The continued existence of the city of New Orleans is a pustule on the anus of America. The sooner it disappears the more incrementally rational this country will be. And the NBA presence in this city down under water is an embarrassment to the Association. They wouldn't have a team if the soft-hearted league hadn't insisted in transferring the original Charlotte "Hornets" out of sympathy for the city that deserves none for insisting on existing where only fish call home. But this star-crossed franchise compels, alas, respect, for they are playing good basketball on their flooded floor and tonight beat one of the best in the league, Beer, 107-100. My contempt for all things NOL precludes congratulations, but it is noted as an accomplishment, with continued contempt.