A female mechanic has gone to lengths to ensure women and non-binary people feel comfortable and at ease whenever they have car troubles. The 25-year-old used to be “anxious” when she needed assistance, and male-dominated repair shops were the only thing available, so she started her own business.
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Zoe Cog, from Manchester, UK, created a safe space for women to look for car assistance, a repair shop she called AutoCog. Although she started out as a receptionist in the industry, she became a mechanic herself. It was then she realized women constantly felt anxious about entering male-dominated repair shops, fearing discrimination or belittling.
“I’ve been the girl on the other end, worried about walking into places like garages and feeling anxious, and although it’s never easy, I like to think I’m an approachable, friendly female who has created a place where you can walk in and feel at ease, regardless of your gender,” she said in an interview.
“I get pleasure out of taking the pressure off the girls and can give as good of a service as any male-owned garage, but also build trust with the people I’m working with,” she added.
The response to Autocog surpassed all expectations, according to her. “Honestly, the response to my garage has been phenomenal and beyond anything I’d ever expected. It’s been an incredible rollercoaster. I’ve had so much support and positive feedback from not just women but also some incredible words from men,” she revealed.
She continued, mentioning how some feedback also proved why a female-owned repair shop was much needed. “Although some of the comments have proved why such a place was needed for us women — that’s for sure. I’ve had people question my ability to do the job as a woman, but I don’t let it get to me,” she said.
Many women are all about fighting gender stereotypes, and inspiring stories come up every day online. An excellent example is Edine, a young woman who stopped removing facial hair and shared how it has changed her life with the world.
Nobody sang “God Bless America” better than Kate Smith
In a stirring display of patriotism, Dean Martin and Kate Smith joined forces on ‘The Dean Martin Show’ to deliver a medley of beloved American classics, accompanied by a choir of singers and dancers clad in vibrant red, white, and blue attire. Alongside Martin and Smith, esteemed stars Barbara Eden, Mickey Rooney, and Norm Crosby graced the stage, each adding their own flair to the performance.
Kicking off with a spirited rendition of “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, Martin and Smith set the stage aglow with their infectious energy, seamlessly transitioning into the timeless melody of ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ as the ensemble joined in harmoniously. The medley reached its crescendo with a rousing rendition of ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag,’ filling the air with patriotic fervor as the stage came alive with singers and dancers.
As the audience cheered in appreciation, Martin stepped forward to evoke the spirit of President Roosevelt’s iconic introduction of Kate Smith three decades prior, paving the way for her poignant rendition of “God Bless America”. Known as “The Songbird of the South”for her stirring performances during World War II, Smith delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Irving Berlin’s masterpiece, her voice soaring to breathtaking heights as the orchestra swelled in accompaniment.
The audience was captivated by the sheer majesty of the performance, a testament to the enduring power of patriotic music to unite and inspire.
“The Dean Martin Show”, a staple of television from 1965 to 1974, showcased the era’s biggest stars in its 264 episodes, with Dean’s signature hit “Everybody Loves Somebody” serving as its timeless theme song. Bringing the evening to a close with this beloved tune, Martin and Smith left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, their collaboration standing as a poignant reminder of the beauty and pride of being American.
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