Bear Down, Chicago Bears ... Chicago Symphony Orchestra

MIAMI -- The following email and link are being widely circulated among displaced Chicagoans everywhere in light of the Bears' berth in Super Bowl XLI.

It's fine music, actually, and an example of how a sports team -- no matter pro, college or high school -- can promote a sense of community like few other civic elements.

And before I get charged and convicted for being a homer -- I am an Illinois native -- I already am on record with the Indianapolis Star with a prediction of Colts, 24-17, for the game Sunday.

Covering the Bengals and NFL for seven years has removed my rooting interest, not that it was even still that strong in 2000. I do appreciate the game more than ever. I am fascinated by the NFL as an industry and its grip on American society and, increasingly, its popularity around the world.

I don't root for the Bears. I don't root for the Bengals. But, selfishly, I must admit, I was rooting hard in the AFC Championship Game for New England to lose. I didn't want to cover the Patriots in the Super Bowl for the fourth time in the past six years -- though I have tremendous respect for that franchise's sustained excellence in the free agency era.