title: System.TypeInitializationException: The type initializer for 'Tips' threw an exception
body: <p>I am trying to access the values of a static list. However when I try to do so this exception is thrown. </p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>System.TypeInitializationException: The type initializer for 'Tips' threw an exception. --  -> System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>The class with the list.</p>
  
  <pre><code>    public static class Tips
  {
      //private List&lt;Tip&gt; roadtips = new List&lt;Tip&gt;();
      public static List&lt;Tip&gt; tips { get; set; }
  
       static Tips()
      {
          tips.Add(new Tip("Don't use your mobile phone whilst driving", "Making or receiving a call, even using a 'hands free' phone, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to an accident. "));
          tips.Add(new Tip("Children", "Children often act impulsively, take extra care outside schools, near buses and ice cream vans when they might be around."));
          tips.Add(new Tip("Take a break", "Tiredness is thought to be a major factor in more than 10% of road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours on a long journey."));
          tips.Add(new Tip("Don't drink and drive", "Any alcohol, even a small amount , can impair your driving so be a safe driver don't drive and drive."));
          tips.Add(new Tip("Anticipate ", "Observe and anticipate other road users and use your mirrors regularly."));
          tips.Add(new Tip("Use car seats ", "Child and baby seats should be fitted properly and checked every trip."));
          tips.Add(new Tip("Keep your distance ", "Always keep a two second gap between you and the car in front."));
      }
  }
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>This is class trying to access the list.</p>
  
  <pre><code> public partial class tip : PhoneApplicationPage
  {
      public tip()
      {
          InitializeComponent();
          Random r = new Random();
          int rInt = r.Next(0, 6); 
          tipname.Text = Tips.tips[rInt].Name;
          tipdesc.Text = Tips.tips[rInt].Description;
      }
  }
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>What's causing this to occur? Is there a better way to store these tips. I just need a list of tips to output to two textblocks on a Windows phone page.</p>