Archives for September 2025

Happy Monday! Today marks the Autumnal Equinox, the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. As the days and nights balance out, it’s a good time to reset and welcome the new season. 🍂 What’s your favorite part about fall?

In This Issue: Say Hello to Matthew Westlake – Our New Account Manager! | Deal of the Day | Loopback Fiber Optic Adapter | Tips for Maintaining Your Server | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Say Hello to Matthew Westlake – Our New Account Manager! ✨

We’re excited to introduce Matthew Westlake, who recently joined us as an Account Manager at CablesAndKits. Here’s a quick snapshot of who he is and what makes him unique:

About Matthew: Military brat who grew up mostly on Mainland Japan, passionate about art and soccer, and a proud father of four.

Fun Fact: An announcer for GA Indy Wrestling

Q&A with Matthew

Q: Where do you and your family live today?
A: I did most of my growing up in Mainland Japan, but my parents are now in Warner Robins, GA, while the rest of my extended family is spread across Miami, Florida; Lima, Peru; and parts of Colorado. My wife, our four kids, and I have made our home here in Commerce, GA.

Q: What’s one part of Japanese culture you still carry with you?
A: I really learned the true meaning of trust and family while I was there (both during my time there as a child and while I was stationed in Okinawa as a US Marine) and carry those to this day.

Q: Outside of work, wrestling, art, and soccer, is there another passion or hobby that really defines you? A: The passion that defines me is my family. I would be nothing without them and strive to be who they would be proud of everyday. To not sound so corny, I would probably have to say that movie watching is a close second. I love SCI-Fi and cheesy 80s horror movies like Gremlins and Critters.

Q: How did you get started as an announcer for GA Indy Wrestling? A: I got started in GA Indy Wrestling by taking a chance and getting into a training camp in Thomason GA, through there I was trained and began working matches. I couldn’t continue to have my children scared for my safety but really loved the industry so I began announcing at a promotion that was based out of Athens GA. From there I was able to work with 8 different promotions, announcing old school legends like Wildfire Tommy Rich, Billy Gunn of the New Age Outlaws and Degeneration X and Scott Steiner of the WCW NWO faction to be able to announce a sanctioned TNA Wrestling Internet Championship Match.

Q: What do you hope to bring to the CK community through your role? A: I hope that I can help re-engage former customers and help the business grow in my role here at CK.

✨ We’re thrilled to have Matthew on board and can’t wait for you to get to know him more!

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The LC Multimode OM3 50/125 Loopback Fiber Optic Adapter is a reliable solution for testing and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. Commonly used in LAN, CATV, and telecom environments, this loopback adapter sends a return signal to identify and isolate connection issues. With 500-cycle durability and a wide operating temperature range, it is ideal for test environments and lab setups.

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Learning Center Article – Tips for Maintaining Your Server

Servers are powerful in every sense of the word, in fact, they can hum for 24 hours a day, seven days a week without having any issues. However, their efficiency can be reduced drastically or even cut short completely if they are deprived of proper maintenance. You can avert server failure or a major disaster by simply having a regular check-up on them.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Microsoft is testing a new feature that lets users set MP4 or MKV files as live desktop backgrounds in the latest Windows 11 builds. 
• Google is rolling out Gemini inside Chrome with tab awareness and a sidebar assistant that can take actions for you. Another new perk: users can now create and share custom versions of Gemini with others.
• ​​​Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly intensified in warm water in the central Atlantic far from land, becoming the second major hurricane of the 2025 season.
• Oracle named insiders Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia as co-CEOs, replacing Safra Catz who was named vice chair of the board after 11 years at the helm.

Cheers to a week well done! Take a moment to celebrate your wins—big or small. What’s something you accomplished this week that you’re proud of?

In This Issue: A Week of Surprises and Rainbows | Deal of the Day | Cable Plate with Flexible Opening 2-Gang | VLAN | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Week of Surprises and Rainbows

Fri-nally! The weekend is almost here.

This week has been exciting! I had the chance to chat with a new CK team member, and I’m thrilled to introduce her to you next week in our CK Daily. As someone who loves exploring new ways to upskill, I know I’ll learn a lot about marketing from her.

I also had an extended birthday celebration as my brother surprised us by coming home after six months away. Seeing him was wonderful, though we were concerned when he mentioned a severe headache before traveling. He went for a check-up and was referred to a psychiatrist, which worried us further. His stress comes not from his job itself, but from some colleagues after they learned their boss is considering him for a promotion. Living alone seems to add to it. We comforted him, shared stress management tips, and reminded him he can always call us when he needs support.

Before he left, we also bought his first investment, a motorcycle, which we plan to upgrade soon for extra income. In my area, tricycles are a primary means of transportation, and our plan is to build one using this motorcycle. While we’re still breaking it in, we have time to save up for the sidecar, which we hope to buy within the year. 🙏🏻

I truly believe that after the rain comes the rainbow. Just pray, trust the process, and keep moving forward.

Wishing you a relaxing Friday and an even better weekend!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The 2-Gang Cable Plate with Flexible Opening in white is a practical and stylish solution for organizing and concealing low-voltage cables behind your TV, entertainment center, or workstation. Designed with a flexible rubber grommet, this plate allows you to pass multiple cables through the wall while maintaining a clean and finished look.

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Learning Center Article – What Is a VLAN?

As you get deeper into networking, you’ll learn about additional tools and techniques that grant you more freedom and flexibility. As networks grow in capacity and complexity, freedom and flexibility become invaluable. On that journey, one of your most valuable tools is the VLAN. It’s a way to group devices in a network pretty much however you want, giving you more control over the flow of information across your whole network.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon rolls out QoL reading upgrades for 11th & 12th-gen Kindles. 
• ​Panasonic aims to develop groundbreaking EV battery in about two years.
• Queues form in London as Apple’s iPhone 17 goes on sale, boasting big upgrades inside.
• ​Starbucks’ Apple Crisp beverages will return on October 14, 2025, for a limited time and while supplies last.

Almost Friday! Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day with a bite of something satisfying. Classic beef, veggie, or fully loaded—how do you like yours?

In This Issue: Busy Weeks and Big Wins | Deal of the Day | Decor Insert with Flexible Opening | Third Party Maintenance | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Busy Weeks and Big Wins

Man, last week was packed! I had two class exams and took the GMAT on Saturday. Thankfully, everything went really well, including the GMAT! While my class tests weren’t too stressful, I had been preparing for the GMAT for over two months, so I was hoping for a strong score. I let out the biggest sigh of relief when I saw my results, and I’m so grateful that I won’t need to take it again.

Afterward, I went for a run to unwind and reconnect with nature, the perfect way to reset after the week. I was also glad I scheduled the exam for Saturday morning, because it meant I could spend the rest of the day cozied up on the couch watching college football and doing schoolwork. As a UGA student, I was especially excited to watch the Dawgs take on Tennessee. It was a bit of a crazy game with some nail-biting moments, but I had faith in our team and loved watching the win.

The rest of the weekend was a mix of relaxing and more schoolwork, because honestly the assignments never truly stop haha. But with the GMAT behind me, it feels good to check such a big task off my list and look ahead to the next thing!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Add a clean, seamless finish to your space with the Decor Insert with Flexible Opening in White. Designed for both functionality and aesthetics, this insert provides a neat solution for concealing cables, wires, or transitions in walls and furniture. Its flexible opening adapts to varying cable sizes, offering easy access while maintaining a tidy appearance.

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Learning Center Article – What is Third Party Maintenance?

When you have a lot of IT equipment, such as owning a data center or a large enterprise system, you need quality support to keep it running at its best. For that support, you have a few options. You can rely on maintenance from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). You can house your own support staff. Or you can contract a third party to take care of it all for you. Each option has its pros and cons, but in order for you to make an informed decision, you need more information.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• ​Meta is rolling out Horizon TV, a new streaming hub for Quest headsets with apps like Prime Video, Peacock, Twitch, and—at long last—Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN. The hub also features 3D movies through partnerships with Universal and Blumhouse, plus Dolby Atmos support now and Dolby Vision coming later this year.​ 
• ​At its Meta Connect conference, Mark Zuckerberg revealed a new range of AI-driven Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses. The flagship Meta Ray-Ban Display includes a high-res color screen, 12MP camera, and video call/messaging support. A new neural wristband lets users control the glasses with subtle hand gestures. Zuckerberg called the launch a “huge scientific breakthrough,” positioning the glasses as a key platform for Meta AI integration.​
• Jaguar Land Rover announced it won’t resume vehicle manufacturing until at least September 24 following a cyberattack earlier this month. The pause, now stretching into a third week, has impacted operations across the company and its network of suppliers and partners.
• Costco has issued a Product Safety Notice for its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene after reports that some unopened bottles may spontaneously shatter due to internal pressure or a manufacturing defect. Unlike typical recalls, the danger comes even when bottles are not handled, making it unpredictable and potentially hazardous. Costco and Ethica Wines are urging customers to treat this as a serious safety priority and take immediate action.

Happy Wednesday! It’s National Monte Cristo Day! Sweet, savory, and indulgent—it’s the sandwich upgrade we didn’t know we needed. Ever tried one?

In This Issue: Slappy Throwback | Deal of the Day | 3-Gang Recessed Low Voltage Cable Plate | The Right PoE Ethernet Cable for 24/7 IP Cameras | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Slappy Throwback

Happy Midweek! Hope your week’s going well so far!

I was talking to someone the other day and they asked me if I had ever been slapped. I thought it was a funny question, but I instantly had an answer, and it was yes!

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in middle school – maybe 6th grade, I don’t exactly remember. I was in the lunchroom at a table with a handful of people. I remember the lunchroom was pretty packed – so much so that the noise in the room drowned out the incident.
There was a very tall girl named Allison sitting on the same side of the table as me. I remember she seemed like a giant, but you know how in middle school everyone is growing like crazy so for all I know we were the same age.

Anyway, I said something. I am not quite sure what. Maybe I said something offensive or maybe I was just running off at the mouth. Either way, out of nowhere she hauled off and slapped the ever-living mess out of me. My ears were ringing. My face was burning. My neck hurt! I was in shock and didn’t know what in the world was going on. The next thing I know everyone was back to laughing and cutting up again. I merged back into the fun, but I tell you one thing … I never crossed her again!

Funny memory and one I will never forget!

It reminds me of this meme which I always find funny when I see it.

Craig

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Streamline your home theater, office, or AV setup with the 3-Gang Recessed Low Voltage Cable Plate. Designed to manage and conceal multiple low voltage cables behind your wall, this spacious recessed plate offers a clean, professional appearance without the hassle of bulky conduit or tangled wires.

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Learning Center Article – Never Miss a Frame: The Right PoE Ethernet Cable for 24/7 IP Cameras

Modern IP cameras deliver high-definition video, smart motion detection, and reliable remote access. But when problems occur, they rarely come from the camera itself. Most failures start with poor Ethernet cabling. Issues like voltage drop, electromagnetic interference, or impedance mismatch can weaken an otherwise reliable system. These issues almost always trace back to using the wrong cable.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• At its “Made on YouTube​” event, YouTube revealed its biggest livestream update yet: simultaneous horizontal and vertical streaming with a single chat, AI-powered highlights, and mobile livestream reactions. With over 30% of daily viewers already watching live content, these features are set to boost engagement even more. 
• ​Casio’s fluffy robotic pet Moflin is now available for preorder in the U.S. and UK. Shaped like an oversized hamster, Moflin uses AI, touch sensors, and voice recognition to develop a unique personality over time. While it can’t walk like Sony’s Aibo, it tilts its head, makes evolving sounds, and responds to cuddles, offering comfort and companionship. Just note once its personality forms, there’s no reset button.
• Google is rolling out a new Windows desktop app that works like Apple’s Spotlight. Available through Search Labs, the app lets you hit Alt + Space to search across your PC files, Google Drive, and the web. It also integrates Google Lens for visual search, translations, and even AI-powered help—like solving math problems by highlighting them on your screen.
• ​The U.S. boba tea market is booming, with over 6,600 shops nationwide and projections to double by 2028. Consumer Reports recently tested pearls from brands like Gong Cha, Kung Fu Tea, Trader Joe’s, and WuFuYuan for heavy metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. While none exceeded safety thresholds, some showed concerning levels of lead. Experts advise treating bubble tea as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit.

Today’s shoutout goes to all the working parents! 💪 It’s National Working Parents Day—a reminder of the love, hustle, and juggling that happens daily. How do you balance it all?

In This Issue: Weekend Thrills | Deal of the Day | ST/UPC Duplex Singlemode Fiber Adapter | Ethernet Cables for Data Centers in 2025 | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Weekend Thrills

Good morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is having a great start to the week!

I had a wonderful weekend full of adventure that definitely filled my cup! On Friday, I went to Mineral Bluff, GA to stay at a beautiful cabin with one of the best backyards views I have ever seen! On Saturday morning, we headed to Cherokee Rafting in Ocoee, TN to enjoy some white-water rafting. It was my first-time white-water rafting, and I was a bit nervous, but my nerves were put at ease once we were paired with our awesome guide, Travis! He has been guiding rafts down the Ocoee for 20 years and was super knowledgeable. He asked us what we wanted to get out of the trip, so we told him we wanted some thrills, and he absolutely delivered! There were quite a few rafts on the river, but ours definitely was having the best time!

Once we were done, I headed back home to watch the UGA vs TN game. It was a nail biter, and Tennessee played a heck of a game, but my Dawgs eeked out a win in overtime so I was happy with how it turned out! On Sunday morning, I went out for a 5-mile run and, unfortunately, rolled my ankle halfway through thanks to stepping on a pinecone that was on the sidewalk. I decided to tough it out and finish the run, which I later paid the price for as it started to hurt like crazy in the afternoon! I should probably learn to be a little less stubborn at times!

Thankfully, I’m feeling a lot better today and am hoping to be able to get back out there soon for another run!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The ST/UPC Singlemode Duplex Fiber Optic Adapter is engineered to connect two pairs of ST singlemode fiber optic cables with high precision and low insertion loss. This adapter features a flanged design for secure panel mounting and is constructed with a durable blue plastic housing. It includes dust caps to protect the ceramic alignment sleeves from contamination and damage.

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Learning Center Article – Ethernet Cables for Data Centers in 2025: Avoid Bottlenecks, Cut EMI, Boost Speed Now

In a data center, network performance isn’t a goal, it’s the baseline. When milliseconds of latency delay database queries or drop packets from virtualized workloads, the consequences hit bottom lines instantly. These environments face unique physical demands: towering rack density, constant thermal pressure, and zero tolerance for signal instability. Office-grade cabling simply cannot survive here.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale is set for Oct. 7–8, giving Prime members 48 hours of savings on gifts, decor, hosting essentials, and everyday items. It’s the retailer’s biggest sale before Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 
• AT&T is piloting an AI-powered “digital receptionist” that screens calls and filters out call using data from its network and your call history. The feature is rolling out to select customers this year.
• ​With Christmas 100 days away, shoppers and retailers are already gearing up for the holiday season as tariffs loom.
• The USDA will invest up to $18 million in 2026 Farm to School projects, supporting local food procurement, school gardens, and agricultural education to better connect farmers with child nutrition programs.

Start the week in style! It’s National Felt Hat Day—an ode to classic fashion and timeless flair. Whether you’re into vintage vibes or just love a good accessory, hats off to a new week ahead!

In This Issue: From Reflection to Reset | Deal of the Day | Hole Saw Wall Plate with Brushes | Industrial Grade Ethernet Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – From Reflection to Reset

Happy Monday!

I’ve been reflecting a lot on Charlie Kirk’s assassination. I’m praying for his family and loved ones. It hit me how young he was and how much impact he made. Even if you didn’t agree with all of his political views, he was a Christian, a father and those are things I deeply relate to and they remind me of how fragile and precious life is.

Other than that, I had pretty busy weekend:

On Thursday I helped at my church laying sod. It was hard work and 10 of us cleared 10 pallets of sod using just two wheelbarrows. I’m still sore from it!

Friday my wife and I went to a card show in the afternoon. We were a little let down because it was advertised as a much bigger event than it was. It was Culture Collision. Next time we’re planning to go to the larger show, Collect-A-Con.

Saturday, I spent time at the park with my youngest daughter while my oldest was at Odessy of the Mind practice.

Sunday was a chill reset day. We did some cleaning and went to church and just relaxed for a bit.

Even though we did a lot of things, I felt like the weekend went by pretty quickly.

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

Electronics 1 3/4 Hole Saw Plate is used to conceal low voltage cables behind smaller home theater and security equipment. The Hole Saw Plates low profile design is ideal for concealing connections to components such as speakers, cameras, and other similar applications. Metal mounting wings are molded into the plate, creating a secure hold and eliminating the need for a mounting bracket.

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Learning Center Article – The 2025 Field Guide to Specifying Industrial Grade Ethernet Cables

Industrial-grade Ethernet cables are engineered for impact. They use specialized shielding, toughened jackets, sealed connectors, and temperature-rated insulation. All to preserve signal integrity under extreme stress. This guide breaks down how to specify the right cable for any demanding environment, based on real deployment threats.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Elon Musk’s Starlink suffered a major outage early Monday, with over 43,000 U.S. users reporting service disruptions. The company confirmed it’s investigating but hasn’t provided details. 
• Amazon will host its annual fall hardware event on September 30 in New York, where it’s expected to unveil new Echo, Fire TV, and Kindle devices, along with other gadgets.
• Mercedes-Benz debuted its next-gen electric GLC at IAA 2025, featuring four powertrain options and up to 713 km range. Powered by the new MB.OS “Superbrain” system, the SUV integrates AI for infotainment, autonomous driving, and charging. The top GLC 400 4MATIC delivers 360 kW with a 94-kWh battery and 400-volt fast charging.
• Krispy Kreme is rolling out its Fall Fair Collection starting Sept. 15, featuring four limited-time treats: Cotton Candy, Kreme Puff, Blue Ribbon Apple Pie, and Caramel Churro. Available in-shop, for pickup, or delivery while supplies last.