National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice had just testified for the 9/11 commission the day before.

That's all it took to get him riled up.

"It was like watching an insane person explain why they're sane," he said. "Just say you screwed up, and don't act like it didn't hurt us."

The so-called "foremost commentator on everything," known best for his recurring spot on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," will perform at the Rococo Theatre on Friday evening as part of his Rules of Enragement tour.

Black is notorious for his "colorful" language on stage. He never holds back and visibly tries to communicate his energy and passion to his audiences.

Though Black said he's never short on subjects to tackle (indecency, gay marriage and other facets of modern life), the war in Iraq has been on his front burner.

It's clear Black has some, um -- "reservations" about the war, and he's not holding back. From the United Nations to Saddam Hussein, there are few issues Black wonít touch.

"You don't go into a country like (Iraq) by yourself," he said, his voice increasing in intensity.

"We went into a place that was run by a crazy schizo for years, and we expected those people to be sane."

Black's performance set changes about every eight months. Since he has spent much of his time recently touring, he uses audience reactions to help mold his routines.

Surprisingly, there are two taboo topics Black does avoid: war on days of heavy fire and abortion.

"I usually avoid abortion completely," he said. "It's like a lightning rod."

Aside from recent stops at America's various performance venues, an upcoming HBO special and a pilot for ABC have consumed Black.

"Lewis Black: Black on Broadway" will debut May 15 at 9 p.m. Taped last February at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York, the special features material from his current tour. He takes on national security, corporate fraud and health fads, to name a few.

The ABC pilot, which recently began filming, takes place in a high school. Black co-stars as the school's principal with Michael Boatman (formerly of "Spin City"). Victor Fresco, who was one of the creators of "Andy Richter Controls the Universe," is the pilot's writer.

"I will put a fairly big chunk of myself into this role," Black said.

Television seems to be a safe home for Black. When he's not appearing on it, he likes watching it.