Vocabulary

 
 
 
 
 

Video (Up to 14:40 minutes)

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

 
Nebraska, a rural state in the heart of America’s great plains. Gretna is a sleepy little town home to just 5,000 residents.

Just off the highway, this small gas station is a popular meeting place for local workers. 53-year-old David Harrig comes here every day for his cup of coffee.

David Harrig: “Morning guys!”

It’s been part of his daily routine for almost 20 years. He comes here every morning before starting work at 7:30 to meet up with two friends. Randy and Jerry are both local farmers.

David Harrig: “These guys are always here. We come here, we solve the world’s problems, every morning.”
Randy: “But it never works!”

They regularly discuss ways of saving the world, but for the past 5 years David has had far fewer worries on his mind. They all remember the day his life changed forever.

Randy: “I was here the morning he won. He came in the door with a lottery ticket. He walked over and threw it on the table and said: ‘I hit that . . . Son of a gun!’

Jerry: “I knew him before he won the lottery ticket, and after he won, now he’s my best friend!”

On that day, David won the big bucks — big time!

$62,000,000!

In just moments, he went from a poor, working-class man to a member of the elite one percent of top earners.

But he never forgot his old friends . . .

He quit his job as a mechanic at the workshop just next door. David was working two jobs to get by: 12-hour days for just $2,500 a month. He epitomized what it is to be poor in rural America.

Now David has some of the trappings of a millionaire. He cruises around in a classic 1972 Dodge Challenger. He bought this gigantic $2,000,000 property overlooking the plains.

What he treasures most, however, lies at the other end of the garden. His own workshop, twice as big as his old place of work. The former mechanic still likes to get his hands dirty — except now, instead of work it’s a hobby.

David Harrig: “Growing up we always played, tinkered, so it’s a learning process but I’ve got time to learn!”

His collection largely comprises pick-up trucks and racing cars from the 1950s, all of which have been lovingly restored and customized.

David Harrig: “This one’s a very, very fast and very expensive car. I put about $120,000 in it. So, money can do anything, it makes things cool that’s for sure! I have plenty more.

I finally found one, this is the ’65 Chevy step-side pick-up, it’s something my dad and I always looked for.

Let’s go and check out some more. It never ends! It never ends that’s right, and I hope never.”

Winning the lottery enabled David to realize his childhood dream. He is now the proud owner of more than 20 cars, worth a total of around a half million dollars.

Could he imagine that before?

David Harrig: “Just imagine is all, watch the TV programs. I always had a dream of having a nice vehicle to work on, an old classic. Now I have several, so I’m catching up!”

Millions of Americans try their luck every week, hoping one day their numbers come up.

Lottery Official: “You’ve just won $250,000!”

The lottery is an institution in the US, played by one in three Americans.

Lottery Buyer in Shop: “One Powerball ticket please.”

Almost 80 billion lottery tickets and scratch cards are sold here each year. And the size of the country’s population means jackpots are astronomical. A record jackpot of more than 1.5 billion dollars was won in 2016, and again in 2018.

Lottery Official: “Welcome California’s latest millionaire!”

Lottery Winner: “Are you kidding?”
Lottery Official: “No.”
Lottery Winner: “You’re not kidding?”

In America, a lot of people dream of becoming a billionaire.

Since winning his jackpot, Jack has been busy splashing the cash . . .

Jack, Jackpot Winner: “It’s only $60,000, that’s not much . . . and living it up.”

But his parents are worried, and would prefer if he just led a normal life.

Jack: “Cheers! Living our best lives!”

In Nebraska, David and Erica Harrig became the richest people in the county overnight. But they were determined to stay true to their values.

Erica Harrig, Lottery Winner: “We nickname ourselves the “Redneck rich” because we haven’t changed yet, so we’re not changing.

Becoming a billionaire, however, can be both a blessing and a curse.

Tim, Lottery Winner: “This was just after the lottery win. They’re all dark around the edges.”

Tim’s Father: “It ended up being the worst thing that ever happened to our family, it took him downhill.”

Then there’s Tim, who won $14 million 20 years ago — He’s since spent most of it.

Now, he campaigns to highlight the dangers of the lottery.

Tim, Lottery Winner: “Say no to people is one of the most important lessons I had to learn. If I gave everyone what they wanted I would have been broke a long time ago.

So, what is the dark side to an industry that has so many Americans in its thrall? And what is life like for those lucky winners?

We look at what happens when America hits the jackpot.

Back in Nebraska … even though they’re worth more than $60 million, David and Erica haven’t forgotten their roots. Not long ago, the family of six was crammed into this modest-sized home on the working-class side of town in Gretna . . . in this neighborhood!

David Harrig: “Neighbors! This was our family home for 16 years; the kids were raised here.
Erica Harrig: “Even though we’re not here, the memories are still here.”
David Harrig: “That’s our oldest daughter Amanda.”

Amanda and her two children are now living in the house. A present from mom and dad.

Neighbor: “It was the perfect gift. They are really the most humble people I’ve ever met.”

David and Erica gave each of their children a house — in order to avoid sibling rivalry.

David Harrig: “This is the home we bought for Taylor. This one was about $225,000.”

Their other son Corey’s house cost the same price. Their youngest still lives with them in this huge mansion. It was the first thing they bought with their $62 million check.

It boasts around 600m² of floor-space and huge, lavishly decorated rooms. Plus: a kitchen kitted out in wood and black granite. The nouveau riche couple aren’t fond of gold leaf or marble columns.

After winning the lottery, former nurse Erica went on a shopping spree — as is evident by the ongoing war being fought in the walk-in closet.

Erica Harrig: “My space, my space, my space. I’m just needing that space, but he won’t give it up!”

Meanwhile, their assets earn them another $500,000 in interest every year. But you won’t find any designer shoes or haute couture dresses here. They largely prefer sneakers and T-shirts.

The Harrig family keep souvenirs of the day their lives changed forever.

State Governor: “David and Erica, they are our newest millionaires.”

Erica Harrig: “You look tired in some of those pictures.”
David Harrig: “I didn’t sleep much.”

That was the scene 5 years ago when they’d just won the Powerball jackpot, the biggest lottery in the country. In front of the cameras, the State governor handed over their check. It was major news in Nebraska.

Despite their new-found wealth, David and Erica have managed to remain grounded.

David Harrig: “I told my friends before: We’re all friends, if you’re friends with us on Tuesday, you’re friends with us today. Period. We don’t want to lose ’em. They’re who defines us. Family, friends, church. We’re not going to change. I’m still wearing the old Nebraska hat, that’s not going to change!”

Five years on, family, friends and traditions still remain integral to the Harrigs’ life.

Although now, they can afford to enjoy themselves as much as they like.

Tomorrow, it’s Independence Day. On this very special national holiday, Americans honor those who fought for their freedom, and continue to fight for it. Gretna proudly displays the star-spangled banner all across town.

As a patriotic family, it’s an event the Harrigs wouldn’t miss for the world. Tonight, they’re throwing the biggest party in the county. A few hours from now, they’ll be hosting 150 people in their back yard.

And in Nebraska, a good party is all about the food — and lots of it. Erica could afford to hire a caterer . . . But in this house, cooking’s a family affair.

Despite their wealth, the Harrigs stick to the rustic recipes of their working-class roots. They don’t want champagne and caviar like some millionaires.

No! It’s so funny, we nickname ourselves the ‘redneck rich’. We’ve never been into that stuff, we’re not changing, and we haven’t changed yet, so we’re not changing.

What has changed, however, is the number of guests they can welcome.

It’s 6pm. The entire family and all the neighbors are basking in the Harrigs’ high-tech pool, in scenes reminiscent of a public water park.

Erica’s stepfather Mel never misses a party at the Harrigs’.

Mel, Erica’s Stepfather: “It’s always a good party! Because it’s all the food, the booze and the pool party. What’s bad about it? Before the lottery? It was paycheck to paycheck, and everybody lived on their own.

And now it’s just a big huge family. And we all party!”

The lottery hasn’t just changed the couple’s life — it’s benefited their family and friends too. For Michael, Erica’s dad, this money is a blessing.

Michael: “I don’t have to worry about them, and I don’t have to worry about my other two daughters because I know they will take care of my daughters. So, the family is better because I think we know whatever the future brings, we’re going to be okay.

When they were poor, they would give their last dollar to someone who needed it, they do the same now.

What has changed is their lifestyle. They live much differently, but as you see here today, they live it with other people.”

Since cashing in their $62 million check, the Harrigs are still as working class as ever. There are no bankers, lawyers or CEOs on their guest-list.

Harrig Friend: “You got people from all walks of life. You have firefighters, plumbers, electricians, you’ve got a guy who does food service right here.”

Is he concerned people will take advantage of him?

David Harrig: “Not these people, these are the ones you call friends, and you know they’re your friends because they’re here for the right reasons.”

David has been very generous to his friends. This small gathering cost him almost $12,000.

After a 12-person conga ride down the water slide, the fireworks begin…

The 10-minute spectacle cost $8,000.

Five years after winning, David and Erica have stuck to their promise. They’ve stayed true to their roots.

However, there are plenty of temptations for a lottery winner. And the money can disappear all-too quickly . . .

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

 

Questions

0.73 UK Pound sterling. The video report featured people from big cities, i.e. New York City and Los Angeles, California. True or false?

0.84 Euro. David Harrig’s live has always been the same. He has worked in the same job, lived in the same the same house all his life. Yes or no?

0.92 Swiss Franc. Since winning the lottery jackpot, has he moved to Beverly Hills, drives Mercedes and BMWs, spends time in exclusive clubs and restaurants and associates with high-class people?

1.00 US dollar. Are lotteries popular in the United States? What do many or most people think about them?

5.22 Brazilian real. How do people react when they win the lottery?

6.48 Chinese Renminbi (Yuan). How have David and Erica spend their winnings (money)?

8.56 Turkish lira. “We nickname ourselves the ‘redneck rich.’” What does this mean?

20.65 Mexican peso. Describe David’s Forth of July celebration. Did accountants, politicians and consultants attend his party? Are David and Erica selfish and greedy, or generous?
 
 
 
80 Czech Koruna. The lottery is popular in my town, city and country. Yes or no?

74.47 Indian rupee. Who plays the lottery?

74.45 Russian ruble. What happens to people when they win the lottery?

96.33 Argentine Peso. What would you do if you won $1 million or $10 million? If I won $10 in the lottery, I would . . . .

3.56 X 1011 Venezuelan Bolivares. What might happen in the future?