In this 30-minute celebration of European culture, Rick Steves' Europe with Abandon highlights the quintessence of European travel: great food, fun-loving people, and hands-on experiences. From savoring seafood fresh from the fjord, to the riveting beat of flamenco in Andalucía, to celebrating a new era of hope in war-scarred Bosnia — this special shows how Europeans embracing life with abandon can inspire us to get the most out of our lives as well.
[35 seconds, OC intro] Hi – I'm Rick Steves. Thanks for joining us. To showcase the beauties of public television, we've put together a thrilling European joyride. In the next half hour we'll experience "Europe With Abandon": mouth-watering food, fun-loving people, and vivid culture. From running with bulls in Spain to diving off bridges in Bosnia, it's hands-on travel today as Europe embraces life with gusto inspiring us to get the most out of our lives as well. Enjoy this high energy first segment and I'll see you at the break. Hold on to your castanets!
[4:30, segment 2: Abandon...]
[OC :40] My European friends seem to understand that life is good—especially when you live it fully. And we know quality programming — like we enjoy here on public television — is part of good living too. Consider how public television inspires us to get up and embrace life...to really experience our world. That's a treasure. In my travels I've noticed an irony: So often, people in the poor world live life with a spirit of abundance. And here in the rich world, many of us live our lives with a mindset of scarcity. I believe supporting public television is embracing life with a spirit of abundance. And right now, that comes with some great travel gifts.
[90 sec gifts VTR]
[OC :25] It's more important than ever that we have a people's alternative to commercial broadcasting, and this station is it — with a passion for programming that enriches our lives and celebrates our world. When you give at that top $160 level, you'll receive all the gifts and that includes this DVD box set. Here's a little tease...just 60 seconds out of the 50 hours of travel fun packed into this gift.
[60 second DVD-90 VTR]
[OC :30] Next up, it's time to eat—and we're in for some unforgettable taste treats. As you watch, consider the value of public television to open up our world...to introduce us to things we'd never know about otherwise. It helps us learn valuable lessons by getting us out of our comfort zone—into new food, for example — and exposing us to different ideas. Public television is a positive educational force. It carbonates our lives in a good way. And it happens because of your enlightened support. Now... bon appetite!
[5 minutes, First segment: Food...]
[OC 1:30] Wow... nothing empty about those calories. I've been thinking about the power of media in our society. We are what we eat — we all know that. And it's the same when it comes to TV. Consider this: the ideas and entertainment we consume are food for our brains. It shapes who we are, both as individuals and as a society. Sure, junk media...like junk food can be fun. But for a society to stay healthy, we need a balanced diet with quality media.
That's where public broadcasting comes in. It offers a full array of programs giving us a cultural diet that's low in fat, not sugar-coated, and high in moral fiber.
Since the media shapes our outlook so powerfully these days, we need to be careful about who controls it. If only a handful of powerful companies control what media's available to us, we end up with fewer choices and fewer perspectives. It weakens the richness of public discourse.
How do we prevent that? That's what this membership drive is all about. With your contribution, you can help keep public broadcasting a strong voice in the ever-narrowing media landscape.
Lately, powerful forces here in the United States find public broadcasting a nuisance and a threat. It's hard to appreciate how vital an element public broadcasting is in our society until — god forbid — it's gone.
This pledge drive isn't a drag...it's a celebration of the power of the individual to make a difference. This is your chance to help make this station strong. If you understand that, then you know that calling right now is flat out good citizenship. Consider these thank you gifts and then, please, give us a ring.
[90 second gift VTR, use 30 second version if we are long]
[OC :20] As a tour guide, I love to pack each day and each DVD with as many experiences as possible. If you enjoyed that last segment, you'll love the 50 hours of travel in this box of DVDs. I also like to help others learn from my experience and travel smarter. That's why we've included my most important guidebook as thank you gift at both levels today.
[60 second ETBD VTR]
[OC :20] Up next is a visual extravaganza of European fun and culture illustrating how people around the world embrace life differently... but with equal enthusiasm. Thanks so much for helping public television enrich our lives by inspiring us to live every day to its fullest.
[4.5 minutes, segment 3: Rich Moments...]
[OC :45] Watching that final segment, I was thinking that, whether you're running with the bulls, jetting across a fjord, or just quietly savoring a fresh new perspective, public television can be our window to the world. It's really important. Today, our nation is faced with complex and unprecedented challenges both at home and abroad. We need thoughtful media that boldly grapples with these issues. We need programming that respects our intellect, assumes an attention span, and is not beholden to advertisers. We need one place on the dial that belongs to us. This public television station is a national treasure. It's a treasure for our families, our communities, and for our nation. This is your final boarding call. Please join us.
[90 seconds gift VTR]
[OC :15] As a teacher and as a TV producer, it's so much fun to be able to pack everything into that DVD box set. Here is one last peek at all the travel fun you'll receive along with all the other gifts at that $160 level.
[60 seconds, VTR DVD-90]
[OC :30] By bringing the wonders of our world right into our living rooms, this station helps us celebrate life in all its diversity. It broadens our perspective. That's important because how we respond to the challenges of our age is shaped by our world view. I believe two ways to shape our world view are important now more than ever - travel and public, noncommercial television. That's why I'm a soldier for public broadcasting. And that's why I'm proud to ask you to support this station. Please, consider these gifts one more time and give us a ring.
[30 second gift VTR]
[OC :10] If you've called in during this program, you and I truly are travel partners in this wonderful endeavor. Thanks so much and happy travels.
[close of show]