CablesAndKits Blog

New week, new tasks. Today’s forecast: emails, meetings, and possibly… potato chips. It’s National Junk Food Day—what’s your snack of choice?

In This Issue: New Hobbies & Car Shows | Deal of the Day | Hospital Grade Power Cord | Digital Optical Monitoring | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Hobbies & Car Shows

Happy Monday!

This past weekend was exactly what I needed—a perfect balance of relaxation, connection, and fun. Friday was simple! After work, I was able to just relax.

Saturday was all about quality time with my wife. We spent the day enjoying each other’s company, catching up on conversations, and trying to hunt down some sports and Marvel trading cards. We both have recently got into collecting different trading cards which makes for an exciting time together. We both love the artwork on the cards and the chase of finding the rare cards when opening the packs. In the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to take those moments for granted, so it felt really good to slow down and focus on something we love to do together.

Sunday was the highlight of the weekend. we went to the Cars and Coffee car show in Knoxville, and it did not disappoint. The variety of cars on display was amazing! There is every type of vehicle imaginable. But what really made the day special was running into some old friends I hadn’t seen in years. It was great to catch up, reminisce, and see how far we’ve all come since the last time we crossed paths. To top off the weekend, we spent the rest of Sunday with my brother-in-law and sister. We had a great time hanging out, sharing laughs, and just enjoying each other’s company while trying a new place to eat for brunch.

Moments like these remind me how important family and meaningful connections are.

Robert

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Power critical medical devices with confidence using this 15-foot Hospital Grade Power Cord, designed to meet stringent healthcare safety standards. Featuring a NEMA 5-15P to IEC C13 connector and built with 18/3 AWG conductors, this cable is ideal for light-duty medical and hospital-grade applications. Its clear blue molded plug offers quick visual identification, while the gray SJT jacket ensures flexibility and durability.

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Learning Center Article – What Is Digital Optical Monitoring?

Fiber optic networks are powerful, reliable, and essential for many enterprise-level operations, but they are not easy to design, and they can prove challenging to maintain. It requires a lot of time and expertise, but both of those things cost money. If you’re looking for ways to save on network management with fiber optic systems, one bit of technology you might want to explore is digital optical monitoring.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Microsoft is warning of “active attacks” exploiting a serious vulnerability in its on-premises SharePoint 2016 and 2019 server software, prompting an urgent security patch. The zero-day flaw allows attackers to spoof trusted entities, potentially putting tens of thousands of servers at risk. While cloud-based SharePoint Online remains unaffected, Microsoft advises immediate patching or disconnecting servers from the internet as a precaution. The FBI, CISA, and other agencies are investigating the attacks, which have targeted U.S. and international organizations in recent days.
• Starlink’s median download speed has nearly doubled in two years—from 53.95Mbps in 2022 to 104.71Mbps today—despite gaining millions of new users, according to Ookla. But only 17.4% of customers meet the FCC’s minimum broadband definition of 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload.
• Airlines like Delta are now testing AI-powered pricing systems that personalize ticket costs based on your digital footprint, according to Ars Technica. While still in its early stages, this technology could soon become standard—potentially making it harder for deal-seeking travelers to find low fares.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte season is arriving early this year—Starbucks is bringing back its beloved fall favorite on August 26, nearly a month before autumn officially begins.

We made it to Friday…hellooooo weekend! Do you have any weekend plans? We’d love to hear them!

In This Issue: Soaking Up the Rest of Summer | Deal of the Day | RJ45 Feed Through Plug Termination Tool | The Most Reliable Fiber to Ethernet Media Converters | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Soaking Up the Rest of Summer

Happy Friday!

Summer break is almost over! It is hard to believe…I feel like it goes by so fast these days!

Our summer has been filled with church camps, cheer camps, kid camps, art camp, and lots of sunshine! We still have a Florida trip to go before it ends. The kids are looking forward to the beach, pool, and time with family.

School starts back on 8/1 for us. I will have one in 8th, 5th, and 2nd. We already have school supplies ready to go and the kids are kinda excited, haha! The two oldest will be in cheer and the youngest has started Ju Jitsu. To say the fall will be busy is an understatement.

While summer is my season, I know the kiddos enjoy cooler weather and fun with their friends on a regular basis. So here is to be soaking up the last bit of summer!

Brooke

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The RJ45 EZ Feed-Through Plug Termination Tool is an all-in-one solution for Ethernet cable ends—cutting, stripping, and crimping pass-through RJ45 plugs with a single tool. Simply insert your wires into the feed-through plug, squeeze to trim excess conductors, and complete the crimp in one swift action.

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Learning Center Article – Network Upgrade: Expert Picks for the Most Reliable Fiber to Ethernet Media Converters

In today’s fast-paced digital world, maintaining a stable and high-speed network is essential for both businesses and individuals. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by converting fiber connections to Ethernet. This conversion allows for faster speeds and greater coverage within existing networks. TP-Link, a well-known leader in networking solutions, offers a range of media converters that facilitate the transition between fiber and Ethernet. These converters ensure smooth and reliable data transmission.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Netflix has confirmed that its hit sci-fi series The Eternaut used AI to create a building collapse scene, marking the platform’s first use of AI-generated final footage. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the budget-friendly tech made the sequence possible, completing it 10 times faster than traditional methods. While the move showcases AI’s potential for low-budget productions, it also raises fresh concerns in an industry already wary of AI’s growing role.
• Google has filed a major lawsuit in a U.S. district court against 25 unnamed Chinese individuals accused of operating the BadBox 2.0 botnet, which has infected millions of devices. The tech giant claims the botnet caused financial and reputational harm, marking a significant move in its efforts to combat large-scale cybercrime.
• Uber will begin rolling out self-driving taxis next year after investing $300 million in U.S. electric vehicle maker Lucid Group. The ride-share giant plans to deploy 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs—equipped with Nuro’s robotics technology—over six years, starting in a major U.S. city in 2026.
• Braum’s and Simple Modern are celebrating National Ice Cream Day with a sweet giveaway—one lucky winner will score a year of free Braum’s ice cream, exclusive drinkware, and a goodie bag. To enter, follow both brands on Instagram, like and share the giveaway post (live July 18), and tag three friends by July 21. Winners will be announced July 22. Fans can also grab in-store deals on July 20, including $1.45 junior cones, $2 double-dip cones, and 2 pints for $7.

It’s World Emoji Day! 🎉 Whether you’re team 🤩 or 🤪, emojis add fun to our everyday messages. What’s your favorite emoji to use?

In This Issue: New Recipes and Tubing | Deal of the Day | Cat.6 110 Type Patch Panel | Media Converters | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Recipes and Tubing

Hi everyone!

This past weekend was full of simple joys and trying new things, which always makes for the best kind of weekend! Alex and I cooked a new meal together, Philly cheesesteak quesadillas, and they turned out to be delicious. They were quick, easy, and full of flavor. I would recommend them if you’re in the mood to try something new, especially if you like Philly’s!

We ended the weekend with a daytrip to Helen, GA and went tubing down the Chattahoochee River. I had never gone tubing before, so it was a fun little adventure. The water felt great, and it was a nice relaxing ride even though we got stuck on a few rocks. Afterward, we found a nice spot for a picnic and enjoyed our food while watching others float by.

To finish off the day, we grabbed blizzards from Dairy Queen on the way home. I tried the new smore’s blizzard and it was the best way to end our trip. I had such a fun day and I’m looking forward to going back!

Have you tried any fun recipes lately? I’m always on the lookout for something new to try, so I’d love to hear from you!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Optimize your network infrastructure with this 48-Port Cat.6 110 Type Rackmount Patch Panel. Engineered for high-performance data transmission, this panel ensures clean cable management and reliable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across large networks. Designed for standard 19-inch racks, it’s the ideal solution for data centers, enterprise networks, and telecom rooms.

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Learning Center Article – Future-Proof Your Network with Media Converters: Here’s How

As technology grows, it’s important to connect different types of cables in a network smoothly. This is where media converters help. A media converter is a simple device that allows devices with different cables, like copper and fiber optic cables, to communicate with each other. It bridges the gap between these cables, making networks work better.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Mark Zuckerberg says smart glasses are the future of personal tech, predicting they’ll eventually replace smartphones. Meta’s latest AI-powered glasses can take photos, make calls, translate in real time, and give instant info about your surroundings — all hands-free.
• TikTok is helping songwriters stand out with a new “Songwriter” label for profiles and a dedicated tab to showcase written tracks. Based on feedback from over 870 surveyed songwriters, the update aims to boost visibility and create more opportunities for music creators.
• Adobe Firefly just rolled out major video updates, including AI-generated sound effects like footsteps and impact noises. Users can now upload their own recordings to guide audio results, with each prompt generating four 8-second clips. New tools include a composition reference feature to mimic layouts or motion, keyframe cropping for easy resizing, and fresh style presets like anime and vector art. These upgrades aim to keep Firefly competitive in the growing AI video space, following similar moves from rivals like Google’s Veo 3.
• Spotted in Nicaragua and Honduras, the new Churro McFlurry is a dreamy swirl of vanilla soft-serve, cinnamon-dusted churro bites, and your choice of caramel, chocolate, or strawberry sauce. Fans outside Central America are hoping it goes global — because who wouldn’t want churros in their McFlurry?

Happy Wednesday! It’s National AI Day—tech continues to evolve, and so do we. What’s one tool or tech that’s made your work easier lately?

In This Issue: A Surprise Smoky Mountains Getaway 🎢✨ | Deal of the Day | Precision Screw Driver Set | 8-Port Gigabit Switch | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Surprise Smoky Mountains Getaway 🎢✨

Happy Wednesday!

Mid‑last week, friends we hadn’t seen in months invited us to join them at their cabin in Pigeon Forge—right next to Dollywood—for a weekend adventure. Coincidentally, I’d just thought of them the day before—funny how that works!

Our drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was breathtaking. We even spotted elk strolling across the roadway. We’d allowed the kids some screen time, but once we entered the park, we told them to turn off their iPads and soak in the incredible scenery. It’s a beautiful part of the country, and we didn’t want them to miss it.

We arrived at Dollywood around 3 PM on Friday and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying time with our friends, riding rides, and watching shows. That evening, we stayed for the fireworks and the drone show—an amazing blend of lights, sound, and technology. Dollywood debuted its first drone show in 2021, and this year they’ve taken it up a notch with a combination of fireworks and pyro-drones as part of their 40th-anniversary celebration. It’s incredible how far things have come—what used to be a simple fireworks display has become an immersive sky-high performance where hundreds of drones change formation to create words and images in sync with the music.

The cabin we stayed in was nearly at the top of a mountain, and on Saturday night, we were actually above the fireworks in elevation, watching the show from the porch. A totally different experience, but just as magical.

On Monday, we drove back through the park again. We’ve done that drive before in the winter, just before the park closed for the season. That time we saw snow on the ground and icicles hanging from the trees—equally beautiful in a completely different way. If you are ever in the area, you should check it out!

I hope you are having some good vacations and/or short trips this summer as well!

Craig

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 35-piece precision screwdriver set is perfect for handling small electronics, computer components, and DIY projects requiring accuracy and control. The set includes a wide variety of driver bits, 5″ needle nose pliers, side cutters, stainless tweezers, and a flexible shaft.

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Learning Center Article – Small Size, Big Power: Discover the Best 8-Port Gigabit Switch

Network switches play a crucial role in ensuring seamless communication and efficient data transfer across devices. Among the different types of switches, the 8-port gigabit switch has emerged as a favorite for small-to-medium-sized businesses, IT professionals, and enterprises alike. The 8-port gigabit switch offers the right balance of performance, space efficiency, and scalability, making it an ideal solution for various environments.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is expanding its Gemini AI to more Wear OS smartwatches, replacing Google Assistant and offering hands-free convenience for tasks like messaging, navigation, and reminders. You can activate Gemini by saying “Hey Google” or by pressing and holding the side button on compatible devices. This rollout is part of Google’s broader effort to integrate Gemini across its ecosystem, including Android Auto, Chrome, and Nest.
• Amazon is shutting down Freevee, its free ad-supported streaming service, by August 2025. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to simplify the viewing experience and consolidate content under Prime Video. While disappointing for fans of Freevee’s free movies and live TV, Amazon says no content will be lost—just relocated. The decision also reflects Amazon’s focus on boosting ad revenue and streamlining its streaming offerings into a single platform.
• Starlink has confirmed it will begin launching its third-generation satellites in the first half of 2026. These advanced satellites are capable of delivering over 1 terabit per second of downlink capacity and more than 200 Gbps of uplink capacity. While the specs have been known for months, this marks the first official timeline for deployment, signaling a major upgrade to Starlink’s satellite internet capabilities.
• Starting in August, Coffee Mate is adding a magical twist to mornings with two limited-time creamers inspired by the Wizarding World: Cauldron Cake and White Chocolate Peppermint Toad (Zero Sugar). These are the brand’s first-ever official tie-in with the Harry Potter franchise, promising to enchant your daily brew.

It’s Tuesday, everyone! Today is Social Media Giving Day—a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long way online. Whether it’s sharing something uplifting or leaving a kind comment, positivity is contagious. What’s the most unforgettable post you’ve seen online lately?

In This Issue: Powered by Sunshine & Coffee | Deal of the Day | Computer Tool Kit | SFP Modules | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Powered by Sunshine & Coffee

Hi CK Family! I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer!

Summer always seems to bring additional productivity time for my work schedule, no school drop-offs and pick-ups, no frantic morning scrambles and after school activities. I always love the slower rhythm that somehow makes the day more ‘doable’ as we like to say at CK!

Somehow, we’ve reached the part of summer where Target has school supplies out which is totally giving me the end-of-summer scares. Life will soon feel like an Olympic level multitasking event but watching my kids grow and flourish while balancing work is a super-power I am honored to have. Let’s do this! (With coffee of course.)

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your summer filled with sunshine and laughter!

Mandy

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The 34-Piece Computer Tool Kit is an essential set for anyone performing computer maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. It includes a comprehensive selection of demagnetized tools to protect sensitive electronic components. Whether you’re a technician or DIY enthusiast, this compact and organized kit equips you with everything needed to service desktops, laptops, and other electronics safely and efficiently.

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Learning Center Article – SFP Modules Demystified: The Must-Know Tech for Smarter Networking

SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) modules are the unsung heroes of modern networking. It enables seamless data transfer across copper and fiber optic connections. SFP modules are small, flexible, and easy to replace, making them important for building efficient and scalable networks. They connect servers and switches and support fast data transfers over long distances, which is why they are widely used in industries like telecommunications, cloud computing, and enterprise networking.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Meta has removed around 10 million fake Facebook profiles impersonating content creators in the first half of 2025. The company also took action against 500,000 accounts for spammy behavior, limiting their reach and ability to monetize. Meta says it’s stepping up efforts to reduce unoriginal and duplicate content to improve the user experience and better support original creators.
• The FCC has officially approved T-Mobile’s $4.9 billion acquisition of US Cellular’s wireless business, bringing 4.5 million customers, retail stores, and 30% of its spectrum under T-Mobile’s umbrella. US Cellular will retain its 4,400 towers. In a separate deal, the FCC also approved T-Mobile’s joint venture with KKR to acquire fiber provider Metronet, expanding its broadband reach to 6.5 million homes by 2030.
• Target has capped self-checkout use to 10 items or fewer in many stores to combat rising theft, but with few staffed lanes, the result has been longer lines and customer frustration. While retailers push self-checkout as a convenience, it’s largely a cost-saving measure—one that’s backfiring due to both intentional and accidental theft.
• Chick-fil-A customers nationwide can now earn free menu items by playing the new Code Moo game via the Chick-fil-A app. Each week, players complete digital missions to unlock rewards like waffle fries, cookies, or chicken nuggets. The promotion is part of a growing trend among fast-food chains using gamified mobile experiences to boost engagement and loyalty during the busy summer season.

Happy Monday! It’s National Mac and Cheese Day—comfort food at its finest. What’s your go-to meal to kick off a busy week?

In This Issue: Countdowns & Celebrations | Deal of the Day | RJ11 6P4C Line Splitter Adapter | SU-MIMO vs MU-MIMO | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Countdowns & Celebrations

Happy Monday!

This weekend was a mix of productivity and fun. On Friday and part of Saturday, we knocked out some much-needed house cleaning and started gathering school supplies. It’s hard to believe that school starts back up in just three short weeks. Summer always seems to fly by!

Saturday afternoon I caught the new Superman movie with a few friends, and I’ve got to say—I loved it. James Gunn brought his usual mix of humor and action, and I think it really worked. David Corenswet did a great job as Superman and Nicholas Hoult made for a memorable Lex Luthor. This one might go down as one of my favorite Superman films.

Sunday was all about birthday fun. We went to my daughter’s friend’s birthday party at a local waterpark. The kids had a blast running around the splash pad, but I spent most of the time trying to stay out of the sun. It was a scorcher! I’m already counting down the days until fall.

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

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Easily expand your phone line connection with this RJ11 6P4C Line Splitter. Designed to divide a single RJ11 wall jack into three distinct ports, this splitter provides separate outputs for Line 1, Line 2, and a combined Line 1+2. Ideal for home or office use, you can connect a phone, fax machine, modem, or other compatible devices without signal interference.

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Learning Center Article – SU-MIMO vs MU-MIMO

Wireless networking is at the heart of so many things in the modern world, and if you need to maintain a reliable wireless network, then you need the right tools for the job. That can involve a lot of research, but you can narrow things down quickly when you know more about how wireless communication works. These days, MIMO is the most common technique for wireless communication, and when you know what it’s doing and how to compare different types of MIMO, you can browse equipment and find what you need a lot faster.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• TikTok and CapCut will soon have new U.S.-specific versions as parent company ByteDance moves to comply with American regulations and avoid a potential ban. The update comes amid growing pressure for the company to divest its U.S. operations or face restrictions.
• McDonald’s AI hiring platform, McHire, is under fire after a major security flaw exposed data from up to 64 million applicants. Researchers found it could be accessed via a default admin password and a weak API. Though quickly patched, the breach highlights concern about cybersecurity in AI-driven recruitment and reminds job seekers to be cautious with personal data online.
• Two fast-moving wildfires — the White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire — have forced the closure of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim for the rest of the season. The blazes have scorched around 45,000 acres and destroyed multiple structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, the only hotel on the North Rim. Fire crews continue working to contain the fires as questions mount over the federal wildfire response.
• Starbucks is officially bringing its secret menu to the app. Starting this week, Starbucks Rewards members can find a curated selection of custom drinks inspired by popular customer hacks and social media trends in the “Offers” tab. With one tap, customers can add a fully customized drink to their cart with all modifications preloaded, making ordering easier than ever. In addition, Starbucks has launched a Secret Menu Contest running through July 20, where customers and employees can submit their own drink creations for a chance to win $5,000. Four finalists will be selected and featured in the app from August 18 to 25, and the fan-voted winner will receive an additional $25,000.