a touch of tuesday weld

The Betty Broderick Case: The Truth About Dan Broderick

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 05:48:00 +0000

Daniel T. Broderick III

aka "Danny Boy"

aka "The Count du Money"

I have returned to this blog for one post, because I think it is important.

So many of you have read my posts about Betty Broderick and her crimes. With the recent interest in the case due to the Dirty John television show, I felt it was necessary to post some truths about who Daniel T. Broderick III was regarding his first wife, the mother of his children, and ultimately his murderer, Betty.

The short answer: he was not a nice person, he was shady, he was dishonest, and he was a gaslighting philanderer.

The San Diego Bar Association hands out an annual award in Dan Broderick's name, supposedly for civility and integrity as an attorney. Sorry, I don't see it.

***********

Dan Broderick had so much integrity as an attorney, had so much professionalism and regard for the law, and displayed so much civility, he stood by while the mother of his children, who was, as he claimed loudly and often, so mentally unstable she could not be trusted to have custody of said children, to *represent herself* in their divorce proceedings.

Dan Broderick had so much integrity as an attorney, and so much respect for the law and judgments passed down upon him, that he continued to "fine" his ex-wife Betty from his court-ordered support payments for behavior he deemed to be improper. Dan Broderick was ordered to stop his self-imposed "fining" system for Betty as part of the Broderick v. Broderick divorce settlement, an order that he almost immediately disregarded with the very first support payment.

Dan Broderick had so much civility and respect for the mother of his four children, he actually sent Betty a support check with a negative amount one month, a result of his own self-conceived, self-imposed "fining" system as a means of punishing Betty for behavior that he and Linda Kolkena deemed unseemly.

Dan Broderick was so full of integrity, he refused to pay the attorney retainer and fees for Betty to hire Dan Jaffe, a well-known and excellent attorney from Los Angeles. This is no doubt because Jaffe would have seen through Dan's legal shenanigans and taken him to the cleaners...or at least see that Betty was awarded what was rightfully hers. Even after Jaffe was no longer officially involved with the case, he wrote a letter to the family courts in San Diego protesting how Betty Broderick was being mistreated, both legally and otherwise, by Danny Boy and his cohorts.

Dan Broderick was so full of integrity, he used his influence in the San Diego courts so his divorce proceedings with Betty were not open to the public.

Dan Broderick was so full of integrity, he sent his young sons to school when they were sick, rather than allow their mother to care for them. The boys were also sent to school in filthy clothes, and unwashed. A sick and ailing Rhett, too ill to remain in school, was taken by Dan back to his law office, instead of home and bed, or to the care of his loving and willing mother.

Dan Broderick was so full of integrity, he ignored the pleas of his sons, who begged to be returned to the custody of their mother, Betty. Dan Broderick never behaved in his children's best interests. The children did not like to live at Dan's house. They were being raised by housekeepers and ignored by their father. They disliked Linda Kolkena so much, they would not speak to her. Dan constantly upended whatever plans Betty may have had with her children, very often cancelling at the very last minute. The final instance of this was Halloween 1989, roughly a week before the murders. (It must be noted that Dan Broderick and Linda Kolkena would likely still be alive today, had Dan returned the boys to Betty. Being denied her children for another school year, via a remarkably childish and unprofessional pair of letters from Dan's attorney, Kathleen Cuffaro, was, according to Betty, the final straw.)

Dan Broderick's version of integrity included leaving his heavily pregnant wife alone to go on a ski trip with friends. When Betty went into labor, he refused to come home from his vacation to help her and to mind the children they already had. The baby died right after it was born. Danny Boy's only complaint was that the entire matter ruined his ski vacation; he would not pay to bury his baby son, and to this day, Betty does not know where his remains are.

Dan Broderick was so full of civility, he saw it fit to break things when he was angry, which was often. Two items: a lawnmower that he destroyed with a sledgehammer, and the family aquarium dropped from an upstairs window. Danny Boy also repeatedly abused the family dogs by kicking them; nor would he allow the dogs in his Marston Hills home, forcing them to live in a makeshift dog run regardless of the weather.

Dan Broderick was so full of integrity, he permitted others in the San Diego legal community to insult Linda Kolkena to her face for her lack of education (her formal education ended at high school). Remember, Linda Kolkena was Dan's paralegal as well as his girlfriend, and Linda represented Dan and his clients.

Dan Broderick was so full of integrity, the Broderick divorce file "went missing" in the months leading up to the divorce hearing. This apparently greatly troubled Betty. It apparently did not bother Danny Boy in the least, and the file miraculously resurfaced right before the divorce trial, almost to the day.

Dan Broderick had so much integrity, he did not seek custody of his troubled daughter Lee, whose life fell apart after Dan dumped Betty, the mother of his four children, for Linda Kolkena, a 21-year-old. Nor did Dan Broderick object when Lee was awarded to Betty by the divorce judge; you know, Betty, who was supposedly a lunatic.

(Lee Broderick was left out of Dan Broderick's will by Dan Broderick, notarized by Linda Kolkena. She did not receive monies from his estate.)

Dan Broderick had so much professionalism, he permitted his clients to avail themselves of the services of a high school graduate with next to no legal or professional training. Linda Kolkena's sole qualification for her position as Dan's paralegal was, at least at first, the one she took during lunchtime trysts with Dan in nearby cheap hotels.

Dan Broderick had at least three documented instances of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the accidents he caused while drunk.

Dan Broderick sought the "services" of a hit man to kill Betty, according to Jack Earley, Betty's defense attorney. Earley was prepared to introduce at trial credible evidence that Dan Broderick wanted to have the mother of his children killed. The judge did not allow the evidence in.

Finally, Dan Broderick had so much civility, integrity, and professionalism, that he spread entirely untrue rumors in the San Diego community that Betty, his wife of 16 years, loving mother to his children, and early childhood teacher, was a child molester.

The Beatles Said It Best.

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 04:23:00 +0000

Thank you for eight wonderful years, readers.
Love, Laura

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.

A Touch Of Tuesday Weld
2007-2015

Found Photos: Glamour de tous les cheveux!

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 06:47:00 +0000

Hair this fabulous deserves some of my awful French!

The glamour of it all!

From 1967: The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous (And The Commercial That Made My Heart Go A-Flutter)

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 29 May 2015 17:27:00 +0000

Somebody get me that time machine, because this is the version of adulthood in which I want to live.

Just two career gals...Sally and Janet, we'll call them...two bachelor gals living together in their own fifth-floor walk-up apartment, in The Big City, and all that that implies.

They don't plan on being in the secretarial pool at Dewey, Cheatem, and Thensome forever, of course. In fact, they both have great hopes for the two young go-getters from the accounting department at the office...Stan and Hal, we'll call them...who are coming around for chips and dip and maybe a lively game of Scrabble, perhaps a bit of dancing to the records Sally and Janet so carefully set out on the Hi-Fi. Everyone likes Stan Getz, right? Sure they do. And that "Corcovado" song is just right for slow dancing, should things go well.

Carefully coiffed, nine thousand gallons of hairspray used between the two of them to lacquer their looks into place, Sally and Janet are no floozies. Sure, they're modern girls, and both like a good time. They'll invite a suitor or two into their apartment for some laughs. But try some Funny Business, and you'll be shown the door. A girl has to have morals, after all, even if it is the Space Age. Men don't buy the cow when they can drink the milk for free!

Or, apparently, drink mind-boggling amounts of Schlitz. I don't think neither Stan nor Hal are very marriage-minded at all, bringing that much beer to the party like Sally and Janet are a couple of good-time floozies! A girl always prefers pretty flowers to a couple of six-packs, fellas!

"Can you believe that Stan? He tried to cop a feel while we were dancing!" Sally huffed, as she took off her pearls.

"And he seemed like such a doll at the Christmas party," said Janet. Then she sighed, unhooked her left stocking, and daintily yanked it from her leg.

Random Kitties: James Bond Edition

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 12:48:00 +0000

Sean Connery cuddles a kitten on the set of Dr. No, 1962.

From 1966: How Much Do Those Go-Go Boots Weigh?

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 12:12:00 +0000

1966

Note that the "diet" involves no solid food for almost a week.
Be sure to double-click the graphic so you get all of the depressing copy.

From 1993: Jeremy Jordan...All Right

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 15:53:00 +0000

Haters gonna hate.

I love this song.

It was the one saving grace from that horrid spring of 1993, when my entire worldview was shattered by Dylan McKay choosing slutty Kelly over soulful Brenda.

And no, I am still not over it.

For those of you who do not remember (perhaps because you are too young...yeesh!), Beverly Hills, 90210 had popular tunes and videos playing over the ending credits most of the time. This song was one of them, and had a little Donna Martin cameo at the very beginning, standing at a jukebox at the Peach Pit. She looks up and says, "Jeremy Jordan...all right!"

Halloween 1963

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 09:51:00 +0000

From 1957: Andy Warhol, The Early Years

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 07:10:00 +0000

July 1957

Harper's Bazaar

From 1966: Hair-Hoppin' Glamour!

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 07:20:00 +0000

1966

Let me tell you, it takes a lot of effort and dedication to get a hairdo this high. If that isn't the very epitome of La Glamour, I don't know what is.

Found on what is turning out to be an absolute treasure trove for my beloved Found Photos, Pinterest.

1982: I Think Old People Are Really Boring

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 07:25:00 +0000

Oh, Rik. I will miss you so much.

I'll never forget watching The Young Ones on MTV in early 1988, after 120 Minutes. No other show before or since knocked me on my ass more. It changed my comedic sensibilities forever, and for the better, and Rik Mayall was a HUGE part of that.

The People's Poet Is Dead

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 03:06:00 +0000

Rik Mayall

1958 - 2014

Found Photos: Prom Glamour!

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Wed, 07 May 2014 00:35:00 +0000

Hopeful pastel-colored tissue-paper blooms, the lovely smile of a young lady wearing what I suspect is the product of many hours of labor by her mother at a sewing machine and a Simplicity pattern (or perhaps she made it All By Herself in her Home Ec class), the proud yet slightly sheepish smile of a tall young man who is thrilled to be the young lady's escort (so you can forgive his predilection for plaid)...it's photos like these that keep me blogging here.

For more Prom Glamour, be sure to check out my tribute to Prom 1965!

From April 1965: Whipped Cream and Other Delights

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 07:21:00 +0000

I've always said that 1965 was the best year for music.

Certainly it brought to listeners one of the most iconic records of the decade, if not ever. Not just for the music, mind you (but oh, that music was fabulous!)...but that sexy, salacious, audacious album cover.

You know the one, because chances are, your parents had this record in their collection, too.

Let's have a cocktail party.

Put the kids to bed early, put this record on the hi-fi, and put the nibbles on the coffee table. I hope I made enough rumaki for everyone...

I'll have a vodka gimlet, please, darling. Will you zip up my new dress?

Now, sweetheart, remember...you promised not to get too tight and argue politics with Stan Facemeyer like you did the other night at the Howards'. Linda Facemeyer is one of my very best friends, and we hate it when you boys argue.

*DING DONG* Get the door, will you, sweetie? I can't go out there without my lipstick!

Voodoo Child: Susan Cowsill

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 09:35:00 +0000

At the tender age of eight, Susan Cowsill appeared with "family band" The Cowsills on The Ed Sullivan Show. You read that right: she was eight years old.

She may have been a kid, but she works that tambourine and sings like she was born to be in the band with her brothers and mother. You can't take your eyes off of her. Whatever "it factor" was or is, little Susan had it, and in spades. She was a groovy little chick, a real voodoo child. And when that young lady started dancing? Forget it. The girl had moves.

CBS flubbed the audio on the first verse and chorus in this clip. Stick with it; when the mikes get switched on properly, you get to hear the band's remarkable vocals.

All of the Cowsill children were the victims of their militant, domineering father, Bud. The Cowsills were so liked by Ed Sullivan, he wanted them for an unheard-of TEN guest appearances for the show. However, because of the audio flub by CBS at the beginning of the song, Bud had a huge argument with the Sullivan people.

The Cowsills would only appear once more on the show.

UPDATE from October 2014: I found this clip, a medley of tunes showcasing each individual member. Little Susan belts out "Sweet-talkin' Guy."

Susan Cowsill today. (She's still a groovy chick.)

Random Kitties: Christmas 1970

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 10:52:00 +0000

"Joanie, you look so pretty in that Nehru jacket! Go pose with Mr. Whiskers by the tree."

I am a big fan of "found photos."

You've heard of this, right? People go to flea markets and garage sales and buy up old unwanted photographs for their own use and enjoyment.

At first, I thought this was the saddest pursuit I had ever come across. Then I changed my mind. Photos don't have to lose their purpose when they become orphaned; no, instead photos and their subjects find new lives, new appreciation, and no one is forgotten.

After all, what is a photograph? I am a person. I walked on this planet. I had a life, and someone thought to document a moment of that life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. I was here.

Now I myself am an avid collector. And the Internet, Pinterest especially, is a fountain of such photos. My favorites involve people posing with their pets. Since I am a much-abused human belonging to a cat, I like photos with kitties the best...so much so, "Random Kitties" is a new category here on this blog.

November 23rd, 1979...On ABC

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 20:53:00 +0000

Nothing warms the jaded cockles of my heart like a fresh big ole' mess of commercials from 1979. It's like God heard my prayer, (no, not the one where The Almighty starts bestowing upon me an unlimited supply of Xanax-infused Magnum ice cream bars, the other prayer) and He had me find His bountiful, um, bounty on YouTube just now.

These commercials aired on ABC on November 23rd, 1979.

1. Contac
2. Mystique Books
3. Maybelline Eye Color Styling Pencils
4. Tostitos
5. Promo for "The Ropers", "Detective School", "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island"
6. ABC Station ID
7. TV Spot for "10"
8. Chimere
9. Promo for "When She Was Bad"
10. "Playboy's Roller Disco & Pajama Party" Commercial Bumper
11. Promo for "Mork & Mindy"
12. Eyewitness News Update
13. Amoco
14. Promo for "Ski Scene"
15. KSTP Station ID
16. One A Day Plus Iron
17. Signal
18. Promo for "Eight Is Enough", "Charlie's Angels" and "Vega$"
19. Hefty
20. Ruffles
21. Pepsi
22. Mazda RX-7
23. "Playboy's Roller Disco & Pajama Party" End Credits

I must have done something to please Our Lord. Oh, I know what it must have been: I didn't steal 23 packets of chopsticks at the conveyor belt sushi joint yesterday like I usually do. Thanks, Santa Jesus!

"When She Was Bad" = "When Television Movies Had Cheryl Ladd and Robert Urich In Them, And Life Was Great"

Dorothy Stratten was featured heavily in the Playboy show, both roller-skating in a bikini and dancing in modest lingerie with The Village People (ironically, to a song called, "Are You Ready For The Eighties?"). You don't see her in this clip, but it's easy to find on YouTube.

All kidding aside...I know Dorothy was a gift from God.
It hurts to look at her, knowing that her happiness on earth would be so brief.

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:20:00 +0000

Pete Seeger
1919-2014

From 1975: Kim, In The Fourth Grade

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 03:06:00 +0000

Beautiful.

I wonder if Kim's mother made that dress for her.

2014: The Reckoning

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 21:38:00 +0000

Brought to you by the most racist candy ever made...

Kitty-cat related advertising for now-defunct soft drinks...

The original cast of The Facts Of Life...

The Smylie Family...

My beloved Hee Haw lunchbox....

A scrumptious Swanson TV dinner...

And my favorite random 1975 photo of all time.

I'm back, bitches.

"...so I have more time to tease my hair to dizzying heights!"

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 12:36:00 +0000

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Convenient Meats as much as the next gal, especially in a party setting, as I am usually too shy to speak to anyone and wind up drowning my sorrows in several party-size platters of assorted cold cuts.

And I am willing to overlook the fact that Our Lovely Hostess has apparently chosen to go with a quasi-Polynesian theme for her Whores Devores (hors d'oeuvres). You just know those cherries came straight from a glorious syrupy jar, and the pineapple is courtesy of Dole!

I can't, however, overlook the hair. It fascinates me. The amount of engineering...not to mention hairspray...involved in this coiffure belongs in The Hairdo Hall Of Fame. If one exists. And if one doesn't, should I start one?

If It's Friday, That Means "Frampton"

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 20:47:00 +0000

What a living doll.

I haven't been around much lately. I've been really busy with actual writing work, and while I always mean to update this blog, it always seems to fall by the proverbial wayside.

Do you ever read Peter Frampton's Facebook page? If you don't, you should, as in, yesterday. He is a very funny, very droll individual. He writes about his music as well as other little tidbits from his life, such as going to the mall so he can browse at the Apple store.

Here's my favorite of his, a 1975 recording of "Doobie Wah."

From 1983: Radio Free Europe

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 07:13:00 +0000

I know, I know. I'm on a major 1983 kick right now.
Hang in there with me; it'll pass.

I'm posting this clip simply because I can't stop watching it.
It's just that good.

p.s. This was one of the earliest examples of me falling madly in love with a gay man. Man, Michael Stipe was such a cutie, with all of that angst and gorgeous curly hair.

From 1979: KISS Colorforms Set

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 20:29:00 +0000

Dear Santa.

Thirty Years Ago Today, Courtesy Of Casey Kasem

noreply@blogger.com (laura linger) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 19:48:00 +0000

1983 was an unbelievable summer for music.

I remember it like it was yesterday...listening to WFBQ, Indianapolis' own Q95, for hours on end, laying out in Suzanne's back yard, drenched in Coppertone tanning lotion, drinking Tab (Diet Coke was still a very new product that summer).

I was twelve...going on twenty-seven. Boy crazy and made up like a cocktail waitress most of the time. Was there a better purple eyeshadow than Aziza, in those days? I don't think so. But yeah, most of the time, I was all dolled up like I belonged in Vegas, not in our humble home in Lafayette, Indiana.

Here's to thirty years ago, here's to great music, and here's to Casey Kasem: a voice every bit as cherished to our generation as the records we spun during that long, hot, distant summer.