Ok My Public. I've been working on the Charvery Superstar Project for a couple hours. First I found and downloaded some DVD ripping software. But then it turned out that the "free" trial copy only allows me to rip the first 10 minutes of the DVD. That is a problem for you, My Public, since Charvey Superstar's choicest moments are towards the end of the program.
When I tried to purchase the software to have unlimited ripping ability, the software company's payment server detected that I was in Vietnam and offer only the option to pay by Paypal, not by credit card (Vietnam has some notoriety as a not-so-insignificant source of online credit card fraud). I forgot my Paypal password and had to have it emailed to me. Upon logging into Paypal I was informed that they have placed my account on "limited access" for reasons unknown, so I am unable to send money. I followed the procedure to unlock the account whereby Paypal calls you and you enter a special code they display on your account page. Unfortunately, Skype chose that moment to wig out on me and I missed the call. Paypal is an unforgiving disciplinarian and would not let me try to verify by phone again. They informed me that they have mailed a letter to my USA address with instructions. Oy.
So then I tried finding some other DVD rip programs. I downloaded another, only to learn that it's the exact same program as the first save for a slightly different interface and marketing. "Well, I did capture the first 16 minutes of the program, so maybe I can edit it for a clip where I appear." No dice here either. I don't have a proper video-editing software on this computer. Double oy.
So in a bid to whet your appetites, I'm posting this still frame from my introductory bit on the show. I think I come off as a bit smarmy and self-satisfied in the clip. I know my folks will get a kick outta that one. Maybe there is something to what they've been telling me all these years.....
Later this week I'll see if I can get the right software. After ripping, editing and upload time on YouTube we'll be ready to go. In the meantime, I'm all ears if any of My Public knows of some good DVD-ripping and video-editing software.