CablesAndKits Blog

Happy Thursday! We’re grateful to have you as part of this community. If there is any way that we can be praying for you this week and as we head into the weekend, please let us know.

In This Issue: New Car & New Tech! | Deal of the Day | Cable Hanger Medium | HDMI Types & Specifications | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Car & New Tech!

A few weeks ago, I shared my car troubles and asked for some advice on car shopping—thank you all for your helpful suggestions! I’m excited to say that everything finally came together last week, and I bought a car! It’s an 11-year upgrade, so I’m still figuring out all the new tech features (there are so many buttons).

Right now, I’m trying to come up with a name for it. I’m leaning toward The Batmobile since it’s black, and I think it would be especially funny around Halloween—but I’m open to better suggestions if anyone has any!

Outside of that, I’ve officially entered the final two weeks of the semester. It’s that time of nonstop studying, group projects, and long days of trying to juggle everything. It’s been a little chaotic, but it’s also nice to see all the hard work starting to pay off.

If you have any tips for staying active while being super busy, I’d love to hear them! I’m doing my best to squeeze in walks, workouts, and any movement I can whenever I get the chance.

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

A medium cable hanger is a device used for organizing and securing cables, typically in industrial, commercial, or technical environments. It is designed to hold cables of medium size, often ranging from 14mm to 25mm in diameter. These hangers are commonly made from durable materials like stainless steel or galvanized steel to ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion.

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Learning Center Article – Understanding HDMI Types & Specifications

High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) is something that almost all of us recognize. It’s the de facto cable used to play video — especially for anything involving high-definition. HDMI has been around for more than 20 years, and almost everyone has experience with it. It’s a plug-and-play type of cable, and you probably have one or more of these cables connected to a TV (or more) in your home. While the essentials of HDMI are easily grasped, there’s a lot more to this technology than most people realize.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Storms and rain to swamp much of US over Easter holiday weekend. 
• OpenAI just released two updated AI models — o3 and o4-mini — for ChatGPT Plus, Pro and Team users. Essentially two new, bigger and better brains, these models are said to be the smartest ones yet because they can tackle more advanced queries, understand the blurriest images, and solve problems like never before.
• American Airlines is set to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi starting next year, but there’s a catch—it’s only for members of the AAdvantage loyalty program. Partnering with AT&T to upgrade its in-flight tech, the airline is catching up with competitors like Delta and United by eliminating internet fees on most flights. This move aims to boost customer satisfaction and keep pace in the increasingly connected skies.
• The newest offering from Pringles is a collaboration with Miller Lite. The limited-edition Pringles x Miller Lite crisps capture two classic summer grilling favorites in a single bite. The new Pringles and Miller Lite offerings will be available starting in May.

Midweek check-in! Still powering through in full gear—or are the comfy clothes making an appearance today? Either way, you’ve got this!

In This Issue: Wrapping Up Spring Break | Deal of the Day | J Hook Retaining Clip | ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Wrapping Up Spring Break

Happy Wednesday!

I hope everyone is having a good week. I think spring break season is likely wrapping itself up at the end of this week. If you enjoyed a little spring break getaway, did you do anything fun?

Growing up my mom was a teacher and we had lots of teachers in our family, so that week was always one where we did lots of relaxing and spending time together as a family. Do you have a special spring break memory growing up?

Here’s to now heading into graduation season and the countdown to summer!

Cheers!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Retaining clips for J-hooks provide added cable security by holding bundles firmly in place. Designed for quick installation, these clips help maintain structured cable routing and prevent cable shift or sag. Compatible with a variety of J-hook sizes, they’re ideal for keeping low-voltage, fiber, and data cables neatly contained.

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Learning Center Article – ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Explained

You have two devices on the same network. You want to share packets directly from one to the other without involving the rest of the internet. How do you do this? There are a few ways, but one of the easiest is ARP. ARP stands for “address resolution protocol,” and it’s an important tool for your devices when they try to communicate. The formal definition goes something like this. ARP is a protocol that connects IP addresses to MAC addresses.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is letting Gemini Advanced subscribers try out Veo 2, its text-to-video AI model that it says is capable of creating high-resolution clips with “cinematic realism.” Subscribers can select Veo 2 from the Gemini model dropdown on the web and mobile, where they can enter a prompt to generate an eight-second video in 720p. 
• As summer travel plans ramp up, United Airlines is trimming some of its domestic flights by 4% due to lower demand and ongoing economic uncertainty.
• Cinnabon and Carvel are teaming up for a first-of-its-kind new restaurant. It’s a bakery and ice cream shop in one, serving brand-new treats we’ve never had before.
• Starbucks will unveil its full summer menu in May. The company is unveiling a new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, while bringing back the Summer-Berry Refreshers that were introduced in 2024. The coffee chain will also be debuting a new Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop.

Hope your Tuesday’s going well! Sometimes a good guess leads to surprising results—whether in work or life. What are you taking a chance on this week?

In This Issue: Adventures in the Smokies | Deal of the Day | Ceiling Mount J Hook | Expert Tips for Choosing Outdoor Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Adventures in the Smokies

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone’s week is off to a fantastic start!

I’m just getting back into the swing of things after a long weekend getaway to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee — and it was such a blast!

We stayed in the most charming little rental, styled as a “hobbit hole” straight out of The Lord of the Rings. It was quirky, cozy, and full of character — definitely made for a memorable stay!

Our weekend was packed with adventure. On Friday, we visited the Gatlinburg SkyPark, which was absolutely stunning — even if a bit nerve-wracking for someone like me who isn’t the biggest fan of heights! You ride a ski lift up the mountain to a beautiful sky deck, and from there, you can walk across the SkyBridge — the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. It was breathtaking… in more ways than one!

Saturday’s journey took us through the Smoky Mountain National Park, where we ended up at the Newfound Gap Overlook — 5,046 feet in elevation and freezing cold. There was even snow! It was fun to see, but I am definitely ready for spring!

The highlight of the trip was Zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park! If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone — it’s actually the only place in the U.S. where you can try it! Zorbing involves hopping into a giant, transparent inflatable ball (a “zorb”) filled with water, and rolling down a hill. Sounds crazy, right?

It was absolutely hilarious and so much fun — the water keeps you from flipping upside down, so it’s like a mix of a water slide and a human hamster wheel. We were soaked, laughing, and already planning our next trip back!

So now I have to ask — would you try zorbing?!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Streamline your cable management with the J-hook ceiling mount featuring a 2-inch retaining clip. Designed for versatility and durability, this solution is ideal for securely supporting larger cable bundles while maintaining proper bend radius to prevent damage. With UL-listed safety compliance and multiple mounting options, this J-hook is perfect for professional installations in air-handling spaces and beyond.

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Learning Center Article – Weatherproof Your Network: Expert Tips for Choosing Outdoor Cables

Whether you are establishing a home network, an industrial system, or a commercial setup, the choice of outdoor cable will significantly impact the performance and durability of your installation. This guide aims to help you understand the critical features to consider when choosing the ideal outdoor network cable, enabling you to eliminate annoying signal drops permanently.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• OpenAI recently revealed plans to retire its proprietary GPT-4 AI model from the ChatGPT platform effective April 30, 2024. Released more than two years ago, its most advanced sibling, GPT-4, has been the driving force behind popular applications such as Microsoft’s Copilot chatbot. After it came out in March of 2023, GPT-4 quickly became one of OpenAI’s most popular models. Its multimodal capabilities allow it to read and comprehend both text and images. 
• Uber prepares to launch Waymo robotaxi commercial service in Atlanta.
• Scientists have grown a human tooth in a lab for the first time, marking a significant step toward regenerative dental treatments. The study, carried out in London by King’s College and Imperial College, used a specially developed material to mimic the conditions required for natural tooth development.
• On April 15, Burger King will offer Royal Perks members a one-cent cheeseburger with purchase of $1 or more.

Happy Monday! We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Did you do anything fun? We’d love to hear about it.

In This Issue: Lost Cats, Jousting Acts & Regional Recaps | Deal of the Day | Compact Switch Rack Mount Kit | The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Lost Cats, Jousting Acts & Regional Recaps

Happy Monday!

Happy to report our cat returned from his vacation unscathed after 3 days! He doesn’t seem eager to go back out again and has been happily loafing around as cats do. Spring break has been very busy this year for the kids. One of my friends that I met playing the Pokémon card game happens to be a falconer at Medieval Times, and we went to see him perform. I was a little nervous that our kids wouldn’t enjoy the show, but the kids loved it and had a blast. If you haven’t seen a show, try it out if you’re into jousting, horsemanship, eating food with your hands, and great entertainment! The kids also saw the Minecraft movie later in the week which they enjoyed and my oldest daughter got inspired to play Minecraft once again.

This past weekend was the craziest weekend where we attended the Atlanta Pokémon Regional tournament, and it was one of the largest tournaments Pokémon has hosted. There were thousands of people enjoying the hobby. I didn’t fare so well in the card game, winning 1 my first, losing my second, and winning my third, and then losing two consecutive rounds at the end. If you lose more than twice you are out of day two contention, which is really difficult to make. Out of our 15-person North Atlanta local crew, only one made day 2! We were happy with our experience though and had fun playing the side events afterwards. My daughter loved playing the side events and experiencing the regional as well. It was a very long weekend, full of travelling, getting up early to get to the Georgia World Congress Center, and walking at least 15 miles over the weekend! If you are into Pokémon, I highly recommend going to a Pokémon regional if there’s one near you, even as a spectator, you’ll have lots of fun.

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 Cisco 9200CX Compact Switch Rack Mount Kit provides a stable and professional mounting solution, eliminating the need for improvised supports or shelf-based setups. Using this rack mount kit helps network administrators maintain a tidy, well-organized rack environment. It also promotes proper airflow and cooling, which are essential for keeping your switches running at peak performance and extending their operational life.

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Learning Center Article – The Ultimate Guide to Power Cords and Cables

Power cords and cables are essential components in our daily lives. They power everything from household appliances to complex industrial machinery. Understanding their various types, applications, and safety considerations can help you choose the right product for your needs.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Mercedes’ New S-Class can drive itself—and it even has ChatGPT on board. 
• Apple is facing two class-action lawsuits in the US and Canada over its delayed AI-powered Siri features, after hyping them in ads and pushing iPhone 16 upgrades. Behind the scenes, reports reveal Apple’s Siri demos were largely fictional, with internal chaos and budget cuts leaving the assistant far from ready.
• Blue Origin’s all-female crew, which includes pop star Katy Perry, launched into space on Monday morning.
• Kool-Aid is shaking things up with its first new powdered drink mix in over five years, bringing fresh flavor to its classic lineup. Adding to the excitement, the brand is also launching a can’t-miss collaboration with a popular footwear company, giving fans a fun and flavorful way to show off their Kool-Aid love.

Happy Friday! It’s National Pet Day! As we head into the weekend, take a moment to appreciate the little joys—whether it’s a furry friend, a favorite hobby, or some well-earned rest. Any weekend plans?

In This Issue: Just Chillin’ | Deal of the Day | Kendall Howard Rack Mount Triple Fan Panel | Fiber Optic Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Just Chillin’

Sunny Friday, everyone!

The weather here in the Philippines is burning hot—like, step-outside-and-instantly-regret-it hot. I love the beach, but with this kind of heat, even that’s a challenge. I swear, it feels like the sun’s trying to peel my skin off!

But when it gets this hot, we Filipinos turn to one of our all-time favorite desserts: Halo-Halo! If you haven’t heard of it, “Halo-Halo” literally means “mix-mix” in English—because that’s what you do before digging in. It’s a colorful, icy treat made of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and a mix of goodies like sweetened banana, jackfruit, red and green gelatin, sweet beans, macapuno (coconut strings), nata de coco, ube halaya, leche flan, and sometimes even a scoop of ube ice cream on top. It’s a sweet, chilly escape from the heat, and honestly, it hits the spot every time.

Last weekend, while enjoying my Halo-Halo, I binged a 16-episode K-Drama—definitely a personal win! I’ve recently been hooked on K-Dramas because their storylines are fresh, fun, and full of unexpected twists. It’s a nice change from the local dramas I usually watch.

How about you? How’s the weather in your area—hot, cold, rainy, or just right? Would you try Halo-Halo if you had the chance? And are you into any foreign series or movies lately? I’d love some recommendations for what to watch next!

Have an awesome and refreshing weekend ahead!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This panel is the same size a 3U filler panel and comes with (3) 105 CFM ultra quiet fans – that’s 315 cubic feet of air per minute. Unlike other fan panels on the market this has a custom configured cord that is designed to take up only one outlet space in your racking system.

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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.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Starting today, ChatGPT is getting a major upgrade to its memory features, aimed at making conversations even more personal, seamless and context aware. The rollout, which is happening gradually for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, brings smarter memory capabilities across text, voice and image interactions. 
• Microsoft is gradually rolling out its highly anticipated (and controversial) Recall feature to Windows Insiders after multiple delays. Originally set to debut with the launch of Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, Recall faced pushback due to security and privacy concerns. Microsoft postponed its release in June and again in October 2024 to ensure the feature was secure and refined. Now, it’s finally making its way to testers as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Windows AI experience.
• T-Mobile is set to begin issuing the first round of payments in April 2025 as part of its response to a major data breach affecting around 76 million customers. Eligible individuals may receive reimbursements of up to $25,000 for financial losses linked to the breach. In response to the incident, T-Mobile has overhauled its cybersecurity operations, boosting security spending by $150 million through the end of 2023 and pledging a continued focus on customer protection.
• Wendy’s announced the newest editions of its signature Frosty. According to Wendy’s, Frosty Swirls will “feature new sauces” on the ice cream treat, while Frosty Fusions “include sauces and various sweet treat mix-ins,” like Pop-Tarts and Oreo cookies.

Happy Thursday! We hope your day is off to a good start. Just a little reminder that we’re always here for you—whether you need a hand, a product, or a bit of inspiration. Keep going—you’ve got this!

In This Issue: New Products are here! | Deal of the Day | PDU Metal Case Power Cord | Bidirectional or BiDi Transcievers | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Products are here!

Good Morning & Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here, and I hope you’ve got something fun planned! I’m heading out of town today, but before I go, I wanted to share something exciting happening here at CablesAndKits!

Our Product Team has been growing, and we’re focused on expanding our selection to create an even better shopping experience for you. We’ve just kicked off a wave of new product additions—and this is only the beginning!

To make it easier to find the latest items, we’ve added a New Products category on our website. You can check it out here! Be sure to browse what’s available now and keep checking back—we’ll be adding more soon!

We’d love to hear from you, too. If there are specific products you’d like to see on our site, let us know! Your feedback helps us grow in the right direction.

Thanks for being part of our journey!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 12 outlet PDU is the perfect power solution for your data center, server room, or network wiring closet. Built with a heavy duty metal housing, this PDU features 12 total outlets made up of 2 front outlets and 10 rear outlets giving you the ultimate in powering flexibility. It also was built to fit into a standard 19″ rack making it a convenient option to add to your existing rack.

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Learning Center Article – Bidirectional or BiDi Transcievers Explained

Fiber optics are great for achieving extremely fast networks. They’re also essential for very long networking connections that extend multiple kilometers in total distance. If the latter is important for your operation, then SFP is likely the fiber optic connection that you will need. Traditionally, SFP is a single-mode fiber, meaning that signals can only travel in one direction at a time. While the systems can still efficiently communicate, the ability to send signals in both directions would speed up communications and improve efficiency.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Gemini can now turn your Google Docs into podcasts. 
• T-Mobile is increasing its Regulatory Programs & Telco Recovery Fee for each voice and mobile internet line starting April 23. For voice lines, the fee is revised to $3.99 per month, up by $0.50 from the previous $3.49; for data-only plans, it will be $1.60 per month, up from $1.40. T-Mobile has been notifying customers via SMS.
• Atmospheric rivers are storms akin to rivers in the sky that dump massive amounts of rain and can cause flooding, trigger mudslides and result in loss of life and enormous property damage.
• The iconic snack duo is back—Mountain Dew and Doritos are reuniting with fan-favorite flavors that have snack lovers buzzing! Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus hits shelves nationwide on April 21, followed by the return of Doritos Guacamole on April 28. Social media is already lighting up with excitement, making this flavor comeback one of the most anticipated of the year.