Well, Loyal Readers, 2014 has almost come to a close and with that in mind, it was time for me to get our financials in order so I could pay our staff, make charity donations, and start 2015 planning. Before we get to that though, one order of business: HLS will be taking the week off and will return to you again after Christmas. Simply put, we could all use a break and I want all of us to enjoy Christmas with our friends and families (and you should too!).
On the money end, I’ve always been amazed at the generosity of our staff so we can donate to charity. In 2012, we set a high on this mark by donating $200 to Kelly Cares. This year, we had a total of $450 to donate to charity. Since we had so much, I have split the donation into $225 for both Kelly Cares and Savin’ Aven.
This all happens because of your visits to the site and your purchases from our affiliates using HLS links: Amazon, Bouqs, Prime Sport, and Ticket Monster. Simply put, this doesn’t happen without each and every one of you.
2014 has been a roller coaster not just with Notre Dame football, but for most of the staff. Practically every single one of us had some form of craziness or major shakeups in our personal and professional lives outside the site. Yet, we managed to not just hold it all together to keep cranking out content, but also launch our YouTube and Podcasting channels.
I’m definitely excited to keep the momentum going into 2015. And on that note, I’m happy to announce that we are adding Moons (@IrishMoonJ) to the HLS staff starting in 2015. Moons is a fellow Sorin Otter who taught me many wonders while at ND such as Beer Pong, Forties at Four, and the art of the Shotgun. You have likely seen his work linked in various Roundups and/or have heard him on ND Fan Radio. He’s got a great analytical mind and will be a fantastic addition to our staff. Prepare for more sports math!
Again, a big, hearty thanks to the entire staff and you, the Loyal Reader for a great 2014. Let’s do one more Roundup of links and then we’ll see you after Christmas!
The Roundup
Loads of Harbaugh to Michigan scuttlebutt. However, I think this is the best of all takes on the situation.
Bowl games are important. After all, free food for all of us is on the line:
If Auburn wins Outback Bowl, Outback will give away free Bloomin' Onions nationwide on Jan. 2. If Wisconsin wins, Coconut Shrimp.
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) December 17, 2014
Marcus Mariotta secured the Heisman. This of course means a special appearance in doing the top ten on Letterman. I particularly enjoyed the scorching burn of the Giants and Jets.
Filed under “not shocking”: The Big XII is considering a championship game.
Finally, an in-depth look on figuring out just who ESPN hates. Spoiler alert: the answer is everyone.
Bo Pelini is burning all the bridges. Pelini went on a 30 minute rant in front of his team after he got fired (NSFW language on the audio, but it is AMAZING).
And now your moment of Nix… we’re going a little more sentimental this time.
The Booze
‘Tis the season for Shiner Cheer, y’all.
Texan by birth, Irish by choice.
First-generation Domer and a former student manager, HLS podcast host, HLS Sim creator, Extra Life streamer, and technical problem haver. You can find more non-Notre Dame related writing on his Patreon.
- Epilogue - January 3, 2022
- HLS Podcast Finale - January 2, 2022
- The Final Fiesta: Notre Dame vs Oklahoma State NCAA ’14 Sim - December 31, 2021
Shot gunning is definitely an art. That video is awesome. I was about 2 sections to their right. The roller coaster that game was makes it icing on the cake. So awesome. Here’s to hoping and praying for a bowl win.(cheers) Merry Christmas!