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Some people think all there is to poker is playing the cards, betting when your opponent checks and making bluffs at the pot whenever they feel it’s “right” to do so.

More recently though, some people have started learning more and it appears there’s a whole new game of poker that many people knew nothing (or very little) about.

When many first start playing poker (if you’re gen-x at least), there was really only five-card draw and seven card stud but as the years progressed a new game was born. When people first learned about Texas Hold’em it was like meeting someone who knew you’d be best friends with for a very long time. After playing this for long enough though, the magic starts to fade unless you’re poker-mad 24/7. Some people are starting to shy away from the two hole card situation.

This new game is called Omaha – Whenever people think they’ve started to get a handle on how their opponents play, someone always seems to come right out of nowhere and surprise them with a checking-raise, or bluffing in spots where people would never pick it in this game.

It might be that because Omaha deals each person four cards, it’s much more appealing. It could also be that because people can win more, their inner gambler spurs them on to learn it. The downside to this marvelous game however is that people are flipping a coin more often than they might realise (So as long as you’re not one of those, keep playing).

Regardless of the game, poker can be your best friend or your worst enemy – It all depends on who’s sitting at the table. It’s not the people who you’ve got to be worried about unless they’re something special – If you’re better than them you’re still not guaranteed a victory until that river card comes down a blank to your already-made hand, or else it puts you so far in front your only decision is how much to bet or re-raise.

Many people love poker, but some hate it. There’s no other game quite like it; One that can allow you to have so much skill and such a big edge over your opponent, yet still leave you walking home with nothing if they luck out with one of their four outs.

Stars are one of the most popular tattoos chosen because of endless possibilities of unique designs. Are you interested in a one but indecisive about what type of star you would like? It is okay to be unsure as there are several different types of stars. Instead of choosing one at random, here is a list of 5 different star tattoo ideas and their meanings to assist you with your decision.

1. Shooting Stars

The first of many star tattoo ideas are shooting stars. They are the most popular type of stars chosen among the rest. The reason for the growing popularity is due in part by the sheer beauty of the star itself. It always looks elegant on the body and will definitely be an eye opener to the public. Aside from the actual appearance, it also holds a deeper meaning.

Shooting stars represents an unforgettable and memorable life changing event. Such events can be as simple as your 18th birthday or graduating high school. Special events will always be remembered in your mind similar to watching a bunch of shooting stars soar through the pitch dark sky.

2. Nautical Star

Before compasses were invented, sailors used stars to guide their journey throughout the night, particularly the North Star. It was understood that following the bright North Star will eventually lead you home. Therefore, the nautical star has earned the symbolization of protection and guidance. Now it is common to see a soldier or fishermen sporting a nifty nautical star on their body to represent the faith of returning home safely.

3. The Star of David

This six-pointed star is a religious symbol with each point resembling a day of the week while the center representing Sabbath. The Star of David also represents harmony and unity. This particular star is a simple design created by two triangles overlapping one another.

4. Pentagram

The pentagram has two very distinct meaning determined by the positioning of the star itself. A pentagram is a five-pointed star which means one point always stands alone. If this lone point faces downward, then the pentagram represents the Devil since the opposite ends have two points appearing like horns.

On the other hand, if the pentagram points upwards, then the meaning shifts from the Devil to balance and protection. Each point on the pentagram will then represents the four major elements of earth; wind, water, fire and earth. The final top point symbolizes spirit.

5. Septagram

A septagram is a unique seven-pointed star. Since there are seven points on this particular star, a septagram is a symbol of luck. The number seven is universally considered to be a lucky number as seen everywhere including popular media such as films and songs. Additionally, a septagram is also a symbol of magic.

I am a doodler! I always have been and probably always will be. In my doodling career I have learned some useful tips. I thought perhaps it may be helpful to pin them down here. They certainly helped me.

Doodle Tip 1:

Have fun! This is not a serious thing and no-one will be harmed if you are not perfect. Just let yourself go and be delighted by what your hand produces!

Doodle Tip 2:

Aim to add an idea to your doodle with the patterns you choose. For instance I once drew a skull (very scary) but filled it with little hearts and flower patterns (very twee). The juxtaposition entertained me. I went looking for it and found it. So here it is:

Doodle Tip 3:

Doodle on good paper. Every now and then, you will create a masterpiece. It will be a real pity if it is in the margin of the telephone book!

“But I doodle when I am on the phone,” you say. So keep a clean pad of good paper near you always!

I mean always! I have several: on my desk, in my purse, by my bed and in the car!

Doodle Tip 4:

If a pristine white page is sitting there terrifying you, just close your eyes and draw a squiggle on it. Now it is “ruined”. It can only get better from here on in. This is a great way to fake out your own mind. It is only the chatter inside your head that says the page has to turn out to be a masterpiece – ignore your mind and enjoy the process!

Doodle Tip 5:

Try doodling with really skinny markers. Try some that are 1.0, 0.5, 0.3 and even 0.1 It is very interesting how the different thicknesses produce very different feelings when you draw. You get to play and figure out which one suits you best today.

Doodle Tip 6:

Play the scribble game. Get someone to just do a simple scribble on a piece of paper for you. Then you take it back and turn it about until the image appears to you. You can add a level of fun, by getting them to name a creature, say a dog or elephant or fish, and then you have to find a way to turn the scribble into that!
Have heaps of fun doodling today!