Mar 24, 2008

The Now What? Edition

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?

permanent link to post

76 comments

1. 1
   on March 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
   Kristi said:

   Well then:

   The VUE
   Outlook
   Sky
   Aura
   The ASTRA


2. 2
   on March 24th, 2008 at 8:52 am
   Patrick said:

   The VUE
   Aura
   Sky
   Outlook
   The ASTRA


3. 3
   on March 24th, 2008 at 8:58 am
   Kristi said:

   No 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.


4. 4
   on March 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
   Avitable said:

   Vue
   Aura
   Outlook
   Sky
   Astra


5. 5
   on March 24th, 2008 at 9:11 am
   Grandma J said:

   All of the above

   Not the borax though…because I’d rather have any Saturn than a 20-mule team.


6. 6
   on March 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
   Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah said:

   The VUE
   Aura
   Sky
   Outlook
   The ASTRA


7. 7
   on March 24th, 2008 at 9:17 am
   chocolatechic said:

   I have no clue, but I just want to say that I would be wanting to drive SKY forever and ever, and ever!!!


8. 8
   on March 24th, 2008 at 9:19 am
   Jean said:

   For 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!!!


9. 9
   on March 24th, 2008 at 9:24 am
   martha said:

   Could it be reverse alphabetical?
   VUE
   SKY
   OUTLOOK
   AURA
   ASTRA


10. 10
    on March 24th, 2008 at 9:30 am
    Shelley said:

    ASTRA
    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.


11. 11
    on March 24th, 2008 at 9:35 am
    Amy said:

    Lordy 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 !


12. 12
    on March 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
    MommyTime said:

    Vue, 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.


13. 13
    on March 24th, 2008 at 9:54 am
    merrymishaps said:

    OK, here’s another try …

    Vue
    Outlook
    Aura
    Sky
    Astra


14. 14
    on March 24th, 2008 at 9:55 am
    merrymishaps said:

    Oh, and have a safe trip!

    I’ll see you tomorrow whenever I can escape from work!


15. 15
    on March 24th, 2008 at 9:55 am
    Mary said:

    For 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!).


16. 16
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:00 am
    Lauren said:

    Outlook, Astra, Sky (those were the options, right?).

    Dawn dish soap for the pants.


17. 17
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:00 am
    Hicky said:

    woohoo! 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!


18. 18
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
    joeinvegas said:

    Vue
    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.


19. 19
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:09 am
    AmandaH said:

    Vue
    Outlook
    sky
    aura
    astra


20. 20
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am
    Liz said:

    I have no clue about the cars, but why don’t you spill MORE salad dressing on your pants and turn them into camos?


21. 21
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:21 am
    junebug said:

    How 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.


22. 22
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:23 am
    Patricia said:

    Salad 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


23. 23
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am
    Smoochiefrog said:

    Okay 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.


24. 24
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:51 am
    Jenn @ Juggling Life said:

    Still 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!


25. 25
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:03 am
    Mr Farty said:

    Um, dog hiney, sky, salad oil, aura, saturn.


26. 26
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:14 am
    Robin said:

    Jenn is right Dawn is the best stain remover for clothes. Hmmm…I am from California too, maybe it’s the water…


27. 27
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:23 am
    vuboq said:

    Aura. 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*


28. 28
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:24 am
    JenniferB said:

    Vue
    Outlook
    Aura
    Sky
    Astra

    As for salad dressing: I rub in dishwasher soap (degreaser extraordinaire) and then wash regular. Seems to work so far.


29. 29
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
    Biddy said:

    sky
    aura
    outlook

    holy crap i get to meet THE Bossy in 7 days!


30. 30
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
    Janna said:

    Vue
    Aura
    Sky
    Outlook
    Astra

    Oh Yeah


31. 31
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:44 am
    Biddy said:

    oh 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


32. 32
    on March 24th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
    Greta said:

    Again…I say it’s a trick question. The answer is pi.


33. 33
    on March 24th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
    Cathy said:

    Vue
    Outlook
    Aura
    Sky
    Astra


34. 34
    on March 24th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
    Ree said:

    Vue
    Sky
    Outlook
    Aura
    Astra

    Because they’re in reverse alphabetical order.


35. 35
    on March 24th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
    Foolery said:

    My 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.


36. 36
    on March 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
    Kimberly C said:

    go 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.


37. 37
    on March 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
    Cactus Petunia said:

    Dawn 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!


38. 38
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
    thrice said:

    Vue
    Sky
    Aura
    Outlook
    Astra


39. 39
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
    Suzy said:

    Here’s your problem. It all reeks of Math.


40. 40
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
    judy said:

    Hi Bossy!
    The answer is…

    Vue
    Aura
    Outlook
    Sky
    Astra

    Keep on truckin’


41. 41
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
    Jamie AZ said:

    Vue
    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!


42. 42
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
    Christine said:

    Vue
    Aura
    Sky
    Outlook
    Astra

    I just really want to see that Sky in SF.


43. 43
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
    Tyn said:

    Try shout stick with each washing and it should eventually come out.on the pants- not the cars.


44. 44
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
    Laura said:

    Outlook, Sky, Aura.

    Dawn will get the stain out of your cargo pants, b/c Dawn takes grease, out of your way.


45. 45
    on March 24th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
    The Domestic Goddess said:

    I 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.


46. 46
    on March 24th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
    NutellaonToast said:

    Sky
    Outlook
    Aura

    Nerd points, the number of permutations is 5!, or 120.


47. 47
    on March 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
    Emily R said:

    Vue
    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.


48. 48
    on March 24th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
    Sheila said:

    VUE
    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”.


49. 49
    on March 24th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
    Emily R said:

    no! Forget the last one! I meant:
    Vue
    Aura
    Outlook
    Sky
    Astra

    I am so sure about this one.


50. 50
    on March 24th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
    whall said:

    I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me.


51. 51
    on March 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
    Heather said:

    So 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.


52. 52
    on March 24th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
    Momo Fali said:

    Aura

    Sky

    Outlook

    My final answer! I still am hoping to win that dog hiney.


53. 53
    on March 24th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
    Carmen said:

    Okay, let’s give this another try:
    Vue
    Sky
    Outlook
    Aura
    Astra

    I hope you come rollin’ in to Georgia in that pretty convertible!!


54. 54
    on March 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
    Maggie said:

    Vue
    Aura
    Sky
    Outlook
    Astra

    ??


55. 55
    on March 24th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
    Beth said:

    Hmm….let’s see….

    vue
    sky
    outlook
    aura
    astra??


56. 56
    on March 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
    Oh, The Joys said:

    Dodge Aspen
    Galaxy 500
    Vespa

    Do I win?


57. 57
    on March 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
    amanda said:

    Buy new pants.
    Outlook, Sky, Aura.


58. 58
    on March 24th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
    Andrea said:

    Vue
    Outlook
    Sky
    Aura
    Astra


59. 59
    on March 24th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
    Meghan Rosenstengel said:

    Vue
    Aura
    Sky
    Outlook
    Astra


60. 60
    on March 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
    rooth said:

    sky outlook and the aura
    Try shampoo it cuts grease


61. 61
    on March 24th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
    Isabel said:

    Vue
    Sky
    Outlook
    Aura
    Astra


62. 62
    on March 24th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
    Blairie Lou Hoo said:

    VUE.
    Aura.
    Sky.
    Outlook.
    ASTRA.

    and those shout whips are amazing.
    if that doesn’t work, than vinegar
    and then wash them right away.


63. 63
    on March 24th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
    redlegphi said:

    Well, before there were 120 possibilities. You’ve now whittled that down to 6. I think you should probably go get your hat ready.


64. 64
    on March 24th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
    Kelliqua said:

    No 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.


65. 65
    on March 24th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
    Meg said:

    Aura, 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.


66. 66
    on March 24th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
    ms ellie said:

    vue
    sky
    outlook
    aura
    astra


67. 67
    on March 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
    TwistedNoodle said:

    Vue
    Outlook
    Sky
    Aura
    Astra
    Delurking to enter and to wish you a wonderful and safe road trip.


68. 68
    on March 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
    Dr. Monkey said:

    I could give you the answers to both your queries but you’ll have to stop my house to get them. Nah nah nah.


69. 69
    on March 24th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
    jill said:

    vue
    aura
    outlook
    sky
    astra

    obviously. right? right?


70. 70
    on March 24th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
    Surcie said:

    Wishing you traveling mercies, B!


71. 71
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
    Leaf, probably... said:

    You spilt salad dressing on your pants already? I thought you were supposed to be saving the exciting stuff for on the road??


72. 72
    on March 24th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
    naomi said:

    don’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.


73. 73
    on March 24th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
    Beth said:

    Vue
    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!


74. 74
    on March 25th, 2008 at 1:56 am
    Kalin said:

    I’m guessing Aura-Outlook-Sky for the middle three.


75. 75
    on March 25th, 2008 at 6:23 am
    MizFit said:

    make the pants into cutoffs.


76. 76
    on March 26th, 2008 at 12:55 am
    Saltgirl said:

    Shampoo. The cheaper the better. My mom swears by it. It’ll get the oil out.