Remember in the early 1700s when Bossy said she would distribute a prize to the person who correctly guessed the order in which Saturn was providing Bossy with hybrid cars? And remember in the late 1860s when Bossy said that when more than one person guessed correctly, she would drop all of those names in a hat and then, yeah?
Well apparently when you have five items—and for the sake of random example let’s say those five items are an Astra and an Aura and an Outlook and a Sky and a Vue—when you have five items and you ask for those items to be put into the proper chronological order, there are many permutations and possible mathematical outcomes. It’s like five times five times Bossy has no idea what she’s talking about plus she is leaving on her Road Trip in like one day and ten minutes.
Anyway. So now Bossy will provide two hints. The first hint is she already has her first hybrid car and it’s a Vue. The second hint: Bossy spilled salad dressing on her new Road Trip pants last night. Another random hint: Bossy will end her Road Trip in the Astra.
New Contest: can you guess the order of the remaining three hybrid cars: the Aura, the Outlook, and the Sky? Can you tell Bossy how to get salad dressing out of green cargo pants?
Kristi says
March 24, 2008 at 8:49 amWell then:
The VUE
Outlook
Sky
Aura
The ASTRA
Patrick says
March 24, 2008 at 8:52 amThe VUE
Aura
Sky
Outlook
The ASTRA
Kristi says
March 24, 2008 at 8:58 amNo idea about the salad dressing. I’m currently waiting to see if the salt and then the Borax that I scrubbed into my jeans will get the HUMONGOUS extra virgin olive oil with canola oil out of the third of my pant leg that it covers. Note to all buying large bottles of oil at the grocery store: When the bottle is on the bottom shelf and all you can see is the handle and you have to reach back to get one because most of them were gone because they were on such a great sale that everyone was thrilled to pay 3.99 for 48oz of sludge, before you pull one bottle out, make sure there are NO BOTTLES precariously perched on top of your bottle because when you pull it out, the other one will come with it and fall to a spat on the floor and most of the oil will explode out onto your leg and into your favorite brown suede mary-janes and completely to the other side of the aisle. I was sliding through the rest of the grocery store with grace…..and squishy toes.
Avitable says
March 24, 2008 at 9:06 amVue
Aura
Outlook
Sky
Astra
Grandma J says
March 24, 2008 at 9:11 amAll of the above
Not the borax though…because I’d rather have any Saturn than a 20-mule team.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah says
March 24, 2008 at 9:15 amThe VUE
Aura
Sky
Outlook
The ASTRA
chocolatechic says
March 24, 2008 at 9:17 amI have no clue, but I just want to say that I would be wanting to drive SKY forever and ever, and ever!!!
Jean says
March 24, 2008 at 9:19 amFor the salad dressing stain: My best stain fighters are 1)OxyClean laundry stain spray and 2)Vivid. Treat with either of these and wash in the hottest water possible.
You need the heat to break down the oily bits, even though it pains me to wash anything but whites in really hot water.
Best wishes as you embark on the very Bossy road trip. It’ll be great!!!
martha says
March 24, 2008 at 9:24 amCould it be reverse alphabetical?
VUE
SKY
OUTLOOK
AURA
ASTRA
Shelley says
March 24, 2008 at 9:30 amASTRA
AURA
OUTLOOK
SKY
VUE
So, I had *no* idea that the Outlook came in a hybrid version (and thus, Saturn has just justified its sponsorship of Bossy since I will now check it out.)
Can you let me/us know how it drives??
Have a wonderful trip! I’ll have to find out when you’re swinging through Austin & meet ya.
Amy says
March 24, 2008 at 9:35 amLordy Bossy, you gave away everything with that salad dressing hint ! The answer is Vue Sky Outlook Astra Aura. PS: I made my 10 year old figure out the number of possible combinations and he said it’s “5!” with equals 120 possible combinations. But with the salad dressing (and other random) hints there are 6 possibilities. See you tomorrow !
MommyTime says
March 24, 2008 at 9:48 amVue, Aura, Sky, Outlook, Astra — because only a crazy person would pass up the convertible in CA, and only a sane person would take the AWD vehicle for the mountains.
Also, if the salad dressing in greasy, I’d pretreat with oxyclean, then soak overnight in a sink of sudsy water, then wash. If, when you pull it out of the washer, you’re not sure it’s clean, air dry instead of putting in the dryer. The dryer will set the stain. If you airdry, you can always rewash and get more stain out.
merrymishaps says
March 24, 2008 at 9:54 amOK, here’s another try …
Vue
Outlook
Aura
Sky
Astra
merrymishaps says
March 24, 2008 at 9:55 amOh, and have a safe trip!
I’ll see you tomorrow whenever I can escape from work!
Mary says
March 24, 2008 at 9:55 amFor the salad dressing – get yourself to an auto repair store (NAPA, Advance Auto, or whatever) and buy some “Greased Lightning.” It’s safe for all regular clothes. Spray the stain liberally and let it set overnight. Wash in warm. Toss the pants in the dryer to smooth out the wrinkles, then hang up to finish drying. (Dry heat will set in a stain, but if you do dry it all the way, the Greased Lightning will eventually take it out – it make take a few more tries though.) Repeat if necessary. I use this on ALL of my shirts since I get little greasy fingerprints from my son (thanks buddy!).
Lauren says
March 24, 2008 at 10:00 amOutlook, Astra, Sky (those were the options, right?).
Dawn dish soap for the pants.
Hicky says
March 24, 2008 at 10:00 amwoohoo! It’s so nice of Saturn to do this, and they should know people like me who live in NY and would never! buy a car right now, we’re storing this information in the backs of our heads so that when that time comes, we remember Saturn sponsoring the Boss on her trip. Can’t wait for the NY leg! Drive safely Bossy!
joeinvegas says
March 24, 2008 at 10:08 amVue
Sky
Aura
Outlook
Astra
But I sure hope you have good weather when you get the Sky so you can put the top down, feel the wind in your hair, and get some well deserved sunburn on your ears.
AmandaH says
March 24, 2008 at 10:09 amVue
Outlook
sky
aura
astra
Liz says
March 24, 2008 at 10:19 amI have no clue about the cars, but why don’t you spill MORE salad dressing on your pants and turn them into camos?
junebug says
March 24, 2008 at 10:21 amHow about Aura, Outlook, and Sky? Hey, Bossy, do you have any good road trip music? I made a list of music videos over on my blog for Fun Monday. I was listening to Augustana’s “Boston” and thought of you.
Patricia says
March 24, 2008 at 10:23 amSalad dressing first – try a dish detergent pre-soak – it is supposed to get the oil off the dishes why not the pants too! I’ve used it on bacon grease and it does work!
Cars:
Vue (don’t think that is even a word)
Sky ( big sky across the prairies)
Aura (in California – of course!)
Outlook (look for the look outs through the mountains)
Astra (since you are close to god’s country – Canada – as you head home….)
Patricia
Smoochiefrog says
March 24, 2008 at 10:28 amOkay then, how about
Vue
Outlook
Sky
Aura
Astra
As for the dressing, try putting Dawn on it. Let it soak for a few minutes and then wash as normal. It may take more than one wash, but it will come out. Don’t dry it in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is out. If you do you’ll heat set it.
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
March 24, 2008 at 10:51 amStill don’t care about the prize–but getting laundry stains out? Now you’re talking my language. I advise a mixture of Simple Green and Dawn. If you don’t have time (what with the countdown at all), just bring ’em with you and do them for you while you’re in Sunny San Diego. You won’t be needing any long pants here!
Mr Farty says
March 24, 2008 at 11:03 amUm, dog hiney, sky, salad oil, aura, saturn.
Robin says
March 24, 2008 at 11:14 amJenn is right Dawn is the best stain remover for clothes. Hmmm…I am from California too, maybe it’s the water…
vuboq says
March 24, 2008 at 11:23 amAura. Sky. Outlook.
For the stain:
Dip pants in vat of same salad dressing. Let soak. Voila! The stain is gone! I am so clever.
See you tomorrow! *smooches*
JenniferB says
March 24, 2008 at 11:24 amVue
Outlook
Aura
Sky
Astra
As for salad dressing: I rub in dishwasher soap (degreaser extraordinaire) and then wash regular. Seems to work so far. 😉
Biddy says
March 24, 2008 at 11:39 amsky
aura
outlook
holy crap i get to meet THE Bossy in 7 days!
Janna says
March 24, 2008 at 11:39 amVue
Aura
Sky
Outlook
Astra
Oh Yeah
Biddy says
March 24, 2008 at 11:44 amoh and my tips for the stain: dawn does pretty well. or…(and i’m so not kidding) you can cover the stain in baby powder and let it set for a few hours…then put them in the washing machine on cold wash and add (really, i’m not kidding) a can of Coca Cola along with your laundry soap…
works every time
Greta says
March 24, 2008 at 12:15 pmAgain…I say it’s a trick question. The answer is pi.
Cathy says
March 24, 2008 at 12:28 pmVue
Outlook
Aura
Sky
Astra
Ree says
March 24, 2008 at 12:31 pmVue
Sky
Outlook
Aura
Astra
Because they’re in reverse alphabetical order.
Foolery says
March 24, 2008 at 12:31 pmMy typical quiz answer — “FOUR” — probably isn’t going to work here. So I’ll just wish you well with the salad dressing and the dog hiney and the leaving town thing. You’re in good hands all the way around, I can tell.
Kimberly C says
March 24, 2008 at 12:35 pmgo to the auto parts store, get a tub of goop! slather a ton of it onto the stain, leave on the washer until someone in your house, preferably a child asks you with plenty of indignation ‘WHY is this here’, wash in hot water. It should take the stain out just fine. It might take a wash or two, but… it will get it out.
Cactus Petunia says
March 24, 2008 at 12:41 pmDawn sounds like it would work…they use it to clean up the sea birds after tanker oil spills. If it works on heavy duty crude, it oughta take care of a little olive oil.
Enjoy the trip-hope to see ya in Portland!
thrice says
March 24, 2008 at 1:03 pmVue
Sky
Aura
Outlook
Astra
Suzy says
March 24, 2008 at 1:05 pmHere’s your problem. It all reeks of Math.
judy says
March 24, 2008 at 1:11 pmHi Bossy!
The answer is…
Vue
Aura
Outlook
Sky
Astra
Keep on truckin’
Jamie AZ says
March 24, 2008 at 1:25 pmVue
Outlook
Aura
Sky
Astra
Salad dressing – pour some Dawn (or other dishwashing liquid) on the spot, rub a second, then launder as normal. Works for all of our oil-based food stains!
Christine says
March 24, 2008 at 1:30 pmVue
Aura
Sky
Outlook
Astra
I just really want to see that Sky in SF.
Tyn says
March 24, 2008 at 1:35 pmTry shout stick with each washing and it should eventually come out.on the pants- not the cars.
Laura says
March 24, 2008 at 1:51 pmOutlook, Sky, Aura.
Dawn will get the stain out of your cargo pants, b/c Dawn takes grease, out of your way.
The Domestic Goddess says
March 24, 2008 at 1:54 pmI was apparently waaaaay off before. How’s about
Vue
Outlook
Sky
Aura
Astra
And the salad oil: One part cascade powder, one part clorox color-safe bleach, hot water in a bucket, mix well, add pants. Wait, wash as usual.
NutellaonToast says
March 24, 2008 at 2:06 pmSky
Outlook
Aura
Nerd points, the number of permutations is 5!, or 120.
Emily R says
March 24, 2008 at 2:11 pmVue
Outlook
Aura
Sky
Astra
Generally my stain trick is the following: if it’s not that noticable, or it looks small yet fresh, keep wearing the clothes. Otherwise chuck it. I tried unsuccessfully to remove a stain from my favorite square-necked blue shirt and was able to change the stain remarkably, but in the end had to give up. I’m so sorry for your pants.
Sheila says
March 24, 2008 at 2:21 pmVUE
Aura
Sky
Outlook
Astra
Can’t wait to hear about how to get the salad dressing out as I, too, have a pair of green cargo pants that have been “dressed”.
Emily R says
March 24, 2008 at 2:25 pmno! Forget the last one! I meant:
Vue
Aura
Outlook
Sky
Astra
I am so sure about this one.
whall says
March 24, 2008 at 2:26 pmI refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me.
Heather says
March 24, 2008 at 2:34 pmSo here we go again… using my excellent skills of perception…
Vue
Aura
Sky
Outlook
Astra
Also, try Vodka to take out the stain (serious). If it doesn’t work you can drown your sorrows with it.
Momo Fali says
March 24, 2008 at 2:47 pmAura
Sky
Outlook
My final answer! I still am hoping to win that dog hiney.
Carmen says
March 24, 2008 at 3:14 pmOkay, let’s give this another try:
Vue
Sky
Outlook
Aura
Astra
I hope you come rollin’ in to Georgia in that pretty convertible!!
Maggie says
March 24, 2008 at 3:22 pmVue
Aura
Sky
Outlook
Astra
??
Beth says
March 24, 2008 at 3:31 pmHmm….let’s see….
vue
sky
outlook
aura
astra??
Oh, The Joys says
March 24, 2008 at 3:37 pmDodge Aspen
Galaxy 500
Vespa
Do I win?
amanda says
March 24, 2008 at 3:43 pmBuy new pants.
Outlook, Sky, Aura.
Andrea says
March 24, 2008 at 3:47 pmVue
Outlook
Sky
Aura
Astra
Meghan Rosenstengel says
March 24, 2008 at 4:41 pmVue
Aura
Sky
Outlook
Astra
rooth says
March 24, 2008 at 4:54 pmsky outlook and the aura
Try shampoo it cuts grease 🙂
Isabel says
March 24, 2008 at 5:08 pmVue
Sky
Outlook
Aura
Astra
Blairie Lou Hoo says
March 24, 2008 at 5:24 pmVUE.
Aura.
Sky.
Outlook.
ASTRA.
and those shout whips are amazing.
if that doesn’t work, than vinegar
and then wash them right away.
redlegphi says
March 24, 2008 at 5:52 pmWell, before there were 120 possibilities. You’ve now whittled that down to 6. I think you should probably go get your hat ready.
Kelliqua says
March 24, 2008 at 5:59 pmNo Dawn? Salt for oil-based stains. Cover stain, let salt soak up the oil, wipe off salt (with dry cloth), do it again. Wash as usual.
Meg says
March 24, 2008 at 6:28 pmAura, then Outlook, then Sky.
Heloise would probably recommend some combination of baking soda, lemon and/or vinegar. I myself would be reaching for the Oxy-clean stain remover in the blue bottle.
ms ellie says
March 24, 2008 at 6:36 pmvue
sky
outlook
aura
astra
TwistedNoodle says
March 24, 2008 at 7:18 pmVue
Outlook
Sky
Aura
Astra
Delurking to enter and to wish you a wonderful and safe road trip.
Dr. Monkey says
March 24, 2008 at 7:49 pmI could give you the answers to both your queries but you’ll have to stop my house to get them. Nah nah nah.
jill says
March 24, 2008 at 8:15 pmvue
aura
outlook
sky
astra
obviously. right? right?
Surcie says
March 24, 2008 at 9:10 pmWishing you traveling mercies, B!
Leaf, probably... says
March 24, 2008 at 10:15 pmYou spilt salad dressing on your pants already? I thought you were supposed to be saving the exciting stuff for on the road??
naomi says
March 24, 2008 at 10:56 pmdon’t care about the order of the cars…
however, i find that dish soap, because it’s designed to get rid of grease from dishes, works well on clothes. not the environmentally friendly stuff though, it doesn’t work as well as the high surfactant commercial soaps.
Beth says
March 24, 2008 at 11:03 pmVue
Outlook
Aura
Sky
Astra
Nobody’s mentioned the excellent Janie stain stick. A black lipstick-like container with Janie spelled out on it in cursive, oo la la. Inside is a stick of something like chalk. You rub it on the stain, wait a few minutes for the oil to lift, then use the teeny stiff-bristled brush inside the cap to brush it out. It is so sexy and dowdy all at once. Janie!
Kalin says
March 25, 2008 at 1:56 amI’m guessing Aura-Outlook-Sky for the middle three.
MizFit says
March 25, 2008 at 6:23 ammake the pants into cutoffs.
Saltgirl says
March 26, 2008 at 12:55 amShampoo. The cheaper the better. My mom swears by it. It’ll get the oil out.