Special Sendoff For A Best Friend

Yesterday marked the end of an era at Quinn & Co. with the departure of my adored colleague and very dear friend Morty. Tonight, my co-workers and I surprised him with an intimate dinner at Lazzarra's, a cozy bistro in NYC’s Garment District that serves up delicious thin crust pizza.

BFF: Morty and me at his farewell dinner, photographed by fabulous fellow Quinnling, Danielle

Morty is leaving to get his phD in psychology, a field that is a perfect match for his intelligent, analytical mind and compassionate, insightful understanding of how people think and feel.

“I’m sorry that you’re leaving for a lot of reasons,” Quinn & Co. president Florence told Morty. “For your specialness, for your personality like no one else’s that makes everybody feel so good.”

With his infectious wit and effervescent charm – not to mention a knack for effusive, adjective-laden emails and a spot-on Tracy Chapman impersonation -- Morty brightened up everyone’s workday, mine especially.

All Smiles: Morty with the mug I gave him to eliminate the coffee cup pileup at his desk!

It’s no accident that I’ve affectionately called Morty my work husband. For the last three years, he has been my number one office confidante, the person whose sage advice and heartfelt hugs I’ve grown accustomed to enjoying on a daily basis.

After dinner tonight, Morty and I walked arm in arm through Times Square. As we hugged and talked about getting together next week, I could feel us beginning a new chapter in our friendship. Though it was a bittersweet one, I felt comforted. Because I know, even with all the wonderful memories we’ve shared already -- the best is yet to come.

Tina Turner: Simply The Best

Tina’s back – and she’s still simply the best.

Monday night, I had the great pleasure of seeing Tina Turner at Madison Square Garden. Eight years have passed since I last saw Tina perform, but the legendary singer –who just turned 69 a few days ago – proved once again that she still knows how to bring the house down.

Still Rockin' At 69: Tina Turner kicks up her heels at MSG

In an energetic two-hour show packed with dazzling choreography and special effects that included pyrotechnics, risers and ninja characters, Tina took all of us in the audience on a nostalgic journey spanning her five decades in show business.

After opening with vintage hits like “Steamy Windows” and “River Deep, Mountain High,” Tina delighted with a string of more recent classics, including "Better Be Good To Me," “Private Dancer” and one of my all time favorites, “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” Tina called on everyone to sing along, playfully pitting the women in the audience against the men. When the guys failed to deliver, she said playfully--

“We’ll give you another chance -- like we always do.”

For her movie power ballads “Goldeneye” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero,“ Tina pulled out all the stops, with film clips and theatrical staging.

Aunty Entity Returns: Tina revisits her role from 1985's "Mad Mad Beyond Thunderdome"

A montage of photos and videos of Tina through the years, the perfect segue way to a heartfelt, bluesy rendition of The Beatles’ “Help!” and then two of her most exhilarating signature hits -- “The Best” and “Proud Mary.”

She's Got Legs: Tina struts her stuff as she sings "Proud Mary"

During her encore, just as she did during her 2000 tour, Tina soared over the first 20 rows on a cherry picker while she sang “Nutbush City Limits.”

What A View: Tina soars over the crowd during her encore

She drew thunderous applause when she urged two special audience members -- Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes -- to sing along.

As Tina took her final bow, the large screen behind her rolled a list of producing credits for her fiftieth anniversary tour. I marveled once again at the fact that this dynamic diva is approaching 70. If a fountain of youth exists, there’s no question – the ageless Miss Turner has most definitely found it.

Holiday Shopping For A Worthy Cause

Tonight, my friend Cindy and I attended an after hours holiday shopping event at luxe jeweler Judith Ripka on Madison Avenue. The by invitation only event was a benefit for North Shore Animal League, with 10% of sales going to the non-profit humane society.

As Cindy and I browsed the stunning baubles on display -- from teardrop diamond earrings to opal pendants -- we enjoyed Champagne and passed crudités that included mini salmon quesadillas and a tasty eggplant and cream cheese concoction.

I also had the pleasure of catching up with another good friend, veteran PR maven Cyndee. Cyndee and I met years ago, when we were both slogging away as writers working the overnight shift at WNBC-TV here in New York.

PR Gals Night Out: Cyndee and me at Judith Ripka's Holiday Shopping Night for North Shore Animal League

Our paths crossed again after we both found ourselves working in travel PR. She’s one of my most in-the-know single gal pals when it comes to what’s happening in the Big Apple -- and a big sweetheart besides.

Cyndee introduced me to North Shore’s delightful PR manager Dianne, who told me that tonight’s event brought in a few sales. Founded 54 years ago, North Shore Animal League is the largest animal adoption agency in the world, rescuing and adopting nearly 30,000 animal orphans annually.

The league is supported 100% by voluntary donations. I’m looking forward to including them on my holiday gift list -- and to attending more fun events benefiting man’s best friend.

The Bendable Rules of Dating

Last night, during a family getaway in Jacksonville, my cousin C received a random text message from a guy she met recently at a bar. The “Happy Thanksgiving, Beautiful” missive was a surprise, given that he had abruptly told C it wouldn’t work between them because she wasn’t available on the night he wanted to get together.

As I listened to C’s tale, I couldn’t help thinking about some of the unexpected communications I’ve received from the opposite sex -- and how some dating rules seem to bend the longer that you’re single.

Like my cousin, I received a text message out of the blue in September from H, a 40-year-old real estate lawyer (and my ex’s best friend) who disappeared after we had reconnected two months before. The message was a last-minute invite to a Mets game. I laughed, amused by the brazenness of his request.

Strike Three: A last-minute Mets game invite led to another go-round with my ex’s best friend

A few days later, I opted to give H another chance -- something the more rules oriented me in my twenties probably wouldn’t have even considered.

With my 35th birthday less than two months away, I like to think I’ve become more open minded about giving chemistry some time -- specifically, a maximum of three dates -- to develop.

Most recently, I’ve gone out three times with a journalist of British descent. All of those evenings passed without any attempt by either of us at a kiss goodnight. I’m happy to exceed my three-date rule and see what happens on a fourth date. If no sparks materialize, then I’ll say sayonara. Because some dating rules, especially those governing the laws of attraction, can only be bent so far.