Every time the elevator halted and the door opened I held my breath, afraid the person joining me on the ride had seen the screwup and would ply me with questions.

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My first ride out was delightful (and reminded me of my first time out with custom ski boots).

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Pouring rain kept me away from a nice ride-and-drive opportunity with the New York Power Authority, which wanted to showcase a healthy and growing fleet, and Monday I made it down to Times Square to take a spin in the green cars that, as of next week will be available in the Connect by Hertz car-sharing fleets.

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So at one point in the ride, you know, he was sort of chatting with me and he looked at me and he said, you're an American, yes?

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Monica Crowley, Mightier Pen 2012