CablesAndKits Blog

Happy Wednesday! It’s National Social Engineering Day—a timely reminder to be cautious about what we share online. Cybercriminals can be clever but staying alert and skeptical helps keep your data safe. 🔐 When in doubt, don’t click it!

In This Issue: The Big TWO! | Deal of the Day | Male Mono Plug to RCA Female Jack Adapter | Copper Cabling | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – The Big TWO!

Happy Wednesday! Hope you had a great weekend and are having a great start to the week.

This past weekend we celebrated the big TWO! Our little boy is growing up right before our eyes. We had a wonderful Lightening McQueen themed birthday party for him and boy did he love it. Our family really nailed it with showing up and showing out. To our surprise, they all showed up in Cars themed/character shirts and it was the sweetest!

We also now own, what feels like, every Lightening McQueen toy that you can grab on the toy isle. Talk about spoiled!

It’s truly unreal how fast time flies. Here’s to learning and teaching myself to soak up every ounce of time and enjoy all the little moments – no matter how big or small.

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily convert your 1/4 inch mono output to an RCA input with this reliable 1/4 Inch Mono Male Plug to RCA Female Jack Adapter. Designed with a durable black plastic housing and nickel-plated connectors, this adapter ensures a stable signal transfer and corrosion resistance. It’s ideal for audio equipment, mixers, amplifiers, and more.

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Learning Center Article – Does Copper Cabling Still Have a Place in Data Centers?

More than 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are produced every day. That’s a mind-boggling number. Equally impressive is that roughly 90 percent of all data in the world was produced in the last two years. In the face of such overwhelming numbers, it often feels like the entire future of networking rests on the shoulders of fiber optics. While fiber networking is absolutely essential to handling massive, consolidated data streams, it’s a mistake to think that every network needs to completely convert. Ethernet still has a strong place in networking, and that holds true even for the most advanced data centers in the world.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Roku TV is rolling out free upgrades to enhance your streaming experience, including AI-powered features. Users can now discover trending and in-theater content more easily, and enjoy personalized, AI-curated clips of movies and shows right on their smart TVs. 
  
• WhatsApp is rolling out new safety features to protect users from unknown contacts. The app will now warn users when someone not in their contacts tries to start a chat or add them to a group. WhatsApp also advises verifying identities through a second communication method before responding.
  
• Western pharmaceutical companies are making multibillion-dollar deals with Chinese biotech firms that use AI, showing growing trust in China’s ability to develop innovative drugs more quickly and affordably.
  
• Burger King is offering Royal Perks and Walmart+ members a free Whopper every day with any $1+ purchase, now through August 11.

Hope your Tuesday is off to a smooth start! It’s National Work Like a Dog Day—time to channel that energetic pup energy and tackle the day head-on! 🐾 Whether you’re chasing deadlines or fetching coffee, give it your all today. You’ve got this!

In This Issue: Clouds & Catch-Ups | Deal of the Day | Male Stereo Plug to Dual Female Stereo Jack Adapter | CAT6A | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Clouds & Catch-Ups

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

I’m loving the lower temperatures that we’ve been enjoying in Georgia the past few days but am really sick of the rain and clouds!

Aside from dodging raindrops, it was a great weekend for me! A few of us who grew up together in my old neighborhood planned a little reunion, and it ended up being so much fun. I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up in the ’90s—back when life felt simpler and technology hadn’t completely taken over. My neighborhood was packed with kids, and we practically lived outside. We’d spend hours exploring the woods, hanging at the pool, or playing pickup baseball in the yard until the sun went down. It really was such a sweet time to grow up, and I’m so thankful for the friendships that came from those years.

A handful of us decided to get together for a little “reunion” at Topgolf which was an absolute blast! We had lots of laughs and really enjoyed catching up with each other! We’re hoping to make it a more regular thing!

Here’s your sign to be intentional about meeting up with old friends! Life gets busy, but reconnecting is worth it!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily share your music or audio between two devices with this 3.5mm Male to Dual 3.5mm Female Stereo Jack Adapter. Designed to split a single 3.5mm stereo output into two separate headphone or speaker connections, it’s ideal for listening with a friend or connecting multiple audio devices.

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Learning Center Article – What is CAT6A and How Is It Being Used Today?

When cost and performance are used to select a cable, most network engineers try to stuff as much Ethernet into their system as they can. Ethernet tends to be the more affordable, reliable way to keep devices in communication and fulfill a network’s needs. One of the reasons Ethernet is still able to fill these roles with modern data demands is because newer, more powerful cables are available. While Cat6A is neither the newest nor most advanced Ethernet on the market today, it is a staple in the industry and services a wide range of networks.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon is expanding its car-selling business to include used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Following its 2024 partnership with Hyundai for new car sales, customers can now browse and buy used and CPO vehicles directly on Amazon’s site.
• T-Mobile has officially launched its T-Satellite texting service nationwide, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink. The feature allows users to send texts even without cellular coverage—ideal for remote travel or emergencies. It activates automatically when your phone loses signal, keeping you connected wherever you are.
• Verizon is increasing fees and removing discounts from some plans. The changes have sparked frustration and could push users to switch to more affordable carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, or popular MVNOs.
• Dairy Queen is kicking off fall early with its new Fall Treat Collection, featuring the brand-new Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard and Maple Cookie Shake, plus the much-loved Pumpkin Pie Blizzard returning to the menu. The seasonal lineup will be available starting at the end of the month.

Hello! It’s Monday—time to get back to the grind… and maybe grab a cookie. 🍪 It’s National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! Homemade or store-bought, chewy or crispy—what’s your favorite cookie combo?

In This Issue: A Sweet Start to the School Year | Deal of the Day | Banana Male Plug | The Right Ethernet for the Right Network | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Sweet Start to the School Year

Happy Monday!

We officially made it to the first day of school! Friday was the big day for our girls, and they were all smiles when they got home. They had a great first day and are excited for what the new school year will bring. To celebrate, we took them out for some frozen yogurt at their favorite spot and got to hear all about their new teachers, classrooms, and friends. It’s always fun hearing the little details they decide to share.

Saturday, I got to sneak in some Pokémon time at a local game store I don’t usually go to. Met some new folks and had a good time playing. Always cool to find a new community of players and mix it up a bit.

The weather’s finally cooled off a little here in Georgia, which has been nice! It’s been non-stop rainy and dreary though. But honestly, I’ll take the gray skies over the blazing heat any day. There’s something about the rain that makes things feel a bit more calm—perfect excuse to stay inside and slow down a bit.

Sunday was a good reset day. We went to church, got some cleaning done around the house, and just took it easy the rest of the day.

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 Banana Male Plug is designed for secure and efficient audio or electronic connections. Featuring a high-quality gold-plated contact for optimal conductivity and a black plastic housing for insulation and durability, it ensures a reliable signal with minimal resistance. Ideal for speaker wire terminations, testing equipment, and DIY audio setups.

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Learning Center Article – The Right Ethernet for the Right Network

With increasing technology and virtualization, Ethernet networks are advancing and becoming more complicated as organizations strive for higher levels of reliability and performance. Choosing the right cabling solution will help you attain reliable performance. The following guidelines will help you choose the right cabling solution.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon is shutting down its Wondery podcast studio and cutting 110 jobs as part of a major reorganization of its audio division.
• Steak ‘n Shake is giving away over 100,000 Labubu figures starting August 4! Visit your nearest location and enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win.
• Spotify is raising Premium subscription prices across Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.
• Blue Bell announced it will remove artificial dyes from all its ice cream products by December 31, 2027, as part of a brand-wide ingredient update.

Friday’s forecast: sunny skies with a chance of flying water balloons! Celebrate National Water Balloon Day with some good, clean fun. Happy weekend in advance!

In This Issue: Chest pains and Ambulance Rides | Deal of the Day | Fiber Optic Cleaner Pen | MPO/MTP Cables, MPO Cassettes, & Fiber Patch Panels | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Chest pains and Ambulance Rides

Well, this past weekend was eventful — and not in the “fun getaway” kind of way. I ended up in the ER with chest pain, which, let me tell you, is a fast pass to all kinds of medical attention. After a series of tests, scans, and the general chaos of a hospital trip, a heart attack was ruled out they found a blood clot!

So now I’m on blood thinners, specifically Eliquis which apparently is “The Cadillac of blood thinners”, and have an appointment with a cardiologist and hematologist this week. In the meantime, I’m trying to avoid paper cuts and sharp corners. 😉

I always say getting older is a barrel of fun — but this weekend, the barrel rolled downhill and took me with it. haha

In all seriousness, I’m grateful it was caught early, that I’m okay, and that we have incredible medical professionals who do this stuff every day. If you’ve been putting off that checkup — let this be your nudge.

Life is short. Take care of yourself!

Craig

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Keep your fiber optic connections spotless with this 1.25mm Fiber Optic Cleaner Pen, designed specifically for LC and MU connectors. This high-performance fiber cleaning tool delivers over 500 cleans per unit and features a simple one-push action to eliminate dust, oil, and microscopic debris. The pen’s 180° rotating cleaning tip ensures thorough cleaning of both end faces and adapter ports. Built with anti-static materials, it prevents recontamination.

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Learning Center Article – MPO/MTP Cables, MPO Cassettes, & Fiber Patch Panels

The number of network connections and the quantity of data transmitted worldwide is rising rapidly and growing exponentially. And so is the importance of cable management. Not only does proper and efficient cable management help maintain basic network functionality, it also protects your equipment from clogged airflow as a result of having unorganized cables. Three important components of a well-run network facility are MPO / MTP cables, MPO cassettes, and fiber patch panels.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Chinese tech firms are tapping into the country’s massive video market using AI to automate ads, film clips, and short-form videos. Leading the charge is Kuaishou’s Kling AI, a top global tool for turning text or images into video content.
• Reddit is focusing on becoming a “go-to search engine”. While the company has struck AI data licensing deals with OpenAI and Google, it’s also investing in improving its own search capabilities to better serve users and meet key business goals.
• SpaceX’s Starlink system might be suffering another outage, a week after the satellite internet system experienced a disruption that knocked it offline for several hours.
• Oreo and Reese’s—America’s top cookie and candy brands—have teamed up for the first time to launch two new mashup treats: the Oreo Reese’s Cookie and the Reese’s Oreo Cup. The cookie features classic Oreo wafers filled with Reese’s peanut butter crème and Oreo cookie crumbs for a sweet, crunchy twist.

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.