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Actor in LDS-themed films booked for theft
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Why all the bitterness | 9:27 a.m. July 18, 2008
This guy obviously made a bad choice. It made the news. Characterizing him as a
typical mormon is certianly an unfair biased generalization. I am a mormon and
have never been charged with stealing a laptop. However, I am not perfect. I
have made some wrong choices. I don't proclaim to be perfect. I know some
non mormons who are way better people than some of the mormons I know. I also
know some really great mormons and some really awful non mormons. You know I
don't know any religion that teaches us to steal laptops. In all my years
of attending primary, sunday school, and sacrament meeting, not once have I been
told it is okay to steal. This story is not about the correctness of the LDS
religion or about the snugness or perceived snugness of members. ( There is
both) This is about a guy who made a bad choice and may have some mental issues.
I hope he gets his life back on track. I don't care about his movies or him
being an actor, but he is a person. So I wish him well.
B-rock | 10:07 a.m. July 18, 2008
Bob, I beg to differ. I know Michael better then anyone, He is my brother.If
this were to happen to me it would not have been worthy enough to be on KJAZZ or
what ever home run cable station that is run from somebodies basement in Utah.
Mike has issues, we all have issues and for the media to run a story like this
they sure must of had a slow day. For all those who think he is a LDS memember,
he is not, so there will be no sessions with the Bishop, sorry to dissapoint.
Mike needs support, cant give it then shut your pie holes and go find someone
you you can help.
Comments continue below
John Lambert | 10:54 a.m. July 18, 2008
To Mark,
What is so wrong with the leaders in Salt Lake City leading the church? If Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God who holds all the keys of the priesthood what principal does he break by giving direction and guidance to local leaders of the church?
President Davies of the Warm Springs Stake said there were other issues involved with Hardy besides the calendar. One thing that seems to have been against him was his unwillingness to head the counsel of his church leaders.
However what even is worse is your assumption that Birkeland will get treated differently than other people. If it is true that he has already been excommunicated, you should at least admit that your stakement that he will not suffer punishment from the church is unfounded.
To the person with questions about people on parole getting baptized, the best answer I can give is someone must have truly repented of all their sins to be baptized. Once someones parole is over they are allowed to be baptized. I have known people who were baptized in such circumstances. Part of the repentance process is making restitution.
What is so wrong with the leaders in Salt Lake City leading the church? If Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God who holds all the keys of the priesthood what principal does he break by giving direction and guidance to local leaders of the church?
President Davies of the Warm Springs Stake said there were other issues involved with Hardy besides the calendar. One thing that seems to have been against him was his unwillingness to head the counsel of his church leaders.
However what even is worse is your assumption that Birkeland will get treated differently than other people. If it is true that he has already been excommunicated, you should at least admit that your stakement that he will not suffer punishment from the church is unfounded.
To the person with questions about people on parole getting baptized, the best answer I can give is someone must have truly repented of all their sins to be baptized. Once someones parole is over they are allowed to be baptized. I have known people who were baptized in such circumstances. Part of the repentance process is making restitution.
John Lambert | 11:05 a.m. July 18, 2008
To the 8:57 poster,
I had just heard people say she had exposed herself in some movies. I think this was a reference to "Havoc" although I am not sure.
I was not saying that all her other roles were bordering on pornographic. I was just saying that she had been in some roles that some people feel were totally out of line with some of her earlier roles.
Anyway, since "Princess Diaries" came out before "The Other Side of Heaven" my point would have been non-existant if I was calling that a pron role.
I had just heard people say she had exposed herself in some movies. I think this was a reference to "Havoc" although I am not sure.
I was not saying that all her other roles were bordering on pornographic. I was just saying that she had been in some roles that some people feel were totally out of line with some of her earlier roles.
Anyway, since "Princess Diaries" came out before "The Other Side of Heaven" my point would have been non-existant if I was calling that a pron role.
PETE | 11:45 a.m. July 18, 2008
Does anyone realize these so called "lds films" are not produced by
the LDS Church. Michael committed a crime and he should be held accountable. I
don't think it is right to tie it back to the LDS church. If anything this
is a black eye for the film company who produces these movies.
wow | 12:01 p.m. July 18, 2008
This is amazing. To B-rock, I am sorry for what you, your parents and the rest
of your family are going through. I am one of Michael's soon to be former
in-laws. I had a friend tell me about this story and looked it up online. All
I can say is, only in Utah... I live in another state and can say that I would
have never heard of Miceal B or any of his movies if he had not married into my
family. I think it is time for some of you people to branch out and find the
world outside of Provo. To the entire Birkeland family, we will continue to pray
for you and Michael and hope for the best for all of you.
prisons and jails | 12:27 p.m. July 18, 2008
Some inmates do take the sacrament. Some inmates teach sunday school, and some
inmates are even allowed to give priesthood blessings to other inmates.
It is common in some prisons to have a sacrament service, but some choose to not serve the sacrament at these services because the majority would be unworthy to take the sacrament.
There are other places where the prisoners do take the sacrament. And, as I said, some prisoners give worthy priesthood blessings to other inmates while serving in prison.
Not all crimes result in disfellowship. Not all prisoners are unworthy or unable to participate in sacrament services.
Just thought I'd help give some information on that kind of thing. I have a friend who is currently serving time and is also a worthy priesthood holder. It is a unique situation, but more common than you might think.
It is common in some prisons to have a sacrament service, but some choose to not serve the sacrament at these services because the majority would be unworthy to take the sacrament.
There are other places where the prisoners do take the sacrament. And, as I said, some prisoners give worthy priesthood blessings to other inmates while serving in prison.
Not all crimes result in disfellowship. Not all prisoners are unworthy or unable to participate in sacrament services.
Just thought I'd help give some information on that kind of thing. I have a friend who is currently serving time and is also a worthy priesthood holder. It is a unique situation, but more common than you might think.
k | 1:00 p.m. July 18, 2008
What if they die before parole is up? What if they are on parole for life? Do
the missionaries even ask this before they walk in the door or do they say after
the formation classes and after they make the decision to be baptized and join
your church, oops out of luck?
I seem to recall a certain criminal next to Jesus - not done dying that got forgiven.
I seem to recall a certain criminal next to Jesus - not done dying that got forgiven.
To John Lambert from "8:57" | 1:30 p.m. July 18, 2008
Hm. OK, fine. I thought your earlier post read like you were accusing her of
largely "porn" roles, but hey, we're not all always as clear as
we'd like to be here. And sometimes we read too hastily, too. With your
explanation--no biggie.
The Hollywood acting mentality, for better or for worse, is to explore "challenging" roles and try to defy typecasting. If you want to be known as a skilled actor/actress, you must "have a range," as it were. In today's entertainment industry, that unfortunately often means taking up the proverbial "bad-guy" or "bad-girl" roles--sadly entailing violence, swearing, showing skin, etc.--in the name of professional success. ("Honors of men.")
That was apparently Anne Hathaway's intent with "Havoc." Not to throw stones into the hornet's nest, but it might have been part of Kirby Heybourne's rationale for the beer commercial, too.
Michael's actions were off-screen, of course. I'm not sure of his motivation, but even though what he's accused of doing is clearly not right, God alone is qualified to judge his soul.
As a character once astutely observed in the stage play "Calamity Jane": "Actors are crazy people." :)
The Hollywood acting mentality, for better or for worse, is to explore "challenging" roles and try to defy typecasting. If you want to be known as a skilled actor/actress, you must "have a range," as it were. In today's entertainment industry, that unfortunately often means taking up the proverbial "bad-guy" or "bad-girl" roles--sadly entailing violence, swearing, showing skin, etc.--in the name of professional success. ("Honors of men.")
That was apparently Anne Hathaway's intent with "Havoc." Not to throw stones into the hornet's nest, but it might have been part of Kirby Heybourne's rationale for the beer commercial, too.
Michael's actions were off-screen, of course. I'm not sure of his motivation, but even though what he's accused of doing is clearly not right, God alone is qualified to judge his soul.
As a character once astutely observed in the stage play "Calamity Jane": "Actors are crazy people." :)
Anonymous | 1:30 p.m. July 18, 2008
I've made some mistakes myself, and I feel really terrible about them
afterwards and I want to repent and forget about it as quickly as possible, and
I don't want everyone to know about it...this is horrible...couldn't
we just not be informed about these things? It is so sad that the 3000 dollar
bail money would have really bought a nice computer...
Jessica | 2:20 p.m. July 18, 2008
The real crime is his acting. He should have been arrested for that years ago.
Anonymous | 2:36 p.m. July 18, 2008
Amen, Jessica! Amen!
You crack me up!
You crack me up!
Crow in clover | 4:12 p.m. July 18, 2008
Michael B. I loved the hometeacher movie. It's the closest thing to
hometeachers and the church that my grown children will tolerate. You have done
good in the world. Now maybe a little bad, no harm, no foul. If it were my
laptop I'd be mad but I'd get over it. Come clean you are loved!
Anonymous | 4:55 p.m. July 18, 2008
I had a laptop stolen at UVSC last year. It was a good laptop, but I figured the
poor student must have needed it more than I did. Good luck to Michael.
k | 5:16 p.m. July 18, 2008
From what I understand though I have never done it, you pay 10% or so of the
bail to a bondsman and if you don't show they get the rest + their fee....
So he didn't necessarily hand over 3K yet. If a person who does commit a
crime - we don't yet know if he did - the punishment should be higher than
the value of the item stolen....
I didn't know... | 5:23 p.m. July 18, 2008
that Ann Hathaway was in the Other Side of Heaven, I loved that movie, I also
loved the Princess movies.
OK folks, I said the "D" word and the "H" word, I am not saying who I am, cause Deseret News will report it and I will be exposed to my bishop and all of you will drag me through the mud.
OH, and all of you that are judging this guy, please come to my house, I am really needing a bunch of stones removed from my back yard, I will donate them to you all to throw.
OK folks, I said the "D" word and the "H" word, I am not saying who I am, cause Deseret News will report it and I will be exposed to my bishop and all of you will drag me through the mud.
OH, and all of you that are judging this guy, please come to my house, I am really needing a bunch of stones removed from my back yard, I will donate them to you all to throw.
BIG DEAL | 6:53 p.m. July 18, 2008
Whoever is without sin cast the first stone... and may I add, WHO CARES!
Bob | 7:07 p.m. July 18, 2008
Someone said that because I mentioned that Mormons and Non-Mormons should
evaluate their own lives before judging others like Michael B. that I am being
judgemental. Isn't that a judgement in itself what I should do. I am honest
and it is the truth. We all should take care of our own business in our
backyards before going into someone else's. I spent 4 years as a
professional road comic and did comedy shows all over the west coast and some
with Michael B. at a place formerly known as Johnny's B's in Provo
that has since closed and a place called Fat, Dumb and Happy's in Orem
before it changed hands to Wiseguys. Again, to judge entertainers as some of
these ignorant people are is plain wrong. I was offered many things when I
traveled on the road to do comedy. It is a fun life but a tough one. Michael B.
loved people and wouldn't say bad things about people like people that are
posting comments here are saying about him. He had problems and I know what some
of them were. Give him and it a rest.
Bob | 8:55 p.m. July 18, 2008
the shows over. You can go home now. Goodnight. Bob, goodnight. No Bob really
goodnight!
The picture | 8:58 p.m. July 18, 2008
of Michael looks like he's ordering two pizzas. lol
Anonymous | 9:09 p.m. July 18, 2008
So many people argue about whether his religion is news. Maybe it is maybe it
isn't but "The News" today is not an unbiased information source
(I'm not sure it ever was) it is facts strung together with literary style
commentary. One of the greatest subjects in all literature from Oedipus down to
the French Lieutenant's Woman is IRONY. Irony is still compelling and
sells today. Look at all the wonderful comments this article has received
merely because it pointed out the irony of a man who makes religious themed
films and his apparently non religious actions in real life. Don't kid
yourself, nothing in journalism is done without some sensationalizing it's
just how it works and those of us who have the power to change it are sitting
here commenting on this page and feeding the fire more and more. Proving that
controversy (which almost always involves something ironic) sells papers.
BE FAIR | 9:43 p.m. July 18, 2008
MICHAEL B is a human as we are.He may has his own reasons when doing it.HE has
already had big trouble ,why then we add the burdens by shaming him with lots
irritating words.i'm CATHOLIC.i dont think we should link anyone acts with
his religion.thats not FAIR at all to LDS,just because its member has broken the
law,it doesnt mean the church has to blame.we can hate the act of the
stealing,but dont hate the man or the church.he sure has regretted whats
happended,so dont shame him any longer please!
to The picture | 10:00 p.m. July 18, 2008
Congratulations for being perfect and I just want to say, that was really funny
and clever, glad you will never see a picture of me. I wonder what people would
have said about Saul/Paul if they had seen his picture? It annoys me when
people look at color, size and so forth and they don't have the depth to
look inside someones heart.
Bob | 5:25 a.m. July 19, 2008
No show. Just goes to prove you try be nice and honest and some people want to
destroy good things. How sad some people really are. Too bad some people
can't handle honesty and want to beat around the bush.
lucrative | 12:46 p.m. July 19, 2008
Yea! for Michael B. Bad boy/bad girl behavior is well rewarded in Hollywood.
Way to earn your exposure chops. Best of luck in securing a plethora of roles
that help secure your family's financial future.
To Bob | 4:55 p.m. July 19, 2008
Spite and mean-spiritedness rule these comment boards--as the 8:55 poster
demonstrates. I agree with you that some class and civility as well as honesty
would DEFINITELY be in order. Sadly, many people don't care about decency,
especially here. And too many people confuse "honesty" with
nastiness.
I can hardly wait for some troll to tell me to take my ball and go home for writing that! But in my experience, it's inevitable. Decency and civility will have no place here as long as these comment boards remain fully anonymous.
I can hardly wait for some troll to tell me to take my ball and go home for writing that! But in my experience, it's inevitable. Decency and civility will have no place here as long as these comment boards remain fully anonymous.
giggling | 10:53 a.m. July 20, 2008
to To Bob 4:55pm
You come to irrelevant comment boards about irrelevant "news" articles looking for decency and civility? This is entertainment, pure and simple. This arena is about as real life as the latest swill at the megaplex.
Come. Forget your cares for a moment. Hack your opinions. Enjoy. This has nothing to do with what's real.
You come to irrelevant comment boards about irrelevant "news" articles looking for decency and civility? This is entertainment, pure and simple. This arena is about as real life as the latest swill at the megaplex.
Come. Forget your cares for a moment. Hack your opinions. Enjoy. This has nothing to do with what's real.
research | 11:12 a.m. July 20, 2008
It will probably turn out that Michael was doing research for a new bad
guy/disturbed guy role. His performance will have more dimension now that he
has this experience to draw from.
Marinda | 11:24 a.m. July 20, 2008
First thing I noticed about the accompanying picture was that it was a good
product placement shot for Qwest.
Bit of INFO... | 9:56 a.m. Oct. 25, 2008
Just so you know, I have a relative who acts in these LDS based movies, and he
isn't an active member,... nor would they remotely care if he was. He is
anywhere but perfect when it comes to his standing. This is just his job, and
this is just what he does to pay bills, and this is how we "see them."
Because they have volunteered themselves to be in the public eye, they are also
watched publicly as they are "seen as they fall." THE GOSPEL IS
PERFECT,....THE MEMBERS,.. OR NON-MEMBERS ARENT. So let it be written, so let
it be done! However, free agency is supreme.
Anonymous | 10:02 p.m. Oct. 27, 2008
I know him and he is way more dedicated/sincere to his beliefs than the average
lds person. everyone makes mistakes, who are we to judge? doesn't matter
what religion you are, so what he stole the notebook, most people have done
something like that in their own lives and just haven't been caught. The
guy is hilarious and is true to his religion...just my opinion...
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Halestorm Entertainment
Michael Birkeland in his first lead role in "The Home Teachers."
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She's best known for her roles in the hit tweener flicks "The Princess Diaries" and "Ella Enchanted." She also starred in "Becoming Jane" (based on Jane Austen's life) and had a major role in "Nickolas Nickelby" (based on the Charles Dickens tale). If any of those films are porn, at least one of us is from Mars!
In all fairness, I'm told she also appeared partially nude in a low-budget action film named "Havoc." (Haven't seen it, won't see it.) I'm also not aware what her proverbial exposure was in "The Devil Wears Prada," "Brokeback Mountain," or now-playing "Get Smart." But the word on the street is that "Havoc" was the, um, most-exposed role she's ever played. That's about as "porn" as her roles have been.
Those, John, are the facts as I know them. Be sure to check yours before posting, too!