This an awesome challenge, and I appreciate the challenge.  But, I'm stuck on the PDF (probably overlooked something).

I never even found the first clue. So you did way better than I did.

There's still time! Everyone that gets through gets a shot at the drawing, so for anyone that hasn't solved it yet, you still have a chance.   

As jason noted, the winners are drawn, after February ends, once all successful folks have submitted their answers.  So they haven't been 'chosen,' yet.  So I wish everyone else luck, who's trying. 

That said, for those who put in the hours and have figured it out, thus far, congratulations for success. 

For those who haven't gotten it, yet, keep trying.

I won't drop hints, as I don't want to diminish the chances of others (who've worked hard and found the answers) to win the book.  After I'd solved it, don and I had discussed on a PM, and decided that since folks WERE then managing to solve this, it was best to 'keep the playing field level.'  If spoilers are to be handed out, I'm sure the authors will do so, for folks' learning purposes, after the contest ends.

Suffice to say MaXe's 'hint' is all the more someone should need, to at LEAST get started.

When you've reached the finish you'll know.  If you don't know, yet, you're likely not quite there...

 

Ok, so I have spent way too much time on this. Anyone else stuck on the password? Trying to use l337 5|<1LL5 (pdf crackers) but feel like I should be able to guess it. Posting to vent frustration....

Finished yesterday, just amazing challenge.  Learned a lot from it.  Thanks to the organizers.