Just Do It

Larry Wilmore

by Molly Eichel

Fri., Feb., 27, 1 p.m., free, Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595, upenn.bncollege.com

Larry Wilmore has black thoughts to share. Chocolate thoughts, if you want to get technical about it.

In his new book, I'd Rather We Got Casinos (Hyperion, $23.99), the writer, producer and "senior black correspondent" on The Daily Show espouses his beliefs about the simultaneous joy and tragedy of black weathermen, explains why the term "African-American" should be changed to "chocolate," and asks the all-important question: How come brothas never get abducted by UFOs?

Wilmore started the book as a parody of our current prez's best-selling work, The Audacity of Hope, but switched gears when he thought the project would turn into a one-trick pony. Conversely, Casinos benefits from the brevity and diversity of each essay. Wilmore says each piece appeals to his sketch-writing past — from his early days on In Living Color to his current Daily Show segments. "It's taking the easy way out," Wilmore says of his style. "You can write that: Larry is taking the easy way out."

Once his book tour is all said and done, he'll be back on the roster of regular Daily Show contributors. The show, which has given Wilmore the most exposure in his extensive career, is in a precarious position because of the White House's changing of the guard. But Wilmore isn't worried. "Never underestimate an administration's ability to really fuck up," he says. "You can give Democrats a map to heaven they'll end up in hell. And when they get there, they'll meet the Republicans."