Archives for September 2025

Happy Friday! Today is National Just One Human Family Day, a reminder that we’re all connected and share one planet. A little kindness goes a long way. How will you spread positivity today? 🌍

In This Issue: Holding on to Hope and Wins | Deal of the Day | USB-C to USB-A Cable | Switch vs. Bridge | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Holding on to Hope and Wins

We made it to Friday, peeps! 🙏🏻

I know many of us are still feeling shaken by yesterday’s heartbreaking news. Events like that don’t just affect one country; they echo across the world. My hope and prayer is that someday we can all connect with compassion and learn to respect each other’s differences. After all, we share just one planet. Let’s continue to pray for clear minds, peace, and wellness for everyone. 💙

Today, I want to share a little positivity. Remember the update I mentioned last Friday? (If you missed it, click this for the story.) On September 9, right before my birthday, I had my appointment with the endocrinologist. And guess what? I received the best pre-birthday gift ever: a clean bill of health! 🙌

My lab results showed no serious issues, no hormonal imbalance, no hypothyroidism, and my ultrasound was normal. Thank God! Some of my numbers, like sugar and uric acid, were just a tiny bit higher than normal, but my doctor said it can be managed with medication and healthier habits. He prescribed a few things and scheduled another round of labs in December to check on progress.

Honestly, having good health is one of the biggest blessings I could ask for, not just for my family but also for myself. And I’m so grateful for that.

Now I’d love to hear from you. What’s a “win” you’re celebrating this week? Big or small, I’m all ears!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 3-foot USB Type-C to USB-A Male cable is perfect for fast and reliable data syncing and charging between your USB-C device and any standard USB-A port. Ideal for connecting laptops, desktops, or wall chargers to USB-C smartphones, tablets, and other devices, this cable supports up to 2A charging and fast file transfers.

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Learning Center Article – What Are the Differences Between a Switch and a Bridge?

Putting together a single, small network is relatively easy. Things really get complicated when you need to join multiple networks together. That’s where concepts like bridging come into play, and understanding the specific technology options available for this aspect of network design is essential to success. To that end, you’ll find a simplified breakdown of bridges and switches below. It will help you see how devices can be leveraged to join networks and the trade-offs attached to those devices.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• ​Apple’s new iPhone Air ditches the traditional SIM card in favor of eSIM only, letting users switch carriers without a SIM tray. Analysts say this could mark the beginning of the end for the physical SIM card. 
• The Ultraloq Bolt now supports NFC tap-to-unlock with Android phones, in addition to Apple’s Home Key. It’s one of the first locks to work seamlessly across both iOS and Android.
• ​A new Stanford study finds AI is reducing entry-level roles, with software and customer service jobs hit the hardest.
• Japan’s MTN WTR is making its U.S. debut with naturally alkaline spring water from Mount Fuji, filtered for nearly 50 years through volcanic terrain for a soft taste, pH 8.6, and a silky finish.

Today is Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. We honor the lives lost and the bravery of first responders who gave so much that day. Take a moment to reflect or do a small act of kindness in their memory.

In This Issue: A Heavy Heart Today | Deal of the Day | LC/UPC OM1 Duplex Uniboot Pull-Push Tab Connector | Useful Tips for Selecting PoE Cables | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Heavy Heart Today

As many of you may have already heard, Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed yesterday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, he passed away later that same day.

My heart is heavy at this loss. I am praying for Charlie’s family, his loved ones, and all those who were present during this horrific event. I cannot imagine being present when something like this happens. I pray for peace and healing for everyone impacted.

No matter our beliefs or perspectives, human life is sacred and should be protected. We can disagree, even strongly, but at the end of the day we all share our common humanity. Violence is never the answer.

Today is also September 11th. Twenty-four years ago, many people lost their lives, also due to strong differences in beliefs. Our country and way of life were violated, and many people died because a group of people didn’t like who we are or what we stood for. One human killing another human over what someone believes, thinks, or says is impossible to accept as a reality that we live in.

But there is also good in this world and light in the darkness. When bad things happen, there are GOOD people who stand up and jump into action. Men and women who have dedicated their lives to attending to the wounded and the sick, those who join forces to prevent and combat evil that would cause us harm and protect the rest of us in ways we often do not realize, and those who work tirelessly to search for those that bring us harm and bring them to justice. Thank you to you all.

Take a moment in remembrance of Charlie, 9/11 victims, and all of those that have died at the hands of others. Pray for your family, your community, your state, this country, and the world.

Craig

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Streamline your fiber optic installations with this LC/UPC OM1 Multimode Duplex Uniboot Connector featuring a Pull-Push Tab design. Engineered for high-density environments, the uniboot design routes both fibers in a single 3.0mm jacket, minimizing cable clutter and simplifying management. Ideal for data centers and patch panels, the Pull-Push tab ensures effortless connection and removal in tight spaces.

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Learning Center Article – Useful Tips for Selecting PoE Cables

PoE is an amazing way to make networks more efficient. By cutting power cables and the infrastructure needed to run them, you can really save a lot of money on parts of your network. On top of that, modern PoE equipment is powerful, easy to manage (if that’s your preference), and full of potential. With a little bit of planning, you can use PoE to improve what your network can handle while saving money at the same time.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple‘s digital passport feature gets TSA approval for domestic flights at 250 airports, offering Real ID alternative for iPhone users this fall. 
• Amazon’s self-driving, box-shaped robotaxis, built without a steering wheel, are now on the road, carrying up to four passengers.
• ​Humanoid robot maker AI2 Robotics plans to go public within two years, fueled by rising industrial demand. The company just secured a deal with HKC Corporation for 1,000 AlphaBot2 robots, powered by its in-house AI model, Alpha Brain.
• Spotify is rolling out new streaming options, including Lossless audio, for paying subscribers. The update also adds a data usage tracker and will reach all markets next month.

Midweek already! How’s your week going? Whether you’re in the zone or powering through, take a moment to reset and refocus. Got any midweek wins worth celebrating?

In This Issue: The Hot Sauce Story | Deal of the Day | LC/UPC OM3 Quad Multimode Fiber Adapter | Advantages of Cloud Networking | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – The Hot Sauce Story

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

What’s your relationship with hot sauce? Here’s a fun story (and a video!) for you.

Several years ago, I was having dinner with a new friend at a wing place in the local mall. I ordered the hottest wings they had which started a conversation about hot sauces. He mentioned a sauce he’d heard about that was supposed to be one of the hottest ever made. He said there was a hot sauce store in the mall called Pepper Palace that might have it. After dinner, we headed over to check it out, and sure enough, they had the sauce he was talking about… in a glass case! It was called “The End,” and it’s one of the hottest commercially available sauces out there, rated at 6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). For context, a jalapeño pepper only ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU!

I bought it and said I would try it. Then I had a better idea. I have a friend who eats even hotter things than I do, so I figured I’d rope him into trying it with me. And if we were going to do that, why not record it? And better yet why not invite a few others to join us?

The video below is what came out of that plan. I’m in the striped shirt, and my buddy “Montoya” is in the Coke shirt. Enjoy! Lol

Watch the video here. 📹

Craig

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The LC/UPC OM3 Multimode Quad Adapter is a high-density fiber optic coupler designed to connect four pairs of multimode OM3 LC connectors. This compact, non-flanged adapter features a UPC polish for precise optical alignment and low insertion loss. The aqua housing identifies it as OM3 compatible, making it ideal for high-speed 10G/40G/100G data center applications.

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Learning Center Article – Advantages of Cloud Networking

You have heard plenty about the cloud over the years. It went from being a vague mystery to a modern expectation. Most apps these days include cloud support, and we all plan around cloud resources on a regular basis. What you might not have heard is that cloud technology is expanding and providing new opportunities beyond accessing software and applications. There are things like cloud networking that provide a whole new way to approach digital communication.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Apple’s latest product launch introduced the iPhone Air, a slimmer model with a high-density battery and a new processor, which the company is calling its most durable iPhone yet. The iPhone 17, Apple’s newest flagship, features a brighter, more scratch-resistant display, the A19 chip built with 3-nanometer technology, and improved AI capabilities. It also boasts an upgraded front-facing camera with a redesigned sensor for better horizontal selfies. 
• The U.S. Department of Transportation is urging inspections of solar-powered highway infrastructure, including chargers, weather stations, and traffic cameras, for hidden devices like rogue radios. The advisory comes amid rising concerns over Chinese technology in U.S. transportation systems.
• ​​Japan’s largest convenience store chain is piloting autonomous robots at a Tokyo location to help address the country’s worker shortage. The machines can handle tasks like stocking shelves and cleaning windows.
• PepsiCo is reformulating fan favorites like Doritos and Cheetos to eliminate artificial dyes by 2026. The company is testing natural colors from vegetables and spices to recreate its iconic snacks.

Happy Tuesday! 🧸 It’s National Teddy Bear Day—a soft and fuzzy reminder of childhood comfort. Whether you still have your first bear or just fond memories, today’s a good day for a little nostalgic joy. Did you have a favorite stuffed toy growing up?

In This Issue: College Nostalgia and Nature’s Beauty | Deal of the Day | Blue Extension Cord | DHCP vs Static IP | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – College Nostalgia and Nature’s Beauty

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

I had a very full and very fun weekend! On Saturday, I went to the UGA football game in Athens. As a proud UGA alumn, it’s always super fun to get back on campus, especially for game day! The tradition and pageantry are unmatched! I love the way tailgating takes over campus, seeing everyone in red and black, watching the Dawg Walk, hearing the Red Coat Band, joining the crowd in “calling the dawgs” … it’s all so much fun and definitely gets in your blood! Being there always makes me feel super nostalgic and brings back lots of great memories from my college years. There’s nothing like a Saturday in Athens!

On Sunday, I headed to Stone Mountain to meet up with my friend Jen for a day of adventuring. We started the day by hiking the mountain while it was still nice and cool outside. It’s only about a mile up, but it’s a gain of 700 feet of elevation and gets pretty steep for the last half mile or so! It’s worth the effort, though, as the views are incredible at the top! After that, we checked out the Yellow Daisy Festival which is a huge arts & crafts festival that takes place inside Stone Mountain Park. It was my first time attending and I was very impressed with all the vendors that were there! We then paddle boarded on the lake. It was my first time and I’m happy to report I didn’t fall in!

All in all, it was one of those weekends that filled my cup… celebrating traditions I love and soaking up time outdoors. I’m so thankful for experiences like these that remind me how important it is to carve out time for the things that bring you joy!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This 25-foot, 14/3 gauge SJTW blue extension cord is designed to deliver exceptional performance in extreme weather conditions ranging from -58°F to +140°F. Its high-visibility blue jacket provides excellent resistance to moisture, ozone, cracking, and abrasion. The clear plug with a built-in light indicator shows when power is flowing, offering added safety and convenience.

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Learning Center Article – DHCP vs Static IP

When it comes to managing a network, one of the pivotal aspects is controlling IP addresses. Every device on a network needs an IP address, so how do you assign them? For the most part, the choice comes down to DHCP vs Static IP, each offering unique advantages depending on your network needs. Which is right for your network? Keep reading to learn more about the differences and learn for yourself.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Windows 11 Pro, normally $199, is available for just $12.97 through October 5. The lifetime license includes Copilot AI, enhanced security, and improved multitasking tools. It’s an affordable upgrade if your PC meets the requirements. 
• Google has temporarily pulled the Pixel 10’s new Daily Hub feature, designed to display events, reminders, and media suggestions, after reports of unreliability. The company says it will relaunch the tool with improvements.
• ​Volkswagen announced plans to invest up to €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in AI by 2030, aiming to integrate the technology across its operations and unlock up to €4 billion in savings by 2035.
• Aldi is continuing its aggressive growth, with plans to open more than 200 new stores this year and around 800 by 2028.

New week, fresh start! 🌤️ How was your weekend? Whether you rested or ran around, here’s to kicking off Monday with a clear mind and a full to-do list. What’s your top priority this week?

In This Issue: A Weekend of Wins and Quick Fixes | Deal of the Day | LC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator | How to Repair Cut Fiber | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Weekend of Wins and Quick Fixes

Happy Monday!

This weekend had a little bit of everything. On Friday I grabbed lunch with a friend at a Korean restaurant I hadn’t been to in a long time. We ended up talking a lot about AI and how it’s impacting just about every part of our lives. One of the things we both agreed on is that our kids are going to grow up with AI completely integrated into their daily lives in a way that’s hard for us to even imagine right now.

Saturday was a big highlight for me. I played in a Pokémon Cup at my local game store. There were about 30 players, and after 5 rounds of swiss and 3 best-of-three rounds, I ended up going 6-1-1 and actually won the whole thing! It was my very first cup win, and to do it at my local store felt extra special. With players coming in from all over, it was nice to represent my LGS and clutch out the win. Definitely a proud moment!

On Sunday, things didn’t go quite as smoothly. I discovered my bass wasn’t fully amplifying right before I needed it for church. Turns out a connector had completely come loose from the output jack. Thankfully, I called a friend, and we managed to makeshift a fix with a spade terminal just in time. Not the cleanest solution, but it worked!

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

The LC/UPC Singlemode Fiber Optic Attenuator – 7dB is built to precisely reduce optical power in fiber networks, preventing signal distortion or overload. Featuring a fixed attenuation level of 7dB, ceramic ferrule, and durable plastic housing, it ensures reliable performance in demanding environments such as telecom systems, data centers, and testing setups.

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Learning Center Article – How to Repair Cut Fiber

As we all know, fiber optic lines are complicated, powerful, and delicate. They provide incredibly powerful communication signals with high bandwidths and great reliability. But, because they are so delicate, they can be damaged. When damage occurs, you can either repair it or replace it, and the former option is much cheaper.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Sam’s Club is rolling out its Scan & Go app nationwide, phasing out traditional checkout lanes. While some customers worry about adapting to the tech, experts say the move could set a new standard for retail. 
• Airbnb plans to diversify beyond lodging, aiming to become an “everything app” for travel. The move could help it navigate regulatory hurdles and competition while expanding its market.
• Microsoft says Azure users are facing delays due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea affecting internet traffic through the Middle East.
• General Mills is rolling out two seasonal flavors: Candy Corn Chex, coated in caramel for a festive Halloween twist, and a new fall-inspired Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Both will be available for a limited time this autumn.

We made it to Friday! Today is National Food Bank Day! A reminder of the power of giving. Consider donating to a local food bank or supporting hunger relief efforts. Every small act counts. ❤️ How do you like to give back?

In This Issue: Health is Wealth | Deal of the Day | USB 3.0 Active Extension Repeater Cable | Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable Category | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Health is Wealth

Happy first Friday of the Ber months! Hope September’s off to a great start for you.

Last week, we got my mom’s lab results and had our doctor review them. Sadly, she has high blood sugar and uric acid levels, which explains why she has been having trouble standing up and walking. She is not even fond of sweets, so we were all shocked. When the doctor asked if anyone in her family had diabetes, the answer was yes, several of her relatives do. My grandfather, for example, had a serious sweet tooth, so the doctor suspects her condition may be inherited. We were also advised to monitor her blood pressure over the next three months to determine if she will need maintenance medication. So, I had to quickly learn how to use an aneroid sphygmomanometer (manual BP monitor) to keep track of her BP at home. I suggested buying a digital one, but my dad preferred the manual kind, so to keep the peace, we went with that.

Since we were already at the hospital for her tests, I also took the opportunity to see an OB-GYN. I have been worried about PCOS because I have been experiencing several symptoms I have read and watched about online: weight gain despite not eating much, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and more. Thankfully, my TVS ultrasound came back normal with no abnormalities. However, to better understand what is going on, my doctor ordered 16 different lab tests to check for possible hormonal imbalance or hypothyroidism. I already have the results, but because of my endocrinologist’s availability, I have to wait until September 9 (a day before my birthday) for my appointment. Fingers crossed for good news. 🤞🏻

Has anyone in your family experienced hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalance? How has it affected their lifestyle?

Health is truly wealth, so let’s all take care of ourselves.

Wishing you a restful weekend ahead!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Extend your USB 3.0 devices with this 50Ft active repeater cable, delivering ultra-fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps without signal degradation. Designed with a built-in booster and optional external power support, it’s perfect for webcams, gamepads, printers, and storage drives requiring a stable, long-distance connection.

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Learning Center Article – Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable Category: Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a vs Cat7 vs Cat8

Ethernet cables aren’t plain transmission lines; they determine frequency support, power capabilities, and signal integrity from end to end. This guide examines Ethernet cable categories through a technical lens, offering actionable insights aligned with both current bandwidth needs and future infrastructure planning.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is introducing the UK’s most advanced medical helicopter at its Aberdeen base. The new aircraft will reach remote areas faster without refueling, potentially saving more lives. SCAA, funded entirely by public donations, launches a campaign to raise an extra £2 million annually to support the service, which is expected to begin operations in October. 
• Chinese AI startup Zhipu is inviting Anthropic’s Claude API users to switch to its GLM-4.5 model after reports that Anthropic will block Chinese entities from using its services. Zhipu is offering 20 million free tokens and a coding package it says is cheaper and offers more usage than Claude’s.
• Gold prices hit new record highs, climbing as much as $3,582.71 an ounce after a soft U.S. jobs report boosted hopes of a Federal Reserve rate cut. Spot gold rose 0.9% to $3,577.33, while December U.S. futures increased 0.9% to $3,637.
• Germany’s BioNTech and partner Duality Biologics announced that a late-stage trial of their precision breast cancer drug met its main goal of slowing disease progression. This marks BioNTech’s first successful cancer trial, highlighting a renewed focus on oncology beyond its COVID-19 vaccine work.