FEATURES

The gospel of brass
River City Brass Band turns 30, with a new director—and a new direction

Forged in November
A fateful high school football game overshadows a bitter 1950s steel strike // by Greg Nichols

The “Genius” of Pitt
Pitt-related researchers win MacArthur Foundation grants

Faces of the Marcellus Shale
Portraits by John Beale of those who influence—and are influenced by—western Pennsylvania’s natural gas boom

Salty debate
Most Americans get too much salt. But is the amount recommended by the federal government too low for our own good?

Shall we dance?
Want to avoid the physical and mental decline that comes with aging? Science says to get dancing.

Healthful discoveries
Brushing to beat Alzheimers; caffeinated brain protection; heartburn medication and cancer detection

Retail report
It’s the holiday season—and that means business for the region’s key retailers

The new retirement
For many, work stretches on; for others, it’s time to create a new life

The nuance of nonprofits
Pittsburgh’s foundations must choose key areas to support

Blockbuster!
How PNC secretly acquired the parcels for its new downtown headquarters // by Sean D. Hamill


DEPARTMENTS

What do I know?
Businessman and philanthropist William S. Dietrich II // by Jeff Sewald

Reading room
Black humor: local comic authors // by Sandra Levis

On the wing
A peregrine falcon program’s success // by David Liebmann

Homefront
A modern classic by Richard Meier // by Marylnn Uricchio

Art thoughts
Redesigning museums is tricky but necessary; the work of architect Andrea Palladio

Vintage
For the holiday table: creative wine pairings // by Alex Sebastian

Musings
Giving footnotes the boot

Neighborhood joints 
A visit to Hough’s Bar in Greenfield // by Joseph Sabino Mistick

Labor Management
Trumka and DeIuliis compare notes on jobs, energy and the environment

Worth the drive
Browsing in Washington, Pa.: The Shoppes at Quail Acres // by Barbara Eichenlaub

The Marcellus Shale
The Utica Shale: what to know; what’s the difference? // by Seamus McGraw

Regional indicators
Regional survey results: After 103 years, we’re ready for another in-depth portrait of our region’s residents // by Douglas Heuck


EVERY ISSUE

Publisher’s letter
A Pittsburgh original

Stocks & pedestal
Saks Fifth Avenue & The Neighborhood Academy

Arrivals
Professionals new to Pittsburgh

Arts & events
Cultural District happenings

Last Chapter
Noting the passing of Pittsburgh citizens 

Place 
Sideling Hill, Bedford County // by Thomas D. Saunders