Netflix’s new docuseries revisits the infamous 1996 murder mystery. It includes interviews with JonBenét’s father and unpacks the embarrassingly bad investigation, media circus, and, of course, the ransom note.
Life after death: AI chatbots bringing lost loved ones back
This weekend on my national radio show, I’m chatting with the co-founder and CEO of a company called StoryFile Life, Stephen Smith. I couldn’t wait to tell you more about what they’re doing — and the other companies doing something similar.
In a nutshell, they’re using tech to preserve memories. Stephen has an AI version of his mom, who passed away. Thousands of customers have AI versions of their loved ones.
StoryFile and others can bring comfort to the grieving — but they’re leaving some people unsettled. I wanted to get a deeper look, and now you can, too.
We are so back
Founded in 2017 (ancient history in tech time), StoryFile offers a couple of different options to immortalize loved ones while they’re still Earthside.
At the basic level, a laptop and webcam capture their image and likeness in an interview-style fashion — by an actual historian for an extra fee. StoryFile’s AI uses the material to create a digital persona. Today, around 5,000 people have created profiles.
Loved ones can ask the persona a question, and then the system sifts through corresponding interview clips to find an intuitive response. Just imagine that for a second about a loved one you miss.
Another company, HereAfter AI, came along in 2019 and added an element: Interactive videos where subjects make eye contact, breathe and blink as they respond to questions. Super lifelike … but also surreal.
Legends live on
You might be thinking, “So, who’s doing this?” Really, folks from all walks of life.
Lynne Nieto, founder of the company Life Fitness, created a StoryFile before her husband passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease. She did it mainly for their grandchildren. She watched the file for the first time about six months after he died. Lynne says it was a little hard to watch and it felt a bit raw.
I’m not surprised to hear that. I don’t know exactly how I’d feel about seeing my Mom or Dad again, but I’m pretty sure it’d be overwhelming.
Last-minute Father’s Day gifts
- This wireless 3-in-1 charging station is sweet and works with iPhone 8 models all the way up to iPhone 15.
- For the handy dad, a laser tape measure he’ll play with like a kid on Christmas. (Be sure to click both coupons for a total of 20% off!)
- A cool Carhartt insulated bag is perfect for the office, the lake, the car or anywhere else he goes.
- No one likes warm beer or soda. Love these freezer glasses that’ll keep his beverage of choice ice cold.
- OK, I want this … Press the Dad Joke 3000 to hear, yep, a dad joke (20% off!).
- A smart dashcam on sale for $39.99, and check the box for another 10% off!
- A phone stand with a built-in Bluetooth speaker so he can watch his shows and hear the dialogue.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Father takes on website after son's tragic death
This episode discusses suicide. If you’re struggling, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You’re not alone.
Last year, Brett Allred’s world shattered when his 23-year-old son, Riley, took his own life. While searching Riley’s phone for memories, Brett found screenshots of a website with step-by-step instructions on how to die. Now, he’s on a mission to shut it down.
Need a break from football? Netflix’s new docuseries “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey” revisits the infamous 1996 murder mystery. It includes interviews with JonBenét’s father and unpacks the embarrassingly bad investigation, media circus and, of course, the ransom note. Watch the trailer here.
Son gifts dad the car he sold to buy diapers 40 years ago
For the dad who DIYs
More sweet Father’s Day ideas … or handy stuff to get for yourself!
- A magnetic wristband ($9.99) for holding nails, screws and bolts while he’s working. You know … dad jewelry.
- Even the dad with the most kitted-out toolbox probably doesn’t have a damaged-screw extractor set ($9.99). Don’t forget to click on the coupon for an additional 20% off.
- This universal socket adapter for his drill has nearly 20,000 five-star reviews, and it’s 10% off ($8.99).
- If he’s ever smashed his thumb hammering a nail, this nail-holder ($9.99) will be a very thoughtful gift, as well as a nice little callback joke to the time he smashed his thumb hammering a nail.
- A multitool ($11.99) that’s a screwdriver, hex wrench, cord cutter, ruler, box opener, bottle opener and a keychain. Phew!
Sometimes, a guy just needs a very good utility knife (50% off, $12.98).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Say a quick prayer for this family: A Pennsylvania father helped the FBI track down the scammers responsible for his son’s suicide. Nigerian fraudsters posed as a woman online, got the boy to send nude photos and then demanded $1,000. Just three minutes after he told them he didn’t have the money, he took his own life. His dad later found the email and phone number linking the criminals to the crime.
Watch your kids, please: Maria Gomez-Perez, 12, was on Facebook telling several adult male strangers she was unhappy at home. On May 29, 31-year-old Antonio Agustin picked her up in Georgia and drove her to his home in Ohio. The other day, Maria told her father on Facebook she wasn’t coming home. Authorities tracked that message’s IP address to Agustin’s home and arrested him.
Not exactly K-pop going viral: “Friendly Father” is a North Korean propaganda tune praising dictator Kim Jong Un. The video features, uh, heartwarming scenes, like a military officer crying in Kim’s arms while children sing along. Gen Zers are dancing to Communist remixes for views and likes, but not everyone gets it. Here’s the full vid.
If it’s not a mother or father, it’s not a parent: Chip and Joanna Gaines, the former HGTV stars known for the hit show “Fixer Upper,” just said they have a strict no-social-media policy for their five kids until the summer before college. Now, juxtapose this sage advice with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s 10-year-old daughter, North, who has 19.2 million followers on TikTok. If you thought yesterday’s child stars were screwed up, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Multitools are the best
Save money and space with one thing that does many things. Time to feel like Inspector Gadget or maybe MacGyver. These are all Father’s Day home runs, too!
- “Write” on: This pen ($9.99) is also a stylus, leveler, ruler, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.
- 12-in-1: A hammer (21% off, $16.75) that’s also pliers, a serrated knife, a saw, a wire cutter, a prying claw, a nail file, a bottle opener, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.
- Every car needs one: A flashlight ($23.99) that’s also a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker, a red flashing emergency light, a power bank and an alarm.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Dead end: A man turned his terminally ill father into a chatbot. After recording hours of his life story, it answers him in Dad’s voice. Would you want your family members to do this for you? If not, talk to them or add a line to your estate documents.
🤰🏻 Born to swim: Couples are turning to Facebook groups to find cheap sperm donors, but the real cost may come in court. In states without clear laws, including Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, if a mom needs public assistance, the donor could be liable for child support — or even declared the lawful father.
298 miles per hour
Speed of record-breaking new quadcopter drone. Father and son Luke and Mike Bell’s remote-controlled Peregrine 2 flew past the competition for the title of world champ. See it in action here. Talk about bonding!
Cool little bags
One of my favorite little pleasures is returning to the car after a long hike, popping open my cooler and grabbing an ice-cold drink — ah-h-h. Recreate that bliss at the beach, on a boat or even at your desk with these little coolers — all chosen for their awesomeness by the folks at Consumer Reports.
- Best status-cooler alternative: YETI, Stanley and Hydro Flask coolers make all the best-of lists — and their coolers can cost over $200. The nine-can Titan ($32.99) has features that rival the status coolers (deep-freeze insulation, padded and adjustable shoulder strap, a no-zip flip top) without the name-brand markup.
- Best backpack cooler: If you can’t (or don’t want to) wait to get back to your car before popping open a cold one, swap out your regular daypack with this backpack cooler ($29.99). Its waterproof interior can hold up to 28 cans and keep ‘em cold for 16 hours. The outside pockets hold your keys, phone and granola bars.
- Best for the golf course: A cooler so genius that it was on “Shark Tank,” the Caddyswag ($25.99) fits six cans of seltzer or soda or whatever and slides perfectly into your golf bag’s external pocket. This will be a slam dunk Father’s Day present for a lot of you, I’m sure.
- Best for style: A hip cooler? Yup. They call it retro, but I just call it cool. Igloo’s neon ‘90s cooler (17% off, $24.99) is hot pink, teal and highlighter yellow with a carrying handle and a shoulder strap. Keep nine LaCroix ice cold for enjoying anywhere you want to be refreshed and stylin’.
- Best for lunch: PackIt’s freezable lunch bag ($23.99) is both a bag and an ice pack all in one. The bag flattens down to practically nothing so you can store it in even the most packed freezer, then just grab it, pack it and you’re on your way. Cool color options, too.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
‘Kim, what do you use for …?’
You asked. Here are my answers.
- Holding your passport: I love this passport holder (click the 10% off coupon) because it blocks RFID and also holds an AirTag (17% off today!). It has enough room for your boarding passes, cash and credit cards, too.
- Holding your iPad: I use this super-handy tablet stand ($15.97, 20% off!) in my studio to read scripts and in the kitchen to follow recipes, watch shows and video chat with Ian. It has a handy place for the plug.
- Keeping safe in hotels: I don’t trust locks in hotel rooms. That’s why I pack a doorstop alarm that emits a loud sound if someone opens the door. Get this two-pack for $11.99 while it’s 33% off.
- Protecting your identity: For starters, I shred everything — I mean, every single thing — with my name on it. I’ve used this Amazon Basics shredder ($33, 11% off) a lot for over four years.
- Not using gross airplane blankets: That’s why I carry my own travel blanket ($29.95, 14% off) because it’s always cold on planes. This makes a great Mother’s or Father’s Day gift, btw.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🚨 Deepfake kidnapping: A Cincinnati dad got a tearful call from his daughter, Brooke, before a man came on the line and demanded $5,000. Luckily, a coworker of the father overheard what was going on and called the real Brooke, who was totally safe. Parents, I recommend a family safeword.
Official trailer for 'All the Light We Cannot See'
Drawing from the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “All the Light We Cannot See” shares the story of Marie-Laure Leblanc, a young blind girl seeking solace alongside her father and reclusive uncle in the sheltered confines of St. Malo, France, during World War II.