1-on-1 with Aneesah Morrow

Plus a Tuesday newsletter?, a big week for Walking Bucket members, Coach of the Year, more

You might have realized that today is, in fact, Tuesday and not Monday.

You aren't wrong.

I'm not gaslighting you.

I just pushed this newsletter back a day. Why, you ask? Well, it's none of your damn business.

Just kidding. Don't unsubscribe, please.

The reason is because I was working on a story. I got a scoop Friday night, and I spent my weekend working sources to get more info.

Remember, I will only run with a story if I have two sources that can confirm it.

That's journalism. And when you believe in capital J journalism, you believe in adhering to ethics.

Well, when I was working other sources, I ended up confirming the information that I had, as well as other information, but I couldn't get two independent sources for everything.

In order to write the story the right way, I was able to get the information that I needed but the information is under embargo.

What does that mean, you ask? Well, organizations will release information about an upcoming announcement, but you aren't allowed to publish it until a specific time.

You can, but you leave yourself open to a lot of trouble, not to mention burning bridges that aren't worth burning.

So, what I can leave you with, is to check out Winsidr early Wednesday. We'll have a story running with some material that is exclusive to me.

What does that mean for today's newsletter, you ask? Well, I decided to chat with one of my favorite rookies Aneesah Morrow on Monday ahead of the Connecticut Sun's game against the Dream.

I had nothing planned, so I just freestyled with her as a way to get to know her more.

Here's the back and forth, but you can find the video below, if that's your sort of thing.

Michael Waterloo: What's the one question that you get asked about the most from media members?

Aneesah Morrow: How can I rebound so well.

MW: So, Aneesah, how can you rebound so

AM: (Laughing)

MW: What's one word that you would use to describe your rookie year here in Connecticut?

AM: Gritty.

MW: I like that.

MW: If you had to secure the game-winning rebound or hit the game-winning shot, which would you choose?

AM: Game-winning rebound.

MW: Very on brand. Very on brand.

MW: What is your go-to cheat meal?

AM: Cheat meal? Hot wings, all day. I love chicken.

MW: Bleu cheese, ranch, nothing?

AM: Ranch. For sure.

MW: Offseason plans. Do you have anything that you're looking to do? Disconnect? Or are you not ready to announce that yet?

AM: I'm looking forward to travel and go out of the country to enjoy myself. Of course I have things to do throughout, but mainly enjoy myself.

MW: Do you have any spots that you have booked or are looking to go to?

AM: I want to go to Jamaica and Japan.

MW: I've been wanting to go to Japan. So I'm very, very jealous right now.

MW: What is your go-to song to get ready for a game?

AM: I feel like it's different every game, no matter how I feel, but I can never go wrong with a Rod Wave song.

MW: Whenever you're on a trip, say from Connecticut to Los Angeles, what are you doing on the plan to pass the time?

AM: Sleep. Sleep with my heated blanket (laughs).

MW: No media or podcasts or anything like that.

AM: No, no.

MW: What's one goal that you have this offseason to get ready for next year?

AM: Just to enjoy it and put the work in. I want to put my head down, roll my sleeves up, and get to work.

'Play Nice' Comes Out Today

Friend of the program Rachel Harrison's book comes out today. I am so excited for it. I got an early copy (I wish it was an advanced edition, but it's from Book of the Month Club) and I can't wait to dive in.

Next week, Blayne and I are going to see Rachel in Atlanta at a reading.

Very happy for her. Go support her by buying her book here.

You can always read and watch my interview with Rachel from earlier this year about what horror means to her during a scary time.

'The Right People Will Love You'

Speaking of Walking Bucket alumni, it's a big week for Marielle Kraft, who is releasing her debut album this Friday.

Kraft is a marketing genius, by the way. She bought a shit-ton (actual metric) of old iPod shuffles (enter The Office joke here) and downloaded her entire album on them.

She then sold them to fans so that they could listen to the album weeks in advance. They sold out in less than a minute.

So she did it again, and those, too, sold out in less than a minute.

While we are shouting out friends of the newsletter, Campbell Burke was one of the lucky ones to secure the iPod.

Good stuff for good people.

Speaking of good people, stream Kraft's new album Friday everywhere. Before you do, read my interview with her and watch our conversation on YouTube. You can watch her do a dance from High School Musical.

Do it.

Coach of the Year is ...

I wrote a piece for Winsidr last week, looking at who should win the WNBA Coach of the Year Award.

I narrowed it down to the four finalists, and instead of just giving my opinions, I wanted to ask the people who are closest to the respective coaches – the players.

I spoke to players in Atlanta, Golden State, Minnesota, and Las Vegas who all made their case for their respective coach.

Check it out.

Until Next Time

I have a busy week this week, traveling to Philadelphia and Harrisburg this week for work. The big event is Sunday for Domestic Violence Awareness Day at the Phillies game, but there will be a lot of things happening.

No worries. We'll be back here on Friday.

Until then, I love you awesome nerds.