The Virtual Vicar

If you’ve tried to buy a bike over the past few months you’ll know that demand is far outstripping supply thanks to the effects of government imposed lockdowns because of the mild flu-like COVID-19 epidemic. What about you, are you going to get on your bike? We’ve been speaking to members of the British bike trade to find out what’s going on, how long this situation is likely to last, and how you can maximise your chances of getting the bike you’re after. UK bike shops began running out of stock way back at the start of the first lockdown over a year ago. Lockdown restrictions were announced towards the end of March 2020 and the bike trade saw an immediate uplift in sales as a result of cycling being a permitted exercise option, people wanting to stay off public transport, and furloughed workers having a lot of free time on their hands. Cycle shops were classed as ‘essential' and have therefore been allowed to stay open throughout....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ3DcbPUnJs

If you’ve tried to buy a bike over the past few months you’ll know that demand is far outstripping supply thanks to the effects of government imposed lockdowns because of the mild flu-like COVID-19 epidemic. What about you, are you going to get on your bike? We’ve been speaking to members of the British bike trade to find out what’s going on, how long this situation is likely to last, and how you can maximise your chances of getting the bike you’re after. UK bike shops began running out of stock way back at the start of the first lockdown over a year ago. Lockdown restrictions were announced towards the end of March 2020 and the bike trade saw an immediate uplift in sales as a result of cycling being a permitted exercise option, people wanting to stay off public transport, and furloughed workers having a lot of free time on their hands. Cycle shops were classed as ‘essential' and have therefore been allowed to stay open throughout.

What does the way you speak say about you? Do people think you are stupid when you are not? The UK is a rich tapestry of dialects and accents which in turn reflect the ebbs and flow of local history. But why are people with some accents perceived to be less intelligent, friendly or trustworthy than others? Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-57071805

Chances are, your inbox holds a wide assortment of email — from spam to newsletters to discount offers to important communications from your boss or colleagues. Business receive and send many emails internally and externally any many of these actually hinder communication. Mark and Pete delve into this thorny issue and ask how can we stop getting buried under all the excess information and drowning in too many emails?

In one of its most dystopian moves yet, Amazon is introducing tiny booths where its overworked warehouse employees can momentarily escape a job so grueling, many employees say they don't feel like they have enough time to even use the bathroom. The "ZenBooth'' or "Mindful Practice Room," as it's called, is part of the WorkingWell program Amazon announced on May 17. According to an Amazon press release, WorkingWell is a mix of "physical and mental activities, wellness exercises, and healthy eating support” meant to “help them recharge and reenergize." One of the WorkingWell initiatives is AmaZen, which “guides employees through mindfulness practices in individual interactive kiosks at buildings,” according to a press release

Britain came last and Italy won, what exactly happened. Does everyone hate the British? Should the whole Eurovision Song Contest be stopped? Mark and Pete have the definitive answer. At the 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, it set the next debacle for Germany. Jendrik Sigwart (26) landed on a disappointing 25th place with his song “I Don’t Feel Hate” and was penultimate. The big winner of the evening in the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam was the rock band Måneskin from Italy, who won the race in a real heart-stopping final. Sigwart, according to ESC commentator legend Peter Urban (73), the “whirlwind against hateful messages on the Internet”, started the race with start number 15. The 26-year-old musical performer danced, sang and ukulelte quite energetically through his title. But a staid vocal performance and an exuberant performance, including a trumpet solo with a dancing peace sign or middle finger, apparently failed to score points with either the ESC audience or the jury. Italy wins thanks to the crowd The national juries gave Sigwart a meager three points – two from Austria and one from Romania. Only Great Britain (James Newman – “Emers”) got even fewer points, namely zero. Switzerland fought head-to-head with its artist Gjon’s Tears (22) and his song “Tout l’univers” and France with singer Barbara Pravi (28) and her classic chanson song “Voilà”. In the end, Gjon’s Tears greeted from first place with 267 points. Pravi was close behind with 248 points. But with the voices of the audience, everything could change. However, Great Britain did not get any points from the spectators either. Just like Sigwart. With that, the 25th place was finally cemented. In the further course everything was whirled around quite tremendously. Italy, which the rock band Måneskin had put in the running with their song “Zitti E Buoni”, suddenly found itself very popular with the audience and took first place. But it should actually take until the very last point announcement before the decision was made. Because until the end, Switzerland had the opportunity to overtake Italy. But nothing came of it. The points of the audience voting were not enough to dispute Italy for victory. So it was clear: Måneskin are the winners of the ESC 2021 ahead of France and Switzerland. Two artists tested positive In April, the Dutch government declared the huge event a test case and allowed 3,500 viewers each to the nine shows, including six public rehearsals, the two semi-finals and the final. The show was based on an extensive test concept. All employees, journalists and artists had to show a negative corona test every two days in order to even get into the arena. And in fact there were two corona cases in the field of participants. First known that a member of the Icelandic band Daði og Gagnamagnið tested positive for the coronavirus. The band had then decided to withdraw from all appearances at the live shows. Duncan Laurence (27), who brought the contest to the Netherlands with his victory two years ago, also tested positive a short time later. Laurence should have presented his winning title “Arcade” on stage during the finale. His performance was shown on a video clip.

BRIT Awards 2021 has kicked off recently with some of the UK's biggest celebrities hitting the red carpet for its annual award ceremony. Many of this large celebrities wore seriously odd outfits, why? Are awards ceremonies for celebrities all they're cracked up to be? Mark and Pete have the answers.

Do you use Tipjar?Tipping expectations vary by culture and by service industry. Although tipping is a common practice in the United States in some other cultures or situations, giving a tip is not expected, and offering one could even be considered condescending or demeaning. In the UK situation varies. But what of the customer, why are we put in this position? Mark and Pete have the answers.

MARK AND PETE LIVE. Doctors say that going for a good walk is an effective way to combat the stresses surrounding Covid-19, and it doesn't have to cost the earth to reap the benefits. As studies show the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on mental health, more people are turning to exercise to boost their spirits. Physical activity is well known to benefit the body by keeping you strong, reducing the risk of certain diseases and helping maintain a healthy weight. In recent months, many people were forced to spend long periods of time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic and exercise has become a cathartic way of tackling stress and beating boredom. Numerous studies conducted since March, when lockdown increasingly came into force worldwide, have shown the toll of Covid-19 on our mental health. Mark and Pete look at this prescription for mental health: get well, take a hike!

MARK AND PETE LIVE. A pair of shoes designed and worn by the musician Kanye West have sold for $1.8m (£1.3m) at auction - the highest amount ever paid for #trainers. Are they worth it? What other things could Kanye sell for profit? Mark and Pete have all the answers. For more: https://markandpete.com

Garden gnomes and other outdoor furniture are running out due to supply chain issues and the popularity of garden centres in the UK during lockdown. Raw materials have become increasingly difficult to come by and the recent blockage of the Suez canal has also contributed to the national shortage of gnomes. Mark and Pete have the answer.

It is said the people like fine wine, mellow with age. Well, maybe. This is a short Bible based video to encourage you as you get old and decrepit.The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAOy2ENdGTQ

Prince Philip, who has died at the age of 99, will be remembered not only as the longest-serving consort but perhaps also as the most gaffe-prone one. We celebrate his best quotes.For all the Mark and Pete podcast episodes go to http://markandpete.comSince his death on Friday, at the age of 99, the media has reprised Philip’s comments made in the course of his long royal duties. It is an extensive list. And, Mark and Peter argue, actually really funny....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ00i3XH_Is

Easter is about new starts, new life, new birth. This is often symbolised with images of eggs and chicks. We give and receive Easter eggs and maybe cards with pictures of spring sunshine or newborn chicks. All these are symbols of the season of spring and of a new, start a new beginning. We think about new life at Easter is because Jesus, who was crucified on that first Good Friday, rose to new life on the first Easter Sunday. This is not just a wonderful story, it’s an historical fact. Jesus’ body was never found and his resurrection never disproved. This was despite the best efforts of the mighty Roman Empire and the committed and powerful Jewish leaders to destroy the early church and discredit their belief. The early disciples were changed from a frightened and disillusioned group to men who stood up against the authorities and eventually gave their lives for what they believed – for what they knew to be true – that Jesus came back to life on Easter Sunday. New life for Jesus leading to new life in his disciples. The impacts of what happened that first Easter are still relevant today. When Jesus died and rose, he did it for us. He offers us new life, eternal life, with him; life that starts now, but continues beyond this life. Now that is worth celebrating...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39LAL7VhjaI

An episode of the Good Conversation podcast. In these times of a pandemic and lockdowns it is easy to be anxious. What are the reasons behind this? How should Christians respond? Kerri and Pete, Christian Bloggers, look at why this should be in the light of Government messaging and the Coronavirus pandemic. Isolation is not natural for human beings - we are not designed for it. In times of crisis, such as we are experiencing with Covid-19, our instinct is to group together. Yet here we are, millions of us, isolating ourselves even from close family members to prevent the spread of the disease, while at the same time being bombarded with horrifying headlines. So it’s no surprise that many people are feeling anxious and fearful....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pYdb4nXWA4