As I looked through the newspaper on New Year's Day morning, I couldn't help but notice the listing of college football bowl games that would be inundating the television screen during the day and evening. I saw that Northwestern was playing and, since I was home, I put on the TV to watch.

My son, Charles, went to Northwestern. That's my connection to the school. Although I don't follow Northwestern football with great zeal, I tend to check how the team is doing during the season. I'll check them out when they're on TV.... if I have nothing better to do.

That being said, I am not sure that I can say that I am a fan of Northwestern. I've seen "Fans" and no, I am not one of them. (Who among us bleeds orange?)

What makes a person a fan? The psychology of spectator sports is complex enough, but what makes someone have that special affinity and loyalty to a particular team?

As a kid, I remember how deeply connected I was to the success of the football Giants. Nothing mattered except whether they won or lost. If someone were to ask, I guess I would have labeled myself a Giants fan. Also, the Mets (increasingly difficult). Everyone in New York seems to be a Yankees fans - except my late father-in-law. It's easy to be a Knicks fans (especially this season), and, since their move to Brooklyn, the Nets are compelling. The true test for us New Yorkers is when the Yankees play the Mets, the Knicks play the Nets, or the Jets play the Giants.  Can't avoid making a choice. Oh, the joys of living in a great metropolis! (I've left out our hockey teams but I hear the season is back on.)

But what do we do when none of our hometown teams are in the playoffs -- like this year's football season? Do we watch? Who do we root for? My daughter lives in Seattle, so I guess I'd like them to win. If Seattle isn't in the game, perhaps I 'll just root for the under-dog --- that's always a safe bet (no pun intended).