1. Skyline feature: NEEDLE vs. MOUNTAINS
WINNER: MOUNTAINS because they are taller. (Denver)
2. Photogenic native animal: RIVER OTTER vs. BUFFALO
WINNER: RIVER OTTER because it is cuter. (Seattle)
3. Alliterative comedy: SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE vs. DUMB AND DUMBER (set close by, in Aspen)
WINNER: DUMB AND DUMBER because it is funnier. (Denver)
4. Altitude: MILE HIGH vs. SEA LEVEL
WINNER: MILE HIGH because it sounds cooler. (Denver)
5. Weather: RAIN vs. SNOW
WINNER: RAIN because it is warmer. (Seattle)
6. Signature substance: COFFEE vs. MARIJUANA
WINNER: COFFEE because it is less likely to make you wonder if your friends hate you. (Seattle)
7. Musicians: JIMI HENDRIX, NIRVANA, AND SIR MIX-A-LOT vs. VERY FEW ARTISTS THE AVERAGE PERSON HAS HEARD OF
WINNER: JIMI HENDRIX et al. because they are more accomplished than The Fray (right). (Seattle)
8. Signature industry: SOFTWARE COMPANIES vs. SKI RESORTS
WINNER: SKI RESORTS because they are more rad. (Denver)
9. Baseball team: MARINERS vs. ROCKIES
WINNER: WHOEVER IS PLAYING AGAINST EITHER OF THESE TEAMS because neither is very good at the moment. (tie)