LaDawn Black, Thu, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m., Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.

Housewives worship at the self-help shrine of Dr. Phil, but hipper crowds hearken to LaDawn Black, author of Stripped Bare: The 12 Truths That Will Help You Land the Very Best Black Man. In the spirit of Dr. Phil, we asked Black for a few "LaDawnisms" on how to score that special man. Her counsel:

1. Sex isn't a spectator sport. Study your game plan before stepping onto the field. 2. Don't let love just happen to you. Plan and prepare for your ideal relationship. 3. Kick some skirts to the curb. Some of your girls are not interested in your relationship success.