CablesAndKits Blog

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.

Midweek check-in! National Lemon Day is here to add a little zest to your Wednesday. From lemon water to lemon bars, this fruit keeps things fresh. What’s keeping you refreshed and focused today?

In This Issue: Redefining Rest | Deal of the Day | Stereo Plug | Cisco Virtual Stacking | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Redefining Rest

Happy Wednesday!

Gotta be honest, I’m tired. It’s been a long week already and I’m just pure exhausted! As I was driving back from an appointment I was thinking about what it means to really rest. I’m know that rest looks different for everyone, but I was thinking to myself, what does rest actually even look like to me? And really, I’m not sure! I think most of the time, it’s not working or thinking about work on the weekends and actually getting sleep at night…but both of those things are tough to accomplish.

What does rest look like for you? How do you rest and make sure you’re fueled up for the week? Would love to hear your thoughts/suggestions!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Build or repair your audio cables with confidence using this 3.5mm Metal Stereo Plug. Designed for durability and reliable signal transmission, it features a robust metal housing and spring-style wire protection to guard against cable stress and breakage.

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Learning Center Article – What is Cisco Virtual Stacking and How Does It Work?

Large, fast networks have to connect powerful switches in order to function properly. It’s the best way to create fast, reliable connections, and the backbone of any significant network is wired, one way or another. Connecting a bunch of switches comes with its own complications and challenges, and one of the great struggles in network design is configuring the switches so they can operate efficiently across the whole network. Traditionally, switch stacking is an invaluable tool for this purpose, as it simplifies the network and network management. These days, you can do one better with virtual stacking.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple has announced AppleCare One, a new $19.99/month subscription that covers up to three devices, with additional products costing $5.99/month each. It offers the same benefits as AppleCare Plus—battery coverage, unlimited accidental damage repairs, and 24/7 support—and allows coverage for products up to four years old (if in good condition).
• California’s community colleges are cracking down on fake student scams that led to $90 million in aid fraud. After facing thousands of “ghost” student attacks, the state has adopted an AI fraud detection system to identify and block ineligible enrollees from accessing financial aid meant for real students.
• The National Weather Service has issued heat alerts in 25 states, warning of dangerous conditions with heat index values topping 110°F in parts of the South and Midwest. Widespread advisories also cover areas across the Northeast and central U.S., urging people to stay hydrated, avoid the sun, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
• Ben & Jerry’s is launching an all-new Taste the Whirled Limited Batch series with ice cream flavors inspired by global desserts. Fudgy Flan is its first new flavor in the series, inspired by the Latin American dessert choco-flan.

It’s Tuesday—and it’s National Mango Day! This tropical fruit brings a burst of sunshine to any snack or smoothie. What’s your favorite refreshing fruit when the workday heats up?

In This Issue: More Than Just a Game | Deal of the Day | USB Extender | Cisco Stacking Options | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – More Than Just a Game

Happy Tuesday!

North Gwinnett girls’ lacrosse was supposed to be just a recreational activity, right?

When my daughter kindly mentioned in passing that she was interested in participating in this sport because her close friend had been playing for a while, we only imagined her making some new friends and having fun.

This summer, we felt that it was time to take a stab at joining a summer league team, which would be a great opportunity to learn and grow. It was definitely that, while manifesting into a family and friends’ opportunity to yell, cheer and fellowship with other like-minded parents for our amazing daughters. Every weekend tournament had its ups and downs, trials and tribulations, sweat and lots of tears. There is no such thing as a sport without emotions to stir up the mental pot.

Although her team didn’t win their last tournament after two days of grueling play time in the 90 plus degree’s heat, their relentless fight to win was incredible to watch—-my goodness, I’m a proud father! As long as my daughter wants to continue playing this sport or any other as a matter of fact, I will continue being her biggest cheerleader—the loudest Dad in the crowd, the man that supports his daughter’s dreams.

Aaron

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily extend your USB device connection up to 150 feet with this USB 2.0 extender using a single Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 Ethernet cable. Its plug-and-play design makes setup effortless, allowing you to position your peripherals exactly where you need them—without proximity limitations or messy clutter.

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Learning Center Article – Cisco Stacking Options Explained – Stackwise to Stackwise-1T

When you have a large, fast network to support, you need more than just high-end switches. You need the ability to link switches together, and stacking technology is the primary way to accomplish this goal. Within the Cisco ecosystem, Stackwise is the longstanding, thoroughly proven technology that allows you to stack a wide range of switches. Whether you’re looking to minimize costs, maximize performance, or optimize in any other way, you’ll be working with some version of Stackwise.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• T-Mobile’s new Experience Plans promise 20% savings over competitors with five-year price guarantees. Families can earn up to $3,200 in switching credits plus premium streaming bundles.
• To ease pressure on healthcare systems, UC San Diego researchers are testing humanoid robots as versatile, cost-effective clinical assistants. Unlike specialized surgical robots, the Unitree G1—with robotic hands and remote control—can perform a range of tasks from basic exams to emergency procedures. Despite some challenges, it successfully completed most tasks, showing potential for hospital support.
• New research shows that electric vehicles produce 83% less brake dust than gas-powered cars, thanks to regenerative braking. While EVs may cause slightly more tire wear, brake dust poses a greater threat to air quality. The study reinforces EVs’ environmental and health benefits—cleaner air, fewer emissions, and better protection for communities.
• Coca-Cola is shaking things up with a new addition to its soda lineup: a version made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Set to launch this fall, the new recipe will be offered alongside the classic Coke, giving fans a fresh option with a different sweetener.