Translation of Merkmal

On one hand I detest the topics that the media chooses on the news, for example the coverage of the entire trial of O.J. Simpson. But not only this trial, also other completely unimportant events.
In my opinion, this is another thing, it is rooted in history. People of different countries will always point to their neighbor's mistakes, a vicious cirlce arises which is very hard to avoid.
I was the only one at the beach, as it was too early and all the party people were still sleeping. After that I hired a motorcycle in order to drive around the island. I never drove before that.