CablesAndKits Blog

Happy Wednesday! Today is National Wildland Firefighter Day — a reminder to do our part. How are you practicing fire safety this summer?

In This Issue: Gratitude | Deal of the Day | Power Extension Cord | LC Fiber Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Gratitude

Happy Wednesday!

This morning my husband woke up and said, “We officially have a 23-month-old!” and now, it’s all I can think about. I can’t believe we will soon have a TWO-YEAR-OLD! I’m convinced he sometimes looks and acts like he is 5 or maybe even 15, haha but my goodness does the time fly.

This weekend was great! I got to spend some one-on-one time with my little guy and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Lots of snuggles, time for him to play in his new bathtub, and running through lots and lots of bubbles! The plant show was an added bonus! There were TONS of plants and I felt like I was in a dream at some points. Some of the plants were stunning and also very…expensive. I did come home with 3 new plant children and a few other fun goodies, so overall a great success!

I’ll leave you with this…on the radio this morning on my dive the radio host said “Remember, you control the outcome of your day, so make the best of it.” This week has been draining for me, and I’m really not sure why. I know part of it is because I’m 8 months pregnant and just simply exhausted by the end of the day, but I’ve let lots of little things bother me lately that just aren’t simply worth my time. So today, I’m going to be more intentional about what I let get in my head or bother me and I encourage you to do the same. There is SO much in life to be grateful for, so we can’t let the little things get in the way.

Cheers to a great rest of the week, a short holiday week, and the ability to celebrate freedom!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 100-foot, 14/3 gauge SJTW extension cord is built for tough residential and industrial power needs. With a triple-tap adapter that powers up to 3 devices from one source, and a built-in light indicator to confirm connectivity, this extension cord maximizes utility on job sites, around the home, or when using generators and temporary power boxes. Made from 100% pure copper, it is water resistant, flame retardant, and ultra flexible, ensuring dependable outdoor performance in various environments.

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Learning Center Article – Best LC Fiber Connectors to Upgrade Your Network Today!

LC fiber connectors may be compact, but they excel at optimizing data flow and boosting bandwidth, making them a prime choice for upgrading your network today. This article explores some of the top-performing LC fiber connectors currently on the market, guaranteed to revolutionize your network capabilities. Whether you’re a business owner, IT expert, or tech enthusiast, investing in these advanced connectors promises to redefine your connectivity experience.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• American Airlines is showing off new technology that should help customers make tight connecting flights during the busy Fourth of July travel weekend.
• Starlink is officially the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi, nearly doubling the speeds of competitors, according to a new Ookla report. SpaceX’s satellite internet hit median speeds of 152Mbps down and 24Mbps up, with an impressive 44ms latency—perfect for video calls or even gaming mid-flight. Its secret? A network of 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites flying just 342 miles above Earth—far closer than traditional satellite systems.
• Costco and T-Mobile are offering up to $450 per line for customers who switch carriers this summer—a tempting deal at first glance. However, wireless experts caution that while the bonus sounds generous, it could lead to higher monthly bills depending on the plan you choose, so it’s wise to read the fine print before making the switch.
• China’s largest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, has officially launched in the U.S. with two new stores in Manhattan, taking on Starbucks with affordable prices and a tech-savvy approach. Known for cashier-less stores and drinks under $2 in China, Luckin is offering $1.99 drinks for first-time app users in NYC. The menu includes everything from iced lattes to fruity cold brews and trendy refreshers.

Happy Tuesday! It’s National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day — the perfect excuse to try something new. What’s the wildest ice cream flavor you’ve tried?

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In This Issue: Making the Most of Summer | Deal of the Day | Fiber Splice Tray | Fiber Optic Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Making the Most of Summer

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Can you believe we have already made it to JULY!? Not sure how that’s possible, but this is one of my favorite months so I’m not complaining!

There’s just something special about the laid-back days of Summer. I’ve really enjoyed the longer days and the ability to get outside and enjoy them. I’ve gotten to see a bit more of my nieces and nephews thanks to them being out of school for the Summer, which has been really sweet!

July is already shaping up to be a fun month! I’m heading down to Florida later this week to visit one of my best friends, Lauren, who moved to the 30A area. We will celebrate the 4th of July on the beach which sounds amazing! I’ll also get to spend some time with another one of my best friends, Emily, who will be vacationing at the beach so it should be a lot of fun!

I’ve got more fun things planned for later in the month, from getting together with old coworkers to getting outside for some Summer hikes! What about you? How are you making the most of what’s left of Summer!?

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Organize and protect your fiber optic splices with this 12/24 Fiber Classic Fusion Splice Tray in Black. Made from durable HIPS material, this tray is designed to securely hold and manage up to 24 fiber connections, offering a flexible and reliable splice and storage system. Ideal for use in fiber optic enclosures, this tray includes a protective cover plate to shield spliced fibers from dust, damage, and environmental stress.

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Learning Center Article – Fiber Optic Connectors: Detailed Guide to Types and Uses

Fiber optic connectors might be small, but they play a big role in ensuring fast and reliable data transfers. They link fiber optic cables, allowing data to move quickly with minimal loss. In this guide, you’ll explore various types of fiber optic cable connectors, each with unique features and best uses. Knowing what each connector does is essential, but it’s also important to match them with the right equipment, fiber type, and performance needs.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple Inc. is considering using artificial intelligence technology from Anthropic PBC or OpenAI to power a new version of Siri, sidelining its own in-house models in a potentially blockbuster move aimed at turning around its flailing AI effort.
• BYD’s luxury brand Yangwang has set a new global record in the EV market with its flagship sedan, the U7, which boasts the lowest drag coefficient (0.195 Cd) of any mass-produced car to date. This milestone surpasses top competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Lucid Air, marking a major aerodynamic achievement for Chinese automakers.
• Google is rolling out major updates to its Classroom suite, including free Gemini AI tools for educators and, for the first time, access to NotebookLM for users under 18. Teachers with Google Workspace accounts will get a Gemini tab in Classroom to help with lesson planning, math problems, and more. Education Plus users will also receive Gemini audio lessons. Other additions include a new Analytics tab to monitor student performance, the ability to create and share custom “Gems” (mini Gemini agents), and student access to interactive study tools through NotebookLM. Teachers will also gain access to AI-powered tools like Google Vids for video creation and the new Class Tools feature for managing student Chromebooks during lessons.
• This July 11, celebrate 7-Eleven’s 98th birthday with a free small Slurpee at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations for National Slurpee Day! Members of the 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards programs can also score limited-edition Slurpee-activated temporary tongue tattoos that reveal fun colors like blue, green, red, or pink after sipping their frozen treat.

Happy Monday! 🌞 It’s National OOTD Day — a fun chance to show off your summer style. What’s your go-to summer outfit?

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In This Issue: Island Vibes Activated | Deal of the Day | SC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator | Active Optical Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Island Vibes Activated

Happy Monday!

We just got back from a family trip to Saint Simons Island where we stayed in a condo near the beach with my in-laws—my sister-in-law and her kids, my family, and my mother-in-law. It was a full house, but the kids loved having their cousins around. Most of our time was spent at the pool or out at the beach. We especially enjoyed heading to the beach in the evenings when the sun wasn’t so intense and things were a bit quieter.

In the middle of the week, we took a little detour to Jekyll Island and visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The kids thought the turtles were cool, and it was nice to learn a few things too. We also made a stop at Driftwood Beach, which had some really interesting trees and made for a good walk.

By the weekend, we were back home and feeling wiped out. I know people say this a lot, but it really did feel like we needed a vacation after the vacation. Still, glad we got to go and make some memories.

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

The SC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator – 5dB is engineered to precisely reduce optical signal strength in high-speed fiber networks. Designed with a durable metal housing and UPC polish, this female-to-male fixed attenuator ensures stable performance and minimal reflection in SC singlemode applications. Ideal for use in test environments or to protect sensitive equipment from excessive signal power.

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Learning Center Article – Transform Your Network with Active Optical Cables: Here is Why They are the Future

In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, the demand for faster, more reliable network connections is higher than ever. One of the best ways to meet these demands is by incorporating active optical cables (AOCs) into your network infrastructure. These high-performance cables offer superior data transmission over long distances, making them a popular choice in industries.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11 25H2, set to roll out later this year with a simpler, more efficient upgrade process. Unlike previous major updates, 25H2 will use a “shared servicing branch,” allowing Windows Update to deliver only the missing code to your PC—cutting the download size by around 40%.
• Xiaomi has officially entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of its first electric SUV, the YU7, unveiled on June 26 in Beijing. With aggressive pricing starting at around $35,278, the YU7 undercuts Tesla’s Model Y in China and is available in three trims: base, Pro, and Max. The debut sparked major excitement—over 10,000 pre-orders were placed within four minutes, and reservations soared to 289,000 in just one hour.
• A cybercriminal group known as Scattered Spider has breached the computer networks of several major U.S. and Canadian airlines, prompting an FBI warning during the peak of summer travel. While flight safety and operations remain unaffected, the group’s use of social engineering to infiltrate systems has raised serious concerns, especially as they also target contractors and vendors, exposing broader vulnerabilities across the aviation industry.
• Starbucks is celebrating the Fourth of July with a limited-time Firework Frappuccino, available from July 1 to 7. This festive blended drink combines raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors with coconut milk, popping pearls, strawberry purée, and vanilla sweet cream cold foam—perfect for a refreshing summer treat.

Happy Friday! It’s National Sunglasses Day—a cool reminder to protect your vision and enjoy the sunshine. What are your weekend plans to relax and recharge?

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In This Issue: Home Sweet Home | Deal of the Day | Fiber Optic Splice Protector | Copper Transceivers | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Home Sweet Home

Happy Friday!

It’s been a long week, but a good one! This past weekend we made a big move into our new home and while very exciting, quite exhausting…especially at 7 months pregnant haha. I am so grateful to all of my family for their support and help in this move. It made everything less stressful and overall more enjoyable to actually move! We’ve moved, what feels like, a million times and I think this may have been the smoothest move yet!

I’m really looking forward to the weekend this weekend for a few reasons. First, my husband is out of town this weekend so I’ll be spending some one on one time with my little one, and I feel like I need to soak up every ounce of that possible before we prepare to welcome a second one into the world. Second, tomorrow I’m going to a plant show – and I love plants! This will be the first plant show I’ve ever attended, so I am thrilled! I’ll update you on how it goes next week.

Do you have any exciting weekend plans?

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Ensure strong and reliable protection for your fiber optic splices with this 60mm Splice Protector featuring a 1.5mm stainless steel rod and 3.0mm outer diameter. Ideal for safeguarding fusion splice joints, these sleeves offer a transparent outer tube for easy fiber identification, a heat-shrink inner layer, and a steel rod to reinforce the joint and maintain alignment. With a 60mm tube length and a 55mm steel rod, these protectors help prevent bending, breakage, and other damage at splice junctions—serving as a durable substitute for the original fiber cable jacket.

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Learning Center Article – What Are Copper Transceivers?

In data centers and other high-speed networks, you often rely on fiber optics to supply enough bandwidth. Despite that, even the most advanced networks still benefit from enabling Ethernet devices. How do you reconcile the two? In many cases, copper transceivers provide the answer.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• YouTube is enhancing its platform with more AI-driven features, including a new AI-powered search tool now available to Premium users on mobile. When searching for topics like shopping, activities, or places in specific locations, users may see an AI-generated video carousel with tailored results to improve discovery and recommendations.
• DirecTV has introduced a new $20/month streaming package called MyKids, designed for families and cord-cutters. The plan includes live kid-friendly channels from Paramount, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery—such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel—plus a Disney+ subscription at no extra cost. No satellite subscription is required.
• NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured its first direct image of a distant exoplanet named TWA 7b—a gas giant similar in size to Saturn. Still glowing hot from its formation, TWA 7b orbits a young star just over 6 million years old and is believed to be a “shepherd” planet, clearing gaps in surrounding planetary rings.
• McDonald’s has officially launched the Daily Double cheeseburger nationwide. Previously available only in select cities, the burger features two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, onions, mayo, and tomatoes. Starting July 22, it will be part of the McValue Meal Deal, served with 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small drink for $6 or $7, depending on location.

Happy Thursday! It’s National Coconut Day! Whether you’re team coconut water or coconut-scented everything, a small refresh can boost your mood. How are you keeping cool and energized this week?

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In This Issue: Banana Pudding and Big Plans | Deal of the Day | Dryer Cord | DAC Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Banana Pudding and Big Plans

Good morning!

This past week has been full of fun and family! I mentioned that we were celebrating our June birthdays this weekend, so I decided to try something new. I made banana pudding from scratch for the first time ever. It was super easy, and so good! I’ll be making it again sometime!

Then last night, I went to play TopGolf with my family. I didn’t win, but I didn’t lose either so I’m happy. I played golf in high school, so I was hoping some of those skills would come back, and luckily a few of them did. It’s been about 2 years since I last touched a golf club so I was thankful that it was coming back to me. We wrapped up the night with Johnny’s Pizza, salad, and some cookies. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day and I’m so glad we went!

It’s been such a great week, and I’m even more excited for next week because I’m going on a cruise! We’ve never taken a 4th of July cruise so I can’t wait to see how it goes! I love being able to fully unplug on a cruise and relax while soaking in the sun as much as I can.

I hope your week has been just as sweet, and if you have a favorite dessert to make from scratch, I’d love to hear what it is!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Power your electric dryer with confidence using this 4Ft 10/3 3-Prong Dryer Cord. Designed for homes built prior to 1996, this heavy-duty dryer cord features a molded 3-wire plug that resists cracking and won’t pull apart, even under strain. With a heat resistance of up to 140°F, this SRDT cable ensures durability and safety for indoor use. The cord includes pre-installed ring terminals for secure appliance connections and a strain relief clamp for added installation stability.

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Learning Center Article – Boost Your Network Efficiency with High-Speed DAC Cables: No Transceivers Needed

Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables play a crucial role in modern networking by offering fast, reliable connections for short distances. Whether upgrading your data center or improving your office network, DAC cables provide an affordable and efficient alternative to fiber optics. With support for data transfer rates of up to 100 Gbps and an easy plug-and-play setup, these cables are ideal for high-performance environments.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon is investing billions to expand its Prime delivery service, bringing same-day and next-day delivery to over 4,000 smaller towns, cities, and rural areas across the U.S. by the end of the year, from Asbury, Iowa, to North Padre Island, Texas.
• Verizon has unveiled Project 624, a new customer service initiative powered by Google Gemini AI that aims to resolve issues on the first contact, potentially sparing subscribers the long waits and repeated calls often associated with troubleshooting.
• Cicadas, lanternflies and ticks are among several inspect species making a notable resurgence across the United States this summer. Warming winters and increased humidity caused by climate change are allowing them to survive longer and expand their geographical range.
• United Airlines has introduced a new mobile app feature that makes tight connections and large airports less daunting. The app now not only shows your next gate but also guides you step-by-step, offering estimated walking times, terminal changes, and nearby amenities, making layovers and connections much smoother for travelers.

Happy Wednesday! How’s your week going so far? Here’s a quick reminder to pause and drink some water — it’s a hot one out there! What’s your favorite way to stay hydrated throughout the day?

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In This Issue: Another Project Done! | Deal of the Day | RJ45 Modular Inline Coupler | The Ultimate Guide to Cable Management in Data Centers | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Another Project Done!

Howdy, CK friends!

It’s midweek again — I hope everyone’s having a productive one so far and checking off those to-do lists!

It may not be Friday yet, but I’m too excited to wait to share one of my wins this week… Our fence at home is finally done! The best part? Our dogs absolutely love it. They’ve been indoor pups until now, so seeing them run around and explore their “new playground” has been such a joy.

This weekend, we’re planning to have a little family dinner right outside — making the most of the yard and enjoying this space we’ve worked hard to build. One more project down, and now it’s time to focus on saving up for the next one!

How about you? Did you have any wins or moments worth celebrating this week? I’d love to hear all about it.

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The RJ45 Modular Inline Coupler Straight – 8 Conductor, White is designed for extending Ethernet connections by joining two RJ45 cables with straight-through wiring. This 8P8C coupler ensures full pin-to-pin alignment (pin1 to pin1 through pin8 to pin8), making it perfect for Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a network cables. With a compact, durable white housing, it provides a reliable solution for data, voice, and LAN applications in home, office, or commercial settings.

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Learning Center Article – The Ultimate Guide to Cable Management in Data Centers

In the intricate world of data centers, effective cable management stands as a cornerstone of operational efficiency and reliability. Mismanaged cables can lead to increased downtime, safety hazards, and hindered performance. This guide offers a deep dive into the essentials of cable management, exploring its benefits, key practices, and the hardware and software tools that facilitate an organized, scalable data center infrastructure.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon is throwing an AirTag party right before Prime Day. The deal? Buy a three-pack and Amazon will slip a fourth AirTag into your cart for free, dropping the 4-pack price to $74 (down from the usual $99).
• AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement for customers impacted by two recent data breaches, despite admitting no wrongdoing. A Texas judge has cleared the agreement, which will compensate those affected, especially customers with damages linked to the leaks — prioritizing higher payments for victims of the larger breach from 2019. Final approval is set for December 3, with more details about the claims process expected later this summer.
• Google has launched a new open-source AI agent that brings Gemini’s coding, content generation, and research capabilities directly into developers’ terminals. Gemini CLI provides a “fundamental upgrade to your command line experience,” according to Google, making it easier for developers to write and debug code using natural language prompts.
• Starbucks announced a new pricing structure for drink customizations, charging 80¢ for any combination of syrups or sauces added to plain drinks, regardless of quantity, while substitutions in pre-flavored drinks remain free. Additionally, adding matcha powder to non-matcha drinks will cost $1, and including dried fruit will cost 50¢.