Coatesville native and should-have-been January cover boy Johnny Weir was ROBBED of a national title last night at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Paul.

Weir beat rival Evan Lysacek in the short program, but Lysacek edged Weir out in the free skate (the one that matters), so although their overall scores were identical — by a hundredth of a point — Lysacek was awarded the title. This is the first tie at nationals under the new scoring system, and fuels the already-amped Weir/Lysacek rivalry. Do these curiously buzzworthy judging results smell not unlike the judging scandal of the Winter 2002 Olympics? I’m not speculating, I’m just putting it out there. I’m not saying, but I’m saying. (more…)

In our January issue, on newsstands December 26th, Eagles coach Andy Reid and his wife, Tammy, openly discuss for the first time the drug and legal problems of their sons Garrett and Britt.

In this exclusive interview, the Reids disclose that Garrett’s struggle with addiction dates back to 2002, after his first year at Brigham Young University. They talk frankly about sticking by him through multiple rehabs and relapses, and reveal how their family has handled the addiction issues and relentless media attention. And despite never-ending fan and media speculation about his stepping down after this season, Andy Reid says “As long as I can do my job to the best of my ability, I would love to be an Eagle.”

Click here to read the excerpts, and look for the full interview in our January issue, on newsstands December 26th.

It’s true. Larry Platt, editor of Philadelphia magazine, is quietly contemplating ditching the gig to go up against cringe-worthy U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District in 2008.

Platt was approached about running by U.S. Rep. Bob Brady three weeks ago at “some event” and is currently in the process of consulting with his homeboys (or “practicing due diligence”) about what the next move is. Platt broke the news to the staff at an afternoon meeting, which was met with heartfelt cheering, deafening applause and two pairs of tossed panties.

He has not set a timetable for his decision, but did say he is to meet officially with DCCC, the Democratic Party’s national congressional committee, in Washington next Monday to make wonky-talk. (Yes, that’s our big scoop. Take that, Tom Fitzgerald and PoliticsPA.)

Anyway, congrats to Mr. Platt on this possibly life-changing news. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

Off the Sidelines [Heard in the Hall]
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