Trivial things you don't understand/mildly annoy you

[RobertT]

The facts are usually much more complicated than a local Journo will bother to pay attention to.  I've seen previous research on sentencing, that when presented with court transcripts, people tend to give lower sentences than judges do - it's a common misconception thanks to Press reporting that it's the other way around - if I remember correctly.

[Flashheart]

And the press often like to make out that the bad people are getting off scot-free while the good people suffer in an "OH MY GOD, LOOK AT THE INJUSTICE" type way.

It helps to get people angry over their cornflakes in the mornings, which sells papers.

I follow the secret barrister in twitter and he gives some interesting insights. He's often able to explain stuff that seems wrong initially but makes sense afterwards. Sometimes, though, he admits that the system makes no sense.

[StfcRusty]

And the press often like to make out that the bad people are getting off scot-free while the good people suffer in an "OH MY GOD, LOOK AT THE INJUSTICE" type way.

It helps to get people angry over their cornflakes in the mornings, which sells papers.

I follow the secret barrister in twitter and he gives some interesting insights. He's often able to explain stuff that seems wrong initially but makes sense afterwards. Sometimes, though, he admits that the system makes no sense.

Also the very people who froth at the mouth about lenient sentences are the very same people who vilify any politician for daring to suggest the rich should pay more tax, which in part might pay for better education to prevent crime in the first place and/or to build more prisons so that longer sentences were even possible (not that longer sentences necessarily actually rehabilitates anyone)

[Flashheart]

The justice system is also massively underfunded. Something else that the secret barrister helps reveal on regular occasion.

[horlock07]

Such articles are essentially click bait.

[Flashheart]

Such articles are essentially click bait.

Yup.

The adver do it all the time on facebook.

[ibelieveinmrreeves]

My mum got the Secret Barrister's book for christmas, which is apparently very good (also follow on twitter) so will be pinching that off her when done.

[horlock07]

[Bob's Orange]

Is the road rule that a red traffic light means that you need to stop now optional for cyclists? This 'habit' seems to be getting worse in my eyes.

As is the Zombielike addiction to phones which I guess is never going to change.

[@mwooly63]

Is the road rule that a red traffic light means that you need to stop now optional for cyclists? This 'habit' seems to be getting worse in my eyes.

As is the Zombielike addiction to phones which I guess is never going to change.

Seems to be, as is using lights when it's dark.
Am sure most have never heard of the highway code , even less that it actually applies to them too.

[horlock07]

Buggers don't pay road tax either......

[Bob's Orange]

The other thing that winds me up about the 2 wheeled lot, is the lack of helmets being used. Generally this is more for the casual cyclist who jump on the Boris Bikes but there is no danger I would cycle through London without a helmet on.

The 'professional' cyclists who are all lycra and are well lit generally do adhere to the helmet rule, but a lot of these don't seem to want to slow down for red lights.

I do applaud cyclists in general though, I would rather give them sway over the rich cocks that drive about in London in their ridiculous gas guzzling vulgarities.

[@mwooly63]

Most of the cyclists I encounter are the ride to work variety. Most of them off to south marston early in the morning.
Kingsdown junction is a favourite for cycling red light jumpers.
Swindon road for non lights, including the one cycling on the wrong side of the road at the New Inn roundabout the other day 

And no they dont pay road tax,  but the noone does.
But you knew that... 

[horlock07]

The other thing that winds me up about the 2 wheeled lot, is the lack of helmets being used. Generally this is more for the casual cyclist who jump on the Boris Bikes but there is no danger I would cycle through London without a helmet on.

Personal choice innit*, I always wear a helmet (especially having come across a bloke unconscious in the road the other year who had come off not wearing a helmet and waiting 2.5 for an ambulance to roll up) but I don't have to and thus its up to the personal user.

* This is not aimed at you but one thing that winds me up is that there is often a direct correlativity between those who moan about cyclists not wearing helmets, and then following in the next breath moaning about nanny state, lack of personal freedom and H&S 'gone mad'!

The 'professional' cyclists who are all lycra and are well lit generally do adhere to the helmet rule, but a lot of these don't seem to want to slow down for red lights.

That surprises me as I am a 'not really professional' cyclist and people running red lights pisses me and my peers off as it makes cyclists an easy target for the wider habit of dehumanising cyclists as promoted by parts of the media and government!

[Bob's Orange]

Personal choice innit*, I always wear a helmet (especially having come across a bloke unconscious in the road the other year who had come off not wearing a helmet and waiting 2.5 for an ambulance to roll up) but I don't have to and thus its up to the personal user.

* This is not aimed at you but one thing that winds me up is that there is often a direct correlativity between those who moan about cyclists not wearing helmets, and then following in the next breath moaning about nanny state, lack of personal freedom and H&S 'gone mad'!

That surprises me as I am a 'not really professional' cyclist and people running red lights pisses me and my peers off as it makes cyclists an easy target for the wider habit of dehumanising cyclists as promoted by parts of the media and government!

I just think that if you are cycling through a busy city with a lot of traffic and other dangers that it is irresponsible not to wear a helmet. I do get that it is a personal choice however.

And don't get me wrong, this isn't a cheap pop at cyclists in general, my ire is towards the very small minority that do appear to be ignorant. I do fear that one day I am going to walk home and see an accident that could so very easily be avoided.