Jim Bray, CFP Automotive Editor

Marilyn Monroe hits high definition

Back in the 1970's, Elton John sang about how Norma Jean's candle burned out long before her legend ever did, and this new collection of seven Marilyn Monroe films on Blu-ray proves that his point is just as valid now as it was then.

Traveling this summer? Here are some tips for taking along your tech stuff

Ah, summertime, when global warming makes the days long and lazy and many people's minds turn to hitting the road. It's a great time to be alive!

Mitsubishi i-MiEV – coal, natural gas or nuclear-powered eco-saver?

Count Mitsubishi as being on board for saving the world through battery power.

Ooma – free phone service or just another telecom?

It isn't just a telephone provider, it's a little box that promises to cut you free from traditional phone suppliers, while saving you money at the same time.

It's called the Ooma Telo, and is available both in Canada and the Unites States. So does it actually do what it claims – and, if so, how well?

Subaru Impreza aims for four wheel economy

Subaru made its name in part by creating a niche made up only of all all-wheel-drive vehicles, and the 2012 Impreza continues that commitment in a reasonably priced car that will undoubtedly appeal to Subarufionados.

Honda Fit gets “Sport” and updated features for 2012

Honda's entry level car comes into the 2012 model year mostly unchanged, but that could be due to the fact that it's a terrific little car already.

CorelDRAW X6 adds new power to the creative design process

Words like "Google" and "Photoshop" have entered mainstream culture as verbs – as in to "Photoshop" something means you've manipulated the image in some way (often, in that context, nefariously). But despite Adobe's grip on the English language, its powerhouse products aren't the only game in town.

Dodge surges forward with updated Charger

It may have started life as a hot, 1960's muscle coupe, but today it's Dodge's version of the full size, four door family sedan. Yet the 2012 Charger still manages to bring some sporty feel to the task.

WM products let you record, monitor Internet video

You've just seen a video you YouTube that you just have to have. You don't want to just share it, mind you, you want to own it – safely on your hard drive. What to do? Well, copyright questions aside (and there's a difference between personal and commercial use) you could partake of a couple of nifty little programs, one called WM Recorder and another called VideoClone, both of which are different ways to capture those videos onto your hard drive.

Hanoi Jane Fonda strips in high def, but better things are coming

A minor sci-fi classic hits Blu-ray this week, but if Barbarella (or Jane Fonda) isn't your cup of tea there are some better titles coming soon.

Toyota RAV4 V6 – power and comfort in a cute ute

The crowded small sport utility/crossover market is good news for consumers because it gives them many good choices in this niche. And one that definitely should be on your test drive list is Toyota's RAV4.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance on Blu-ray disc

"From the guys that brought you Crank" says the disc's cover, getting things off on a decidedly ungrammatical foot.

John Carter mars Hollywood’s bottom line, but the Blu-ray’s good

It may have been an embarrassment to Disney's bottom line, but John Carter is a grand science fiction fantasy that should be seen by all who like an imaginative tale.

Nissan Versa has few vices

It screams "entry level," but if you can get past that, and the continuously variable transmission, you might find the Nissan Versa a decent little car.

Mazda CX-9 Meets Honda Pilot

They're both big, three row SUV/Crossovers, from Japan, and both sell for about the same price. But are they mostly the same, or are they two distinct variations on the theme?

Canadian TV may get quieter after CRTC’s issuing of new rules

Does it seem as if TV commercials blare a lot more loudly than the programs they interrupt? If so, you aren't alone – and a Canadian bureaucracy is taking steps to see that it stops.

ES 350 a cushy, comfortable cruiser

If you had to sum up the 2012 Lexus ES 350 in one word, "soft" would be a good choice.

The incredible shrinking writer updates his progress

The Thin Man Returns… Well, not yet; hardly! But I've been trying a pair of person-paring regimens to see if I can look a little less like a walrus without giving up my rather sedentary lifestyle.

Impossible missions hit Blu-ray

A couple of very different movies have hit Blu-ray, including a rollicking action adventure flick and a much more intimate family-friendly tale.

Kia Rio ups the entry level bar

If the Japanese carmakers aren't looking over their shoulders and toward Korea already, the 2012 Kia Rio gives them even more reason to start doing exactly that. And they should.