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Beck Tells the Epically Tragic — and Funny — Story of How His Orson Welles-Signed Fishbowl Was Ruined by… the Cleaning Lady

Beck Tells Funny Story About Cleaning Lady Ruining His Orson Welles FishbowlThe road to destruction is paved with good intentions.* Glenn Beck learned that the hard way this week. But what was destroyed and how might surprise you.

What am I talking about? His new, prized Orson Welles fishbowl, of course (Beck’s company, Mercury, is named after Welles’s company.) Beck explained on radio that he had just received the bowl — hand-painted and signed by Welles — on Monday after he won it via auction. He just so happened to leave it on his desk overnight, and during a meeting Tuesday morning noticed something odd: the fishbowl had been washed and wiped nearly clean — most of the images were gone and the signature were gone. As Beck explained, the cleaning lady decided to go above-and-beyond her duties and clean the dirty fishbowl. Only, the bowl was meant to stay that way.

That explanation, however, doesn’t do justice do the story. Watch Beck describe the tragic, yet hilarious, tale below:

 

You might have noticed the Beck took the news pretty well. He admitted that if this would have happened in his past life he would have been much angrier and likely would have had her fired. Instead, he placed much of the blame on himself and praised the cleaner for her drive.

“I can’t be pissed at her,” he said. “Here’s somebody who wants to go above and beyond. Here’s somebody who wants to do the right thing. Somebody who saw a fishbowl that looks like hadn’t been cleaned since 1940. And took it in and washed it — scrubbed the signature, scrubbed all the little fishies.”

“That is one clean fishbowl now,” his co-host, Pat, said.

Glennbeck.com has an image what the fishbowl looked like before the cleaning:

Beck Tells Funny Story About Cleaning Lady Ruining His Orson Welles Fishbowl

But the saga doesn’t end there. Later in the show, Beck’s co-hosts prodded him to auction off the cleaned-up version and give the proceeds to Restoring Love. There is now a section on Beck’s site where you can place a bid. If the bid gets high enough — Pat suggested a $5K reserve — it could happen. Go to Glennbeck.com and tell Beck how much you would pay for it as is.

*The original meaning of this old proverb is that inaction leads to tragedy. Here we’re using the phrase in a more actual sense: a good-intentioned act led to the ruin of something.

Comments (75)

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  • macpappy
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:08pm

    People, people, don’t you know a pile of horse hockey when you see one?
    “But the saga doesn’t end there. Later in the show, Beck’s co-hosts prodded him to auction off the cleaned-up version and give the proceeds to Restoring Love.”
    Somehow they always end up passing the plate around. You know why don’t you…..because Christians are such easy targets for con men.
    A contribution to charity means a write off on his taxes. Money is money.

    Report Post » macpappy  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:39pm

      Hello and STFU you moron.

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • v15
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:15pm

      Yes, Christians are easy targets of con artists. Most religions facilitate the environment for a con artist to thrive; however, Glenn Beck is NOT a con artist. Alex Jones may be one though ;)

      Report Post » v15  
    • flatdaddio
      Posted on June 20, 2012 at 9:31am

      What have you done to help others Mr. Keyboard Commando?? Beck has done more than you will ever do….

      Report Post »  
  • BlessedONE333
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:08pm

    Orson Wells? oh barf

    In April [1982], this was followed by an especially candid interview with Orson by Merv Griffin during which Griffin asked Orson about his religious beliefs. “I try to be a Christian,” Orson answered. He went on: “I don’t pray really, because I don’t want to bore God.”

    orson‘s ego was almost as big as obama’s — HE IS NOT A CHRISTIAN AND IS IN HELL

    anyone who would buy anything from him – DOES NOT KNOW THE REAL GOD

    Report Post » BlessedONE333  
    • DDD
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:09pm

      You know for sure that Orson Wells is in hell – wow! A real live all-knowing god (small g) right here on earth! If you can see truly see into the hearts of men and their ultimate place for eternity, please let us know where you will end up because I want to make sure I don’t go there!

      Report Post »  
    • LostInTheSpin
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:25pm

      Good to know that you are close enough to God to know exactly what he does or does not do. Since you know so much about God, maybe you can be his spiritual advisor.

      Report Post » LostInTheSpin  
    • Gums
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 9:29pm

      You are one sick pervert Blessedone333.

      Report Post » Gums  
  • MasterJoshua7
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:02pm

    Wow. He was taking it well and that’s good. I‘m not sure that I would’ve been so calm. I actually think it was a really big mistake on her part but it is good that he is not getting too stressed out over it.

    At least it made for a funny segment…

    Report Post » MasterJoshua7  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 20, 2012 at 8:40am

      @ Master

      It reminds me of an incident in France back in the ’70s, I think, when some archeologists were minding a cave which had Neanderthal (or whatever) paintings on the walls.

      Unfortunately, some modern day grafitti artists had also been in the cave and had added their own art to the mix. So they hired a firm to clean off the grafitti, which the firm did. All of it. Every last daub.

      I don’t think that they took it as well as GB has, though.

      Report Post »  
  • applehill
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:42pm

    I’m a little leery on the reason for the lose of artwork. I worked as a janitor before while in between jobs. You don’t touch stuff on peoples desk. I was even hesitant to remove old McDonald’s cups from peoples desk. No, this doesn’t make sense at all.

    Report Post » applehill  
  • ButtFaceMcGee
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:22pm

    This story sounds fishy to me….

    Report Post »  
  • lauslausdeo
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:00pm

    I always enjoy the humorous banter between Glenn, Pat, Stu, and Jeffy. For all the bad news coming out of D.C., laughter among friends is indeed good medicine! You guys remind me of the Muppet hecklers, Statler & Waldorf, and I pray when you are old codgers, you’ll still be sharing laughs born of wisdom.

    Report Post »  
    • RabidPatriot
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:06pm

      What idiot ruins what looks like a child’s gift? Why does this idiot have keys to the bosses office? Vacuum the rug, take out the trash and get out.

      Report Post » RabidPatriot  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 1:24pm

    Was She an Illegal Immigrant?

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • Halloween
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 6:03pm

      Yup, I am almost certain the cleaning lady is an illegal alien.

      Report Post » Halloween  
    • Gazoiks
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 8:43pm

      No, more like an illegal ignorant.

      Report Post »  
  • BetterDay
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 1:21pm

    Kudos Glenn! So absolutely wonderful to see your reaction (I’m truly sorry about your loss though)! You are demonstrating what a true leader should be! You showed calm dignity, restraint and kindness, which are mature attributes of self control that I seldom see anymore.
    I also like the idea some have suggested of restoration in some way – like by your kids, or yourself, (or a significant other person) – that way there is a healing that comes out of the loss. True Grace in Action!!

    Report Post »  
    • brezzeone
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:11pm

      I bet behind the mask Glen is crying inside. I know I would be.

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:07pm

      I remember the content of the speech and showing the audience “the restored chair” when he was on tv. Remember? I do. Glenn is consistant with his message.
      As Christians, we are a new creature in Christ, however, “the-old-sin-nature“ appears at times because ”something” happens we don’t like. If it is a “little-thing”, Glenn listened to his Helper, The Holy Spirit, and moved on…(sort-of) LOL. The story being told was FUNNY and entertaining.
      The Far-Side calendar had a picture one time that showed two goldfish standing outside their fish bowl and flames were shown inside the fish bowl…and the caption, one fish to the other, “Now we are really screwed”. Reminds me of the title of the current book written by Dick Morris..LOL

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:52pm

    The first rule of cleaning if the cleaning lady was with an agency or even if Glenn hired her direct, is they are not suppose to touch anything on the desk. They are only suppose to dust and that is it.

    How could you not look at the bowl and not know you should not clean this? You would think even if she started cleaning and saw that the pictures were coming off, you would stop. Who would erase a signature? Come on, let’s use some common sense as this cleaning person certainly did not.

    I hope Glenn says only conduct a dry dusting and nothing else on his things.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • RickWS
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:50pm

    This isn’t above and beyond by a cleaning lady. If this entire tale is true she was ignorant to wash the bowl.

    Report Post » RickWS  
  • lapitup
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:50pm

    I am happy to see you practice what you preach, Glenn, it means alot to me and tells me your true values and morals.

    You can’t cry over spilled milk, what is done is done. I would however make it even more valuable now and paint your own message on it with your signature. That along with the history of the bowl it’s self in future time it will be worth more than ever before. That is not degrading Orson Wells at all in fact I thing he would have encouraged it.

    Right on Glenn.

    Report Post »  
  • Beckster2
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:36pm

    Glenn: If you’re now in the market for a valet call me.

    Report Post »  
  • lornaduwn
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:14pm

    Glenn should turn lemons into lemonade. Sign the fishbowl and auction it of for charity along with the above photos of Glenn holding the fish bowl and the original pre-cleaned bowl with a letter telling the story.

    In fact, with all of the recent stories on drones and cyber-spying, maybe this whole “living in a fishbowl” thing can be used for charity. Glenn should have celebrities paint and sign fishbowls to be auctioned off for his food relief program.

    Report Post »  
    • lornaduwn
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:21pm

      I would also suggest sealing the artwork to protect it!

      Report Post »  
  • scattersunshine
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:08pm

    I think Glenn should have his children redraw the artwork and keep it on his desk as a reminder.

    Report Post » scattersunshine  
  • Dakota Hawk
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:07pm

    would mr. beck sign it?

    Report Post » Dakota Hawk  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:57am

    Sad loss… of a well known piece!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • WAKEUPUSA2012
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:56am

    Glenn Beck the G6 private jet flying coward cares nothing about this country and is paid by the opposition to disrupt the patriot movement. Glenn also says he hates the 911 victim family members. Dont believe me?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf33g9ep4YU

    Report Post » WAKEUPUSA2012  
    • dblaess
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:11pm

      You are correct (at least in your mind). However, I do not believe Mr. Beck hates America as much as dear leader does.

      Report Post »  
    • capitalideals
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:28pm

      Ron Paul supporters are certifiably insane.

      Report Post »  
    • capitalideals
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:30pm

      Just watched the video……..waaay out of context. He said he hated about 10 families that were taking advantage of the situation. What an ass you are for saying that!

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:55pm

      The so-called Rona Paul supporters are just certifiable anarchists trying for cover by claiming to be conservatives ! An anarchist by any other name is still an anarchist. Please go away to Anarchist Land. Or to the nearest Occupy where they also hate the police, rules, and drug laws ! Anarchist Choom Gang Land.

      Report Post »  
    • Belchfire V-8
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:36pm

      Hey WAKEUP, haven’t you heard? Drugs are bad. Throw your’s away.

      Report Post » Belchfire V-8  
  • DDD
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:54am

    I’m glad that Glenn was able to take this so well, but seriously, anyone should have looked at the drawings on this fishbowl and see that they were put there deliberately (looks like his son or some young child would have made it for “daddy”). This maid is not the brightest bulb and should be retrained.

    Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:12pm

      Living in Texas my first question is: does the maid speak English as her first language? I don’t care about a green card, most only speak Spanish.

      Report Post »  
    • DDD
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:49pm

      Even a non-English speaking person recognizes drawings. Still say she’s a dim bulb.

      Report Post »  
  • kapu
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:41am

    you guys simply crack me up!!!!!!!!!!! Glenn, i’m am really sorry about your fishbowl experience, i truly am. yeppers, as i have told my children–life can, and will ALWAYS be a constant teacher–and there are always times when the lessons will be very, very expensive—in all types of ways………chin up, and it is fantastic, i strongly feel/believe that you have been able to find the humor in this. that is, one item in learning a life-lesson that one should do.

    Report Post » kapu  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:15pm

      I was in A-school (Navy) and we were supposed to clean the offices of the chiefs (E-7 and above). I saw a nasty dirty coffee cup and was so proud that I could get it clean and sparkling. Only to get chewed out because you NEVER wash the cup of a Navy guy…it’s been aged to perfection. I learned that lesson. I still like my cups clean, but my husband (after 20 years) would prefer them aged. The lesson I learned is it’s the memories, not necessarily the cup. The lesson Glenn should learn is it’s only money, I suppose. Or don’t get attached to the things of this world, it may not be here long.

      Report Post »  
    • Jaye Byrd
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:52pm

      My first assignment as a Marine was in a supply office. I was cleaning the coffee mess and I scrubbed clean no fewer than 7 (seven) heavily encrusted coffee cups. 28 years later the memory of 7 very irate Marines, officers and high ranking enlisted, still haunt my dreams.

      Report Post » Jaye Byrd  
  • Diaphanous Mine
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:40am

    Glenn has obviously found a wonderful path to walk on. Putting people above worldly things is a nice place to be. Could it be that a every soul is worth more than all the treasure upon this earth? What a vibe.

    God Bless!!!

    Report Post »  
  • RLTW
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:35am

    I would suggest Glenn reapply his art to the bowl for auction, otherwise I’ll just pick one up at petSmart.

    Report Post »  
  • HaploVoss
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:35am

    That is completely awesome… poor Beck, but props to the cleaning lady. I’m sure she feels terrible, but good job to Beck for realizing that she was just trying to be the best she could be!

    Sometimes it is hard to rise above the feelings we have over the loss of something we hold close over the realization of good intentions. Way to go on both parties :) Wish I had the monies to bid that thing way up there!!

    Report Post » HaploVoss  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:29am

    Cleaning lady? Oh the problems of rich people.

    Report Post »  
    • Machtyn
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:48am

      Do you work? Is it at a small, medium, or large company? Is it in a building that is either leased or owned by the company? Chances are likely that you have a “cleaning lady.”

      Still, I would see a bowl like that on a desk, with purposeful painting on it and my first thought would NOT be, “This thing needs to be cleaned!” Instead, I would leave whatever is on the desk WELL ENOUGH ALONE!

      Report Post »  
    • forthepeople
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:49am

      Government offices have cleaning services too , same with your accountant, dentist, doctor , lawyer and the grocery store you shop at …. get over not having money , go work , get a job so as to spend some to ?

      Report Post » forthepeople  
    • scattersunshine
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 12:06pm

      Nearly every office has a cleaning lady.

      Report Post » scattersunshine  
    • barber2
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 1:00pm

      GOO: Did it ever occur to your envious little brain that the “ nasty such” actually enable others to make a living which enables them to take pride in their accomplishments and to feed their families ? Nah. Guess it’s more fun to buy into all of the hate and anger that the Obama people are spreading abound to win votes ! The Democrats thank you for your votes ! Their pension funds thank you, too. Oh, and their families in their big homes…. ( shhhh about that last thingy )

      Report Post »  
    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:10pm

      I had a cleaning lady too, when I was in the military. Not in my house, but in my office.

      I was rich compared to what I am now, but I was by no means wealthy.

      My little girl was still too little to make artwork for me, and I never had priceless fish bowls sitting on my desk, but I’m pretty sure that my cleaning lady never threw away any of my paperwork or anything.

      Report Post »  
  • mike_trivisonno
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:27am

    Clean Boldly!

    Report Post » mike_trivisonno  
  • tckid17
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:19am

    Us GBTV viewers demand transparency but that is not what we meant.

    Report Post »  
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