AI completely integrated into their daily lives in a way that’s hard for us to even imagine right now.

Saturday was a big highlight for me. I played in a Pokémon Cup at my local game store. There were about 30 players, and after 5 rounds of swiss and 3 best-of-three rounds, I ended up going 6-1-1 and actually won the whole thing! It was my very first cup win, and to do it at my local store felt extra special. With players coming in from all over, it was nice to represent my LGS and clutch out the win. Definitely a proud moment!

On Sunday, things didn’t go quite as smoothly. I discovered my bass wasn’t fully amplifying right before I needed it for church. Turns out a connector had completely come loose from the output jack. Thankfully, I called a friend, and we managed to makeshift a fix with a spade terminal just in time. Not the cleanest solution, but it worked!

I hope you have a great day and a wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The LC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator – 7dB is built to precisely reduce optical power in fiber networks, preventing signal distortion or overload. Featuring a fixed attenuation level of 7dB, ceramic ferrule, and durable plastic housing, it ensures reliable performance in demanding environments such as telecom systems, data centers, and testing setups.

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Learning Center Article – How to Repair Cut Fiber

As we all know, fiber optic lines are complicated, powerful, and delicate. They provide incredibly powerful communication signals with high bandwidths and great reliability. But, because they are so delicate, they can be damaged. When damage occurs, you can either repair it or replace it, and the former option is much cheaper.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Sam’s Club is rolling out its Scan & Go app nationwide, phasing out traditional checkout lanes. While some customers worry about adapting to the tech, experts say the move could set a new standard for retail. 
• Airbnb plans to diversify beyond lodging, aiming to become an “everything app” for travel. The move could help it navigate regulatory hurdles and competition while expanding its market.
• Microsoft says Azure users are facing delays due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea affecting internet traffic through the Middle East.
• General Mills is rolling out two seasonal flavors: Candy Corn Chex, coated in caramel for a festive Halloween twist, and a new fall-inspired Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Both will be available for a limited time this autumn.

We made it to Friday! Today is National Food Bank Day! A reminder of the power of giving. Consider donating to a local food bank or supporting hunger relief efforts. Every small act counts. ❤️ How do you like to give back?

In This Issue: Health is Wealth | Deal of the Day | USB 3.0 Active Extension Repeater Cable | Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable Category | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Health is Wealth

Happy first Friday of the Ber months! Hope September’s off to a great start for you.

Last week, we got my mom’s lab results and had our doctor review them. Sadly, she has high blood sugar and uric acid levels, which explains why she has been having trouble standing up and walking. She is not even fond of sweets, so we were all shocked. When the doctor asked if anyone in her family had diabetes, the answer was yes, several of her relatives do. My grandfather, for example, had a serious sweet tooth, so the doctor suspects her condition may be inherited. We were also advised to monitor her blood pressure over the next three months to determine if she will need maintenance medication. So, I had to quickly learn how to use an aneroid sphygmomanometer (manual BP monitor) to keep track of her BP at home. I suggested buying a digital one, but my dad preferred the manual kind, so to keep the peace, we went with that.

Since we were already at the hospital for her tests, I also took the opportunity to see an OB-GYN. I have been worried about PCOS because I have been experiencing several symptoms I have read and watched about online: weight gain despite not eating much, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and more. Thankfully, my TVS ultrasound came back normal with no abnormalities. However, to better understand what is going on, my doctor ordered 16 different lab tests to check for possible hormonal imbalance or hypothyroidism. I already have the results, but because of my endocrinologist’s availability, I have to wait until September 9 (a day before my birthday) for my appointment. Fingers crossed for good news. 🤞🏻

Has anyone in your family experienced hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalance? How has it affected their lifestyle?

Health is truly wealth, so let’s all take care of ourselves.

Wishing you a restful weekend ahead!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Extend your USB 3.0 devices with this 50Ft active repeater cable, delivering ultra-fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps without signal degradation. Designed with a built-in booster and optional external power support, it’s perfect for webcams, gamepads, printers, and storage drives requiring a stable, long-distance connection.

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Learning Center Article – Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable Category: Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a vs Cat7 vs Cat8

Ethernet cables aren’t plain transmission lines; they determine frequency support, power capabilities, and signal integrity from end to end. This guide examines Ethernet cable categories through a technical lens, offering actionable insights aligned with both current bandwidth needs and future infrastructure planning.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is introducing the UK’s most advanced medical helicopter at its Aberdeen base. The new aircraft will reach remote areas faster without refueling, potentially saving more lives. SCAA, funded entirely by public donations, launches a campaign to raise an extra £2 million annually to support the service, which is expected to begin operations in October. 
• Chinese AI startup Zhipu is inviting Anthropic’s Claude API users to switch to its GLM-4.5 model after reports that Anthropic will block Chinese entities from using its services. Zhipu is offering 20 million free tokens and a coding package it says is cheaper and offers more usage than Claude’s.
• Gold prices hit new record highs, climbing as much as $3,582.71 an ounce after a soft U.S. jobs report boosted hopes of a Federal Reserve rate cut. Spot gold rose 0.9% to $3,577.33, while December U.S. futures increased 0.9% to $3,637.
• Germany’s BioNTech and partner Duality Biologics announced that a late-stage trial of their precision breast cancer drug met its main goal of slowing disease progression. This marks BioNTech’s first successful cancer trial, highlighting a renewed focus on oncology beyond its COVID-19 vaccine work.

Almost there! Happy Thursday! Today is National Wildlife Day, a chance to slow down and appreciate the creatures we share the planet with. Whether it’s a bird outside your window or a documentary binge, how do you connect with nature?

In This Issue: Football Season, Best Season | Deal of the Day | Reverse Nose Decor Insert | Ethernet Cable Standards & Compliance | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Football Season, Best Season

Happy Thursday!

I hope everyone had an amazing Labor Day weekend! Mine was full and very refreshing, exactly what I needed. Friday night kicked off as a classic game night with friends. I didn’t win any of the games we played but I had fun trying and learning strategies for next time.

As expected, Saturday was my favorite day by far. The weather was beautiful, and I got to cozy up, study, and watch football all day. It was also a baking day, since I had to prepare for my sister’s birthday on Sunday. I’m the designated baker in my family, so it came as no surprise that she wanted me to make her birthday dessert. I made some banana bread just for my boyfriend and I, and dark chocolate brownies for my sister, her favorite! It smelled amazing in the apartment, football was on, and the weather was amazing, I couldn’t ask for anything better!

On Sunday, we headed over to my sisters to celebrate with the brownies in tow. We couldn’t stay long, but I’m so glad we got to celebrate with her. Then on Monday, my boyfriend and I explored a nearby trail for a run. I honestly can’t believe I have never tried it before, it was such a beautiful route, and I already know I’ll be back. Even better, there’s a coffee shop about to open right next to the trail, so I’m excited to pair a run with a coffee stop one day!

I hope you all had an amazing Labor Day weekend and an exciting weekend coming up as well!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Upgrade your cable management with this sleek Reverse Nose Wall Plate Decor Insert in crisp white. Designed for a clean, professional look, this wall plate allows cables to pass through walls while keeping them concealed and organized. The reverse nose design directs cables inward, making it ideal for use behind TVs, home theater systems, or network installations.

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Learning Center Article – Avoid Fails: Know Your Ethernet Cable Standards & Compliance

Whether you’re wiring a home, office, or a large-scale data center, adhering to ethernet standards guarantees compatibility, performance, and scalability. These industry specifications define the rules that govern cable construction, layout, and functionality, ensuring devices connect seamlessly, speeds are achieved reliably, and upgrades remain backward compatible across various setups.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Ooni has unveiled the Volt 2, a 30% smaller electric indoor pizza oven with “Pizza Intelligence,” a world-first adaptive heating system that balances top and bottom heat for perfect pizzas. Launching in October 2025, it’s designed for small kitchens and can cook, proof, and grill beyond pizza. Pricing is yet to be announced. 
• Anker is launching the Soundcore Work, a coin-sized AI-powered voice recorder that transcribes, summarizes, and highlights conversations. Priced at $99.99 with a $15.99 monthly subscription option, it rolls out in September with a wider release later this year.
• Amazon will end Prime members’ ability to share free-shipping benefits with non-members starting Oct. 1.
• On Sept. 6–7, Burger King fans can grab a Bacon Cheeseburger, fries, and the fan-favorite Frozen Cotton Candy with Cloud Foam drink for $4.99. The deal is exclusive to Royal Perks members, so sign up and sip the clouds while watching the 2025 VMAs!

Midweek check-in! 🎳 Today is U.S. Bowling League Day, an ode to strikes, spares, and friendly competition. Got a go-to way to unwind midweek? (Bonus points if it includes knocking down pins!)

In This Issue: Labor Day Adventures | Deal of the Day | Expandable Media Box | Best Ethernet Cables for Large Offices | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Labor Day Adventures

Happy Wednesday!

We had a pretty busy Labor Day weekend. On Saturday my wife had her very first Odyssey of the Mind team meeting. She decided to coach this year after having such a good experience with our daughter’s team last season. The kids had a blast solving problems and getting to know each other. Right after that my daughter invited a few of her closest friends over for a birthday get together. It wasn’t really a big party, just a fun afternoon of Roblox, snacks, and kids running around the house.

Sunday gave us a little chance to catch our breath. We went to church and had some time to rest before Monday rolled around. For Labor Day we headed up to the mountains near Helen, GA and took a short hike to a waterfall. The kids loved being outside and playing in the water. It was a nice break from their tablets and screens and reminded us how good it feels to spend a day in nature.

I hope you have a great day and a wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Expandable Media Box with Duplex Receptacle/Duplex Surge Suppressor is designed to streamline power and cable management behind your HDTV. The expandable portion of the Media Box allows for maximum storage hidden behind your TV, while still allowing your TV mount to be flush to the wall.

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Learning Center Article – Stop Network Bottlenecks with the Best Ethernet Cables for Large Offices

In large offices, cabling is the silent backbone that decides whether VoIP phones stay clear, surveillance feeds stay smooth, and remote desktops stay connected. Bigger floors mean longer cable runs, more endpoints, and heavier power demands. Modern offices run far more than browsers. They handle always-on VoIP, PoE security systems, multiple wireless access points, and constant cloud syncing, all riding on the same network backbone. Every device adds more electrical load and thermal stress to the cabling infrastructure.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• A wildfire in Northern California has destroyed several homes in the historic town of Chinese Camp. The blaze, which began Tuesday, has spread over 6,400 acres, prompting evacuations. The town dates back to the 1850s gold rush era. 
• Disney is rolling out AI across ads, theme parks, and film production, joining other studios like Hasbro and DreamWorks. Critics argue AI devalues creativity, but cost-cutting pressures and industry shifts signal it is here to stay, with human oversight remaining key.
• OpenAI will roll out parental controls next month, allowing parents to link accounts with their children’s and monitor interactions. The move aims to improve safety and provide more oversight for families.
• Starting Sept. 29, Starbucks locations in the U.S. and Canada will offer Protein Cold Foam and Protein Lattes, featuring 15–36 grams of protein per Grande drink. The launch is part of the company’s push to modernize its menu.