CablesAndKits Blog

It’s Wednesday already! Hope your week’s treating you well. Got anything fun or productive planned for the rest of the week?

In This Issue: Quality Time & Growth | Deal of the Day | Audio Cable 3.5mm Male to (2) RCA Male Y-Cable | QoS (Quality of Service) | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Quality Time & Growth

Happy Wednesday,

I hope everyone has had a great week. This weekend my husband and I traveled back from the Keys after spending some time with my grandmother while my parents went on vacation. It was a very hard week but very worth it. I know it’s time that I won’t ever get with my grandma in the mind she is in now, as she continues to progress.

We also had a great Easter with our family on Sunday! I think my favorite part of it all was seeing our little one’s growth over the past year. Last year, he didn’t care one bit about an egg hunt, or what was going on. This year, he was all about the egg hunt and all the things that we did and it was SO cute.

I can only imagine all to come over the next many years and what the growth will look like. Oh, what a joy it is to be a mom!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Designed to link devices with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack—such as smartphones, laptops, and MP3 players—to audio equipment with RCA inputs like home stereos or speakers. The cable features nickel-plated connectors for dependable signal transmission and durability, while its compact length makes it perfect for tidy, clutter-free setups.

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Learning Center Article – What Is QoS (Quality of Service)?

Let’s start with an overview look at QoS and what it’s really trying to do. At a basic level, all of the technology you can use to manage traffic and network performance by giving priorities to some traffic types over others constitutes QoS. It’s the network controllers that allow you to utilize this concept. It’s also pretty simple. QoS tries to maximize traffic flow. In order to do this, it breaks all of your traffic into different categories (or service types). QoS controllers can then turn priorities up or down for different categories so that you get the best performance on the things you care about the most.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Meta officially launched its Edits video editing app – a standalone video editing app that offers features similar to the ones currently offered by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. The new app will allow users to shoot and edit video in the app, organize project ideas, and even utilize features like background replacement, automatic captioning, and AI tools that can turn images into video.
• The wireless industry is facing slower growth and rising costs, but instead of raising prices, carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon may start cutting them to stay competitive. If this sparks a price war, customers across all major networks could see lower phone plan costs in the near future.
• To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Google Fi Wireless is rolling out its biggest update yet — introducing a new Unlimited Essentials plan at $35/month, significantly increasing data limits across its plans, and launching data-only eSIM support for tablets and laptops. Google is also offering limited-time Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Watch 3 deals for new users. These moves come as competition from MVNOs like US Mobile and Visible heats up.
• A massive wildfire burning in central New Jersey has damaged multiple buildings and prompted evacuations for thousands.

Happy Tuesday! It’s Earth Day—a great reminder that small efforts can make a big difference. How are you adding a little green to your day?

In This Issue: Easter Catch-Ups | Deal of the Day | RG59 Cable with RCA Male to BNC Male Connector | Servers Vs. Desktop PCs | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Easter Catch-Ups

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend and enjoyed some time with loved ones!

One of my best friends, who moved to Florida back in December, came home for the holiday weekend—so I got to kick things off with a great dinner with her on Friday night. It was so nice catching up in person after a few months apart!

Saturday was extra special—I picked up my nieces and nephew, who I hadn’t seen in nearly a month (the longest we’ve ever gone without seeing each other!). It was a sweet and much-needed reunion. My nieces and I went out shopping for Easter dresses, and they picked out the cutest outfits. Of course, we had to follow it up with our classic “girls’ night” routine: dinner, nail painting, and of course a dance party!

On Sunday, we celebrated Easter at my parents’ house. The kids had a blast with the egg hunt. I thought my youngest niece, who’s almost five, would need some help—but she turned out to be the fiercest egg hunter of them all! She filled her basket in record time and had the biggest smile doing it. Watching all the kids laugh and play was truly the highlight of the weekend!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 3ft Audio Video Cable features an RG59 coaxial core with a durable CCS conductor, designed to deliver clear and stable signal transmission. It comes with an RCA male connector on one end and a BNC male connector on the other, making it perfect for connecting RCA-output devices to BNC-equipped video equipment such as security cameras, DVRs, and monitors.

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Learning Center Article – Servers Vs. Desktop PCs

If you ever shop for computer parts, you might see things for desktop PCs and servers lumped together. This isn’t always the case, but it’s easy enough to see these different parts come up in a single search. Why is that? Are both types of computers using the exact same hardware? Can you mix and match between them? What’s the real difference between a desktop PC and a server in the first place?

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Pinterest is testing a new pop-up prompt it will display to minors in the US and Canada during school hours, encouraging them to close the app and turn off notifications until the end of the day. 
• Meta is expanding its age-verification tools by using AI to detect teenaged users and then automatically placing them into more restrictive Teen Account settings even if the user entered an adult birthday.
• Verizon Communications reported a steeper-than-expected loss of 289,000 monthly mobile subscribers in the first quarter, surpassing analyst estimates and marking a sharp decline from the 568,000 new subscribers added in the previous quarter. The drop is attributed to intense competition and reduced spending by federal agencies, with the company noting the impact of government job cuts. As a result, Verizon shares dipped in premarket trading.
• Sprite + Tea is coming to stores in May. It will be available in regular and no sugar versions.

Happy Monday! A new week is here! Whether you’re diving into a big project or easing into your to-do list, we hope your Monday is off to a smooth start.

In This Issue: A Good Easter Weekend | Deal of the Day | Screw Mount Bridle Ring | Cisco’s QSA Network Adapter | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Good Easter Weekend

Happy Monday,

I had a pretty calm Easter weekend. Saturday started with a grocery run after a recent visit to a dietician. I’ve been encouraged to shift toward a lower-fat, higher-protein diet, so I stocked up on healthier options. We spent the rest of the day at my parents’ house for Easter dinner. My mom made grilled salmon, which was simple and tasty, and we watched The King with Timothée Chalamet — a slow burn, but interesting.

Sunday morning, we went to church. Our congregation is in the process of building a new space, so the service was held outside at the construction site. It was a quiet, cool morning, and the outdoor service had a nice feel to it. Afterward, we joined some close family friends for lunch. It was a good time to catch up and spend time with people we’ve known for years.

I hope you had a restful weekend as well and that your week starts off on the right foot.

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

These 1.5″ screw-mount bridle rings offer a simple and cost-effective solution for cable support. Designed for easy installation on wood or other surfaces, they help keep cables organized and out of the way in commercial, residential, or industrial settings. These rings are perfect for use in both vertical or horizontal applications, and can be enhanced with the addition of saddle rings for extra support and protection. This 100-pack is perfect for large-scale installations or stocking up for ongoing projects.

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Learning Center Article – Dealing with Lagging Connections? Cisco’s QSA Network Adapter Can Help

In an increasingly connected world, the need for fast, reliable network communication has become essential for businesses, homes, and data centers alike. At the core of this connectivity are network adapters, which serve as the bridge between devices, enabling them to transmit data efficiently across networks. Whether it’s for wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections, network adapters play a pivotal role in maintaining smooth and stable communication.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• DHL Express has temporarily suspended certain international shipments to the U.S. due to new customs regulations that lower the value threshold for formal customs entry from $2,500 to $800. Effective April 21, the pause affects all business-to-consumer shipments exceeding $800 in declared value, as the new rules significantly increase processing requirements. DHL cited the added complexity and workload from these changes as the reason for the suspension. 
• After years of speculation, Microsoft’s long-awaited Surface Phone is becoming a reality.
• 15 years ago this month, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history. Scientists today hope to mitigate the environmental destruction of any future oil spills by spotting them as soon as possible with the help of artificial intelligence.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering shifting routine food safety inspections—covering items like packaged goods, seafood, eggs, and produce—to state and local officials. While the move could streamline operations, experts caution that it may lead to slower responses during foodborne illness outbreaks.

Happy Friday! Today is Good Friday, a time to pause and reflect on what’s to come this weekend. Wishing you and your family and very Happy Easter.

In This Issue: A Time to Reflect | Deal of the Day | Snap-on Bridle Ring Data-Cable Saddle | AOC HDMI Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Time to Reflect

Hello everyone, happy Friday!

It’s Holy Week here in the Philippines—just two more days before Easter Sunday!

As part of our tradition, there are still some practices we hold on to, like not eating meat, avoiding loud music, joining or listening to the pabasa (a Holy Week tradition where people chant or sing the Pasyon, the story of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection), having our palm leaves blessed by a priest, and taking it easy—no heavy work, especially anything that might cause wounds (we believe they take longer to heal during this time). There are many other customs, though not as strictly observed now compared to when we were kids.

Speaking of childhood, I remember how my older brother and I would get so excited for Easter Sunday—egg hunts, chocolates, and prizes! I’m not sure how Easter will look this year though, since most kids today prefer playing on their devices instead of running around outdoors.
For many Filipino families, Holy Week is also a time for reunions. Most local companies give their employees time off to go home, rest, and reflect. We used to visit my dad’s hometown during this season, but ever since our grandpa passed and we settled in my mom’s hometown, we haven’t made the trip in years.

I know we all come from different cultures and beliefs, but if there’s something you’d like to pray for or include in your intentions this week, feel free to share. I’d be more than happy to include them in my prayers too.

Enjoy the weekend and take time to slow down.

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Effortlessly enhance your cable management with this Snap-on Bridle Ring Data-Cable Saddle, designed for 1.5-inch bridle rings. These saddles provide additional support and protection, making them ideal for organizing and routing low-voltage data cables in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Perfect for large-scale installations or maintaining a supply for ongoing projects, this 100-pack ensures durability and ease of use for both vertical and horizontal applications.

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Learning Center Article – Benefits of AOC HDMI Cables

Active optical cable HDMI is an alternative design that enables HDMI communication. The connectors and digital formatting are the same, so both types of cables work with standard HDMI ports and equipment. The key difference is that traditional HDMI uses copper cables while AOC only uses optical cables. With this single change, AOC cables gain some important, powerful benefits, and that’s why they are the premier choice for a lot of high-end and specific applications.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google has just announced Veo 2, a state-of-the-art video-generating AI model that’s been seamlessly incorporated into its Gemini platform. Available exclusively to subscribers of Gemini Advanced, Google’s premium AI subscription service, Veo 2 offers users the ability to create short videos that meet modern digital content needs. 
• Neptune is a social media platform that was created to be an alternative to TikTok. It is currently in beta, and it is set to launch on the App Store next week, with the Google Play Store to receive availability in the next six months.
• It’s a sad day for Toblerone fans – the Swiss chocolate brand’s 360g dark chocolate bars have been discontinued.
• Starbucks is gearing up to launch its 2025 summer menu, bringing back fan-favorite refresher drinks and introducing a brand-new beverage and dessert. Returning hits include the non-dairy Summer Skies Drink, made with creamy coconut milk and popping raspberry-flavored pearls, and the Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher, a vibrant mix of berry refreshers, lemonade, and raspberry pearls. The full menu announcement is expected soon, just in time to sip into summer.

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.