iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

I'm not sure who follows me here, BUUUT: I'm doing some editing for Extra Points, @mattbrown.bsky.social's newsletter about college sports business and policy and wonky off-field stuff. And I get to solicit freelance pitches! If you've got a story you want to tell, email me! joan@extrapointsmb.com

040

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

New for @washingtonpost.com: I obtained copies of drafts for a college sports bill that could be introduced in the House this week. The drafted language is very NCAA friendly, ticking through their longstanding asks + then some. There's a hearing Thursday. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...

washingtonpost.com

Congress could soon introduce a very NCAA-friendly bill

The Post obtained copies of draft legislation from two House committees that addresses the priorities the NCAA has spent years lobbying for.

174

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Matt Brown @mattbrown.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

NEW EXTRA POINTS: We have a new assignment editor (Hello Joan Niesen!) and a bunch of mid-major realignment gossip to share: www.extrapointsmb.com/p/get-ready-...

extrapointsmb.com

Get ready for even more mid-major conference realignment

After a quiet Spring, June could be full of action. Plus a hiring announcement!

3242

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

I forgot to post this on Saturday, which was Independent Bookstore Day, but better late than never: I’ve been working at Wonderland Books part-time for the past few months, and I wrote about the joy and community of bookstores.

joanniesen.substack.com

go to a bookstore today

It's Independent Bookstore Day, and you have no reason not to celebrate.

030

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Jeff Bezos, who spiked a WaPo endorsement of Harris and mugged for pictures at Trump's inauguration, wants everyone to know he does *not* bear any responsibility for this.

1433628952

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 18/04/2025

Van Hollen: "This case is not only about one man, as important as that is. It is about protecting fundamental freedoms and the fundamental principle in the Constitution for due process that protects everyone who resides in America."

276204864868

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

I wrote a little Cardinals essay today, which is to say I wrote about Adam Wainwright, because apparently I never run out of Adam Wainwright nostalgia.

portionunderbusch.substack.com

And Where We Had Thought To Be Alone

Joan Niesen on finding Adam Wainwright and home thousands of miles away from St. Louis

131

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

I'll have a profile of Andrew Luck for @postsports.bsky.social tomorrow morning (online and in the Sunday print section). But if you simply can't wait that long to read about Andrew Luck, here's a snippet of the outtakes, free to read at my newsletter: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/andrew-luck

collegesportsmoney.substack.com

Working For Andrew Luck

At least one ex NFL QB loves taking feedback from a subordinate.

153

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Today's newsletter: I wrote about visiting the house where "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" was set and listening as a great story was rendered toothless. joanniesen.substack.com/p/midnight-g...

joanniesen.substack.com

never meet your heroes

... and never visit the scene of a book you love.

020

Reposted by Joan Niesen

The 51st @51st.news · 12/02/2025

Thanks to those of you who took up our call to share The 51st. Since we asked for your help yesterday, more than 238 new people have subscribed to our free newsletter! Lets keep growing this: 51st.news/signup

51st.news

The 51st

Information with representation, by and for D.C. residents. A worker-led, independent nonprofit newsroom.

03612

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Melissa Good & Feral 😾🇺🇦🇨🇦 @meltart.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

A street artist in DC is putting up these posters all over the city. I’d love to get one.

18084442186

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

Newsletter! Recipe! Blueberry muffins with lemon curd! These are not only delicious — sweet and tart and citrusy — they're also a great way to use up your sourdough discard. And if you don't have a sourdough starter, you can still make these muffins with just a quick substitution.

joanniesen.substack.com

blueberry muffins with lemon curd

Lemon curd is a baking secret weapon. Make a batch, keep it in your fridge, and it'll take blueberry muffins to a new level.

0201

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

My dad has sent me an email every morning since I left for college. That’s over 6,000 notes, arriving like clockwork, for more than 18 years. I wrote about those emails — and about my dad — on his 70th birthday.

joanniesen.substack.com

18 years, 4 months and 24 days worth of emails

Let me tell you a story about my dad on his 70th birthday.

1102

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Zeno’s paradox but make it football!!!!

020

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

joanniesen.substack.com

18 years, 4 months and 24 days worth of emails

Let me tell you a story about my dad on his 70th birthday.

1102

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

Instead of going outside and being affronted by scores of Cybertrucks ignoring basic traffic laws, I've decided to spend the weekend baking. Homemade garlic knots are a foolproof coping mechanism.

0270

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Bryan Edward Stone (שָׁלוֹם) @bestonetx.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

I'm not very techie so can't be absolutely sure, but it looks like print books are still working.

1242730

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

I just filled out a form at 5:50 a.m. to request my local library order a book I'd like to read. I've never felt more like I'm on track to becoming the kind of senior citizen I'd one day like to be.

0501

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

My December reading roundup includes Ann Patchett's debut novel, which is just as stunning as her later work, which confirms we should all worship her brilliance even more fervently. Read the whole newsletter for more: joanniesen.substack.com/p/december-b...

joanniesen.substack.com

everything I read in December

Ann Patchett's debut novel was the highlight. Also, I figured I'd share the 10 best books I read in 2024.

020

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

I wrote today about Jimmy Carter and a man who needed directions on the D.C. Metro: joanniesen.substack.com/p/jimmy-cart...

joanniesen.substack.com

changing trains on a Tuesday morning

Jimmy Carter, eye contact and a chance encounter on the D.C. Metro

022

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

I wrote today about Jimmy Carter and a man who needed directions on the D.C. Metro: joanniesen.substack.com/p/jimmy-cart...

joanniesen.substack.com

changing trains on a Tuesday morning

Jimmy Carter, eye contact and a chance encounter on the D.C. Metro

022

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Snow day sourdough chocolate chip cookies (and snow, lots of it, too much of it if you ask me)

1110

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 03/01/2025

Few things make me more pessimistic about society than the fact that every time I’m at the New Orleans airport, there’s a 30-person line at Starbucks and no wait at all to get a coffee and beignets five feet away at Cafe Du Monde.

6370

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

Wrote in my new newsletter about Oregon, Phil Knight and rich people influencing college football games more than ever, evidenced by the CFP field. But also about how money can't guarantee success, only pay the entry free to a certain tier of teams: collegesportsmoney.substack.com/p/oregon-phi...

collegesportsmoney.substack.com

The Nike, Nike Ducks

More than ever, very rich people can influence football games. Just look at the CFP field.

294

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

Merry Christmas, everyone. If you're able, please consider helping a family close to me that's dealing with an unthinkable tragedy this month. Love you, Rob. We're all here for you. www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-...

gofundme.com

Donate to Donate to Support the Gaudio Family, organized by Amy Colcher Booda Sanchez

Dear Friends, Our names are Amy Colcher and Booda Sanchez. Bernadet… Amy Colcher Booda Sanchez needs your support for Donate to Support the Gaudio Family

032

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

You may be wondering, how many newsletters can one family have? Well in this case the answer is two. My intrepid husband @jessedougherty.bsky.social is starting this side project, which he'll use to complement his coverage of the business of college sports at @washingtonpost.com. Subscribe!

021

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Today's newsletter is a recipe, for carmelitas, the chocolatey, caramel-y, brown sugar and oat-y bar cookie my family makes every year at Christmastime:

joanniesen.substack.com

the Christmas cookie that never gets old

Okay, it's technically a bar. And I'm not sure other people necessarily brand it as a Christmas treat. But either way: Behold the carmelita.

1293

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Hello! An announcement of sorts! Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but I’m launching a newsletter on Substack that will complement my college sports coverage for @washingtonpost.com. It will be FREE to read and receive in your email inbox. Subscribe below. collegesportsmoney.substack.com/about

collegesportsmoney.substack.com

About - What's Up With College Sports?

A newsletter musing on the business and future of college sports. Click to read "What's Up With College Sports?", by Jesse Dougherty, a Substack publication. Launched 7 days ago.

3187

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

My monthly books newsletter published this morning, with everything I read in November. It was a mediocre month of reading, with two exceptions: the second "Slow Horses" novel and a memoir by Kelly Bishop (aka Emily Gilmore).

joanniesen.substack.com

everything I read in November

Spies! Strange tales of the stranger internet! An aughts TV icon! It was a weird month of reading.

010

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

Later today, No. 1 Oregon — the country's last undefeated team — faces Penn State in the Big Ten title game. The Ducks are very good at a lot of things. One of those things is NIL. And of course, one major factor in their NIL success is Phil Knight. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/...

washingtonpost.com

How did Oregon become a college football power? Phil Knight helps.

The undefeated Ducks’ NIL operation is among the most well funded and well run in the country. The Nike co-founder plays a major role, even if his influence remains behind the scenes.

295

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

Autocorrect just spontaneously disabled on my phone for about five minutes and let me tell you, that was a trip. It’s now clear that my thumbs hit the proper letter about one time in five when typing on this tiny computer.

120

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

Today I put creamed spinach on a turkey melt, and I am now for the first time in my 37 years fully alive.

020

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

Me, midafternoon the day before Thanksgiving: I’m so busy! So put upon! I’ll never get it all done! Me, two minutes later, upon finding two loose jalapeños in my fridge: Wouldn’t it be fun to quick pickle these and put them on deviled eggs?! (I am my own worst enemy.)

130

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

Someone is very into the Alabama-Houston game.

1221

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

I’m starting my running tally of sticks of butter used this week. It’s Tuesday morning, and I’m at two. Lots more ground to cover.

1170

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

For the @washingtonpost.com travel section, I wrote about the Mars Cheese Castle, which IS a castle and DOES sell cheese but is located on the side of the highway in Wisconsin, not on Mars.

washingtonpost.com

A literal castle full of cheese? Only in Wisconsin.

Mars Cheese Castle is more than a roadside curiosity and a store. It has become a symbol for all things Wisconsin.

1712813

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Today’s newsletter: a recipe for sourdough blondies with hazelnuts and bittersweet chocolate — which might be @jessedougherty.bsky.social’s favorite thing I’ve ever baked, if that counts as a compelling endorsement.

joanniesen.substack.com

recipe: sourdough blondies with hazelnuts and bittersweet chocolate

Forget pie, make these for Thanksgiving. (Actually, don't forget pie. But make these, too.)

031

Reposted by Joan Niesen

Jesse Dougherty @jessedougherty.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

New for @washingtonpost.com: How the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports upended a college volleyball season — with one player's identity leading to forfeits, pressure campaigns, secret votes and a pending lawsuit. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/...

washingtonpost.com

A volleyball player’s gender led to secret votes, pressure campaigns and forfeits

An athlete at San José State University is alleged to be transgender. A review of internal communications shows how coaches and administrators navigated the response.

116326

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Let’s talk about this recipe. It’s great as is, as a main or side dish. Tonight, however, I went wild and added about a half-pound of ground pork (I cooked the pork in a medium pan, set it aside in a bowl, used that pan to make the rice, added pork to dressing) … and MY GOD

cooking.nytimes.com

Creamy Coconut-Lime Rice With Peanuts Recipe

Coconut milk does double duty here in this light yet hearty rice dish that straddles the line between side salad and pilaf-like main First the rice is simmered in creamy coconut milk, then the remaini...

030

Joan Niesen @joanniesen.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

It's rare I cook something and think, nah, never making that again. (This is 100 percent because I know what I like and pick decent recipes and not at all because I'm some kind of stellar cook.) Anyways, here's a never again: smoked duck. Controversial take, maybe? It just wasn't that great.

010