To download a pdf of the puzzle, click here.

For the answers, click here.

For the answers to last week's puzzle, click here.

Back in the fall of 2008, we opened our photo contest to pictures of babies and pets. We had previously held themed contests but in a rare generous mood offered a reprieve, with the threat that our next one would feature the categories "ethos," "riboflavin," and "Kierkegaard."

Lucky for you, the powers that be have memories like sieves; when we brainstormed ideas for the resurrected photo contest, those were strangely omitted.

Instead, our three categories for the winter 2011-12 contest are "attraction," "resistance," and "ambivalence." The deadline for entries is February 6, and the rules are below. We plan to publish the winners in our February 16 issue.

(Oh, what the hell: If you want to enter something in "ethos," "riboflavin," or "Kierkegaard," be our guest.)

For many years, we asked our readers to fill out surveys to determine the best of the Quad Cities. We gave them categories and lines on which to write, and we tallied the results, and the winners were the top vote-getters in each category.

Our approach this fall was different. We reduced the categories to 20 and asked people to submit Tweets, videos, and short essays in support of their nominations. The aim was to give voice to individuals over the masses, and to allow people to argue for their favorites instead of merely noting them. The ultimate goal was to get past the obvious and automatic responses that seemed to often rise to the top in past surveys - to spotlight hidden gems in the Quad Cities.

To download a pdf of the puzzle, click here.

For the answers, click here.

For the answers to last week's puzzle, click here.