by
Allison Woodward
Drop those snow boots, grab your golf clubs and forget about winter for a while at Ocean Ridge Plantation in Sunset Beach, N.C.
Unlike its northern neighbors, Sunset Beach boasts a mild climate year-round. The warm weather and pristine natural surroundings make Ocean Ridge Plantation the perfect destination for active golfers who don’t want to settle for just a few short months of golf at home.
Sunset Beach experienced no serious weather issues this summer and fall, leaving the courses in beautiful condition.
Ideally located between the history of Wilmington and the excitement of Myrtle Beach, Ocean Ridge Plantation boasts one of the most diverse golf experiences on the East Coast with its three “Big Cat” courses – Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run and Tiger’s Eye. A fourth course, Leopard’s Chase, is in progress.
Lion’s Paw is an open, hilly 18-hole course that treats golfers to spectacular views of a creek valley and wetlands. It has been described as designer Willard C. Byrd’s finest work.
Panther’s Run, an 18-hole course carved out of rolling woodlands runs along several untouched natural wildlife habitats, and offers large multiple tee areas, giving golfers of all skill levels a fair shot at making par.
Tiger’s Eye, Ocean Ridge’s crown jewel, is a rare treat and one of the most highly praised courses along the East Coast. This upscale, daily-fee 18-hole golf course is distinguished by dramatic 60-foot elevation changes and a stunning combination of natural waste areas, native wild flowers, waterfalls, coquina boulders, and coastal marshland. Tiger’s eye is a thinking-person’s course, requiring precise shot making and a reliable short game.
Construction on Leopard’s Chase, Ocean Ridge’s next Big Cat course, is on schedule with completion slated for 2006. The par-71 course measures more than 7,000 yards and features stunning natural vistas and dramatic elevation changes. Course architect Tim Cate, who also did Tiger’s Eye, believes that Leopard’s Chase will turn out even better than Tiger’s Eye and that golfers will be lining up to sample the next great cat at Ocean Ridge.
And that’s quite a prediction. Tiger’s Eye is one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, 2003-2004,” says Golf Digest magazine. North Carolina magazine named it the “Most Scenic Golf Course” in coastal North Carolina, and the third most scenic course in the entire state.
In Golf Digest’s prestigious bi-annual golf “bible” Tiger’s Eye is rated at 4 1/2 stars, which makes it a “don’t miss” golf course. In addition, Tiger’s Eye — along with its sister courses Panther’s Run and Lion’s Paw — is on Golf For Women magazine’s “America’s “Top 100 Fairways” list.
Ocean Ridge also boasts high-quality shopping, service and dining. The Ocean Ridge Golf Shoppe was named one of America’s 100 Best Golf Shops for four consecutive years by Golf Shop Operations Magazine and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links’ store has been named to Golf World Business’ prestigious “America’s 100 Best Golf Shops” list.
The two clubhouses that overlook the golf courses offer a variety of dining options.
With the Canadian dollar at a 15-year high, now is the perfect time to visit Sunset Beach, N.C.
So forget the snow and come play in the sun with the Big Cats at Ocean Ridge Plantation in Sunset Beach, N.C.
About The Author
Allison Woodward
My background includes serving as an editor at Life Insurance Selling magazine in St. Louis, Mo., where I was responsible for writing, editing, selecting editorial material, managing the magazine’s Web site, and covering industry events. In addition, I have worked as an editor, reporter, and photographer for several newspapers in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/20848/warm-up-while-playing-the-big-cats-at-ocean-ridge.html
Tips for Introducing Two Cats
by
Kathy Burns-Millyard
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually more exciting for you than your current cat. Even though they are solitary by nature, most cats eventually learn to accept or at least tolerate newcomers. Because they are very territorial, the way you go about introducing the new cat to your existing cat can mean the difference between success or "cat-astrophe."
The introduction process can take as little as 10-12 days for kittens and very young cats, to as long as 12 weeks for older cats. It all depends on each cat's personality. Be sure to give your "first" cat plenty of attention. This will help him feel secure that he is not in competition for your affection.
Confine your new cat to a "safe" room until the introduction process is complete. This should be a small room, such as a bathroom or small bedroom that your current cat rarely visits. Furnish it with a bed, scratching post, food, water and litter box.
In the beginning, your first cat may hiss and yowl at the cat on the other side of the door. Just ignore him and walk away. Never punish him for vocalizing aggressively, it will only cause trouble between the two cats. Be sure to praise and pet your first cat when he acts calmly when near the new cat's room.
After a few days, take a rag or washcloth and rub it over your new cat as you pet and play with her. Use a different rag to do the same thing with your first cat. At feeding time, put each cat's scented rag under the other cat's bowl. This will help them associate the other cat's scent with something positive-food. Lots of little feedings each day will help them get used to the smell more quickly. Be sure to renew the scent on the rags each day.
Next, you can feed them in closer proximity. Keep your new cat in her "safe" room with the door firmly closed, and place each cat's dish on their side of the door. Be sure to feed them at the same time. Once they both eat with no growling or hissing, you can move to the next level of the introduction.
Close your first cat in a room he likes to frequent, making sure he has water, some favorite food and a litter box. Let your new cat out to explore the house. After a few hours, put her back in her room and let your first cat out. He will probably hiss and fuss when he smells another cat's scent in HIS territory. Again, be patient and praise him when he acts calmly. Repeat this activity at least once a day until both cats seem comfortable.
Before you let the cats have full access to one another, let them come face to face in a safe situation. Use two hard plastic doorstops to jam the door to the new cat's room open a mere 2-3 inches. Check that the door can't be pushed open any further, and that neither cat can get its head through the opening. The object is to give them a chance to swat paws at one another and even go nose to nose without the opportunity for full body contact. Feed each cat on their respective side of the door. Once they no longer hiss or growl at one another, you can try playing with both of them in the same room.
About the Author
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large and growing pet website featuring articles, tips, advice and shopping for popular pet supplies, toys and accessories. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/718/tips-for-introducing-two-cats.html
Kathy Burns-Millyard
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually more exciting for you than your current cat. Even though they are solitary by nature, most cats eventually learn to accept or at least tolerate newcomers. Because they are very territorial, the way you go about introducing the new cat to your existing cat can mean the difference between success or "cat-astrophe."
The introduction process can take as little as 10-12 days for kittens and very young cats, to as long as 12 weeks for older cats. It all depends on each cat's personality. Be sure to give your "first" cat plenty of attention. This will help him feel secure that he is not in competition for your affection.
Confine your new cat to a "safe" room until the introduction process is complete. This should be a small room, such as a bathroom or small bedroom that your current cat rarely visits. Furnish it with a bed, scratching post, food, water and litter box.
In the beginning, your first cat may hiss and yowl at the cat on the other side of the door. Just ignore him and walk away. Never punish him for vocalizing aggressively, it will only cause trouble between the two cats. Be sure to praise and pet your first cat when he acts calmly when near the new cat's room.
After a few days, take a rag or washcloth and rub it over your new cat as you pet and play with her. Use a different rag to do the same thing with your first cat. At feeding time, put each cat's scented rag under the other cat's bowl. This will help them associate the other cat's scent with something positive-food. Lots of little feedings each day will help them get used to the smell more quickly. Be sure to renew the scent on the rags each day.
Next, you can feed them in closer proximity. Keep your new cat in her "safe" room with the door firmly closed, and place each cat's dish on their side of the door. Be sure to feed them at the same time. Once they both eat with no growling or hissing, you can move to the next level of the introduction.
Close your first cat in a room he likes to frequent, making sure he has water, some favorite food and a litter box. Let your new cat out to explore the house. After a few hours, put her back in her room and let your first cat out. He will probably hiss and fuss when he smells another cat's scent in HIS territory. Again, be patient and praise him when he acts calmly. Repeat this activity at least once a day until both cats seem comfortable.
Before you let the cats have full access to one another, let them come face to face in a safe situation. Use two hard plastic doorstops to jam the door to the new cat's room open a mere 2-3 inches. Check that the door can't be pushed open any further, and that neither cat can get its head through the opening. The object is to give them a chance to swat paws at one another and even go nose to nose without the opportunity for full body contact. Feed each cat on their respective side of the door. Once they no longer hiss or growl at one another, you can try playing with both of them in the same room.
About the Author
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large and growing pet website featuring articles, tips, advice and shopping for popular pet supplies, toys and accessories. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/718/tips-for-introducing-two-cats.html
Thyroid illness in cats and dogs
by
Nick Carmichael
Common clinical signs of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance and poor coat quality. However, the disease affects almost all body systems and as a result a wide variety of signs can potentially be associated with this endocrinopathy.
Diagnosis is complicated by the fact that many non-thyroidal illnesses (NTI) may present with similar features to hypothyroidism and can result in reduced thyroid output. There is no perfect lab test for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and the available alternatives all have their own strengths and weaknesses that need to be taken into account. Often the best approach is to use multiple tests that complement one another and help to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Where hypothyroidism is a consideration, making the diagnosis requires three distinct steps:
1. Exclude non-thyroidal illness (NTI).
By excluding other disease conditions first the predictive value of the thyroid tests will be significantly increased. In practical terms this phase may include a profile including FBC and smear evaluation and where necessary screening tests for Cushings. The latter can be important as both endocrinopathies can result in alopecia, weight gain and marked reductions in T4.
2. Run a screening test for hypothyroidism.
Basal T4 is sensitive but not specific for hypothyroidism. As a result, a clearly normal T4 reliably excludes hypothyroidism in almost all cases. Basal T4 is included in the CTDS Canine Endocrine Profile. While almost all dogs with hypothyroidism have a reduced basal T4, many dogs with NTI have low T4 also. To help improve the specificity of T4 it is often coupled with TSH assay. T4 with TSH works well as a relatively low cost screening test for hypothyroidism and can be run alongside or following the endocrine profile.
Visit www.ctdslab.co.uk for more information
About the Author
Nick graduated from Edinburgh Veterinary School in 1980 with an
Honours degree in Pathological Sciences and in 1982 as a Bachelor
of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. In 2003 Nick became a diplomate
of the Royal college of Pathologists in veterinary clinical pathology.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/712/thyroid-illness-in-cats-and-dogs.html
Nick Carmichael
Common clinical signs of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance and poor coat quality. However, the disease affects almost all body systems and as a result a wide variety of signs can potentially be associated with this endocrinopathy.
Diagnosis is complicated by the fact that many non-thyroidal illnesses (NTI) may present with similar features to hypothyroidism and can result in reduced thyroid output. There is no perfect lab test for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and the available alternatives all have their own strengths and weaknesses that need to be taken into account. Often the best approach is to use multiple tests that complement one another and help to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Where hypothyroidism is a consideration, making the diagnosis requires three distinct steps:
1. Exclude non-thyroidal illness (NTI).
By excluding other disease conditions first the predictive value of the thyroid tests will be significantly increased. In practical terms this phase may include a profile including FBC and smear evaluation and where necessary screening tests for Cushings. The latter can be important as both endocrinopathies can result in alopecia, weight gain and marked reductions in T4.
2. Run a screening test for hypothyroidism.
Basal T4 is sensitive but not specific for hypothyroidism. As a result, a clearly normal T4 reliably excludes hypothyroidism in almost all cases. Basal T4 is included in the CTDS Canine Endocrine Profile. While almost all dogs with hypothyroidism have a reduced basal T4, many dogs with NTI have low T4 also. To help improve the specificity of T4 it is often coupled with TSH assay. T4 with TSH works well as a relatively low cost screening test for hypothyroidism and can be run alongside or following the endocrine profile.
Visit www.ctdslab.co.uk for more information
About the Author
Nick graduated from Edinburgh Veterinary School in 1980 with an
Honours degree in Pathological Sciences and in 1982 as a Bachelor
of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. In 2003 Nick became a diplomate
of the Royal college of Pathologists in veterinary clinical pathology.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/712/thyroid-illness-in-cats-and-dogs.html
THERE ARE OVER 50 CAT BREEDS. WHAT BREED MAKES THE BEST PET?
by
Dean Erickson
How to choose the perfect cat breed for you is easy if you do your research first.
Cats are the world's most popular pets. They are independent but at the same time make for great company. The have minimal maintenance needs but they satisfy any pet owner's need to cuddle.
There are many different domestic cat breeds, but less than one percent of all cats have pedigrees or are pure breeds. All in all there are about 70-odd breeds. The rest of the cats fall into two main groups: domestic longhair and domestic shorthair. Cats that have a long slender build, almond-shaped eyes and sleek fur are often characterized as Oriental.
For potential cat owners there are many breeds to chose from ranging from a pure cat breed to your standard non-purebred breed, often called an alley-cat.
Exotic cat breeds include the Bengal (a relatively new breed; a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic shorthair), Scottish Fold (its ears are folded forward and down), Egyptian Mau (resembles ancient Egyptian cats) and the California Spangled Cat. The most popular longhair variety is the Persian. In fact, Persians are probably the most well-known of all cat breeds, probably because of its long coat. Potential buyers should know that their coat demands a daily program of grooming. But they'll make up for that with their gentle temperament.
The most popular shorthair variety is the Siamese. The Siamese has blue eyes and colored ears, face, tail and paws in contrast to the rest of the body. This breed has a long and slender body.
How to choose the breed you want?
Although all kittens and cats can have very different personalities, breed specific characteristics can aid in making your decision. Attending a cat show is an excellent way to get a real life idea of what you may expect and to find out what you are really looking for.
Consider the length of the coat, the size of the adult cat, what some of the breed traits are. Does this breed of cat generally need a lot of grooming, are they a family oriented breed or do they bond better with one person? Is the breed more active as an adult or more of a lap cat?
Every different breed of cat has its own personal needs, but generally they are flexible and can be accommodated in various homes and apartments and don't mind being left alone. That's what makes cat the all-time favorite pet for people with demanding lifestyles and long work hours.
About the Author
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of cat-breeds-directory.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/705/there-are-over-50-cat-breeds.-what-breed-makes-the-best-pet.html
Dean Erickson
How to choose the perfect cat breed for you is easy if you do your research first.
Cats are the world's most popular pets. They are independent but at the same time make for great company. The have minimal maintenance needs but they satisfy any pet owner's need to cuddle.
There are many different domestic cat breeds, but less than one percent of all cats have pedigrees or are pure breeds. All in all there are about 70-odd breeds. The rest of the cats fall into two main groups: domestic longhair and domestic shorthair. Cats that have a long slender build, almond-shaped eyes and sleek fur are often characterized as Oriental.
For potential cat owners there are many breeds to chose from ranging from a pure cat breed to your standard non-purebred breed, often called an alley-cat.
Exotic cat breeds include the Bengal (a relatively new breed; a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic shorthair), Scottish Fold (its ears are folded forward and down), Egyptian Mau (resembles ancient Egyptian cats) and the California Spangled Cat. The most popular longhair variety is the Persian. In fact, Persians are probably the most well-known of all cat breeds, probably because of its long coat. Potential buyers should know that their coat demands a daily program of grooming. But they'll make up for that with their gentle temperament.
The most popular shorthair variety is the Siamese. The Siamese has blue eyes and colored ears, face, tail and paws in contrast to the rest of the body. This breed has a long and slender body.
How to choose the breed you want?
Although all kittens and cats can have very different personalities, breed specific characteristics can aid in making your decision. Attending a cat show is an excellent way to get a real life idea of what you may expect and to find out what you are really looking for.
Consider the length of the coat, the size of the adult cat, what some of the breed traits are. Does this breed of cat generally need a lot of grooming, are they a family oriented breed or do they bond better with one person? Is the breed more active as an adult or more of a lap cat?
Every different breed of cat has its own personal needs, but generally they are flexible and can be accommodated in various homes and apartments and don't mind being left alone. That's what makes cat the all-time favorite pet for people with demanding lifestyles and long work hours.
About the Author
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of cat-breeds-directory.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/705/there-are-over-50-cat-breeds.-what-breed-makes-the-best-pet.html
The World According To Max The Cat
by
Saleem Rana
Max jumped on my chest as soon as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the blinds.
“Are you awake?” he asked, licking his paw with infinite fastidiousness.
“I am now,” I said. “Hey, did you just say something?”
“No, I just thought something.”
“You mean we're in telepathic contact?” I asked, not sure whether I was still asleep.
“Why do you think we were so popular with the Egyptian priests," he asked smugly.
“Why didn't you talk before,” I asked.
“Believe me,” he said, “It wasn't easy, but I didn't think you were ready before.”
“What makes you think I'm ready now?”
He languidly ripped his claws into the bed covers and ripped off some cotton threads before stretching his elegant white limbs. Then he eyed me thoughtfully with his big golden eyes.
“You haven't fed me any cat food in the past few days,” he said. “In fact, I'm not sure where you got the idea that a cat can thrive on oatmeal.”
“Well, you know I can't even pay the rent. Who knows what's going to happen to us?”
“That's why I thought it time you got wise about the Diamond Sutra.”
“Is that some kind of Eastern scripture?”
“No, I'm talking about the mystical sutra, the emerald green subtle energy field that's shaped like a diamond and sits in your heart.”
“Hunh?”
“Quiet!” said Max, clubbing my nose with his padded pink paw, claws sheathed.
“I'm listening,” I said.
“The diamond sutra has four edges, each edge signifying a divine attribute. The first edge is called Abundance, the second Health, the third Success, and the fourth, Relationship. All cats worth their weight in whiskers have these circuits running in harmony, and so, too, should any half-awake human being. All you have to do is to replace wanting with having. Get the feeling-tones right and your world will be right."
He eyed me sharply, sizing me up, wondering, no doubt, if I could meet even his most compromised standards. “Now I've noticed that you appear to need to activate each of these energetic systems into your life. You've disrupted the circuit with your stinking-thinking.”
“Guilty,” I said, smiling sheepishly.
He gave me the look; then after clipping some misaligned hair on his tail with his teeth, he resumed his discourse.
“Flowing from one point to the next is the white light of infinite connectivity, the stream of life and manifestation, the river of consciousness itself.
“The only thing stopping this flow is YOU! In particular, all these absurd thoughts of scarcity that keeping running through your head. Look, if you think of scarcity, that's what you're going to get. You draw it to you with the same felicity with which a dumb dog attracts fleas by rolling in the grass.
“Abundance is your natural birthright. If you're not experiencing it, then you've got a belief system that says you can't get it or you don't deserve it.
Similarly, the cells of your body respond to your thoughts, and if they're not happy cells, you're thinking distressing thoughts and eating garbage. Hence, poor health. ”
“Come again,” I said.
Once again, he gave me the look, then resumed his exposition, deciding to ignore the interruption.
“Success, of course, is doing things your way...basically doing what you want, the way you want, when you want. Look at me. Pay attention. Learn something. I live in a world of possibility. I entertain empowering beliefs. I have passion and motivation for positive change.”
“And what about relationships?” I asked.
“Tickle my ears,” he said.
I did, and he purred.
About the Author
Saleem Rana got his masters in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable life. Free information.
http://theempoweredsoul.com/enter.html
Copyright 2005 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass this
article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or
newsletter. It's a shareware article.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/19705/the-world-according-to-max-the-cat.html
Saleem Rana
Max jumped on my chest as soon as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the blinds.
“Are you awake?” he asked, licking his paw with infinite fastidiousness.
“I am now,” I said. “Hey, did you just say something?”
“No, I just thought something.”
“You mean we're in telepathic contact?” I asked, not sure whether I was still asleep.
“Why do you think we were so popular with the Egyptian priests," he asked smugly.
“Why didn't you talk before,” I asked.
“Believe me,” he said, “It wasn't easy, but I didn't think you were ready before.”
“What makes you think I'm ready now?”
He languidly ripped his claws into the bed covers and ripped off some cotton threads before stretching his elegant white limbs. Then he eyed me thoughtfully with his big golden eyes.
“You haven't fed me any cat food in the past few days,” he said. “In fact, I'm not sure where you got the idea that a cat can thrive on oatmeal.”
“Well, you know I can't even pay the rent. Who knows what's going to happen to us?”
“That's why I thought it time you got wise about the Diamond Sutra.”
“Is that some kind of Eastern scripture?”
“No, I'm talking about the mystical sutra, the emerald green subtle energy field that's shaped like a diamond and sits in your heart.”
“Hunh?”
“Quiet!” said Max, clubbing my nose with his padded pink paw, claws sheathed.
“I'm listening,” I said.
“The diamond sutra has four edges, each edge signifying a divine attribute. The first edge is called Abundance, the second Health, the third Success, and the fourth, Relationship. All cats worth their weight in whiskers have these circuits running in harmony, and so, too, should any half-awake human being. All you have to do is to replace wanting with having. Get the feeling-tones right and your world will be right."
He eyed me sharply, sizing me up, wondering, no doubt, if I could meet even his most compromised standards. “Now I've noticed that you appear to need to activate each of these energetic systems into your life. You've disrupted the circuit with your stinking-thinking.”
“Guilty,” I said, smiling sheepishly.
He gave me the look; then after clipping some misaligned hair on his tail with his teeth, he resumed his discourse.
“Flowing from one point to the next is the white light of infinite connectivity, the stream of life and manifestation, the river of consciousness itself.
“The only thing stopping this flow is YOU! In particular, all these absurd thoughts of scarcity that keeping running through your head. Look, if you think of scarcity, that's what you're going to get. You draw it to you with the same felicity with which a dumb dog attracts fleas by rolling in the grass.
“Abundance is your natural birthright. If you're not experiencing it, then you've got a belief system that says you can't get it or you don't deserve it.
Similarly, the cells of your body respond to your thoughts, and if they're not happy cells, you're thinking distressing thoughts and eating garbage. Hence, poor health. ”
“Come again,” I said.
Once again, he gave me the look, then resumed his exposition, deciding to ignore the interruption.
“Success, of course, is doing things your way...basically doing what you want, the way you want, when you want. Look at me. Pay attention. Learn something. I live in a world of possibility. I entertain empowering beliefs. I have passion and motivation for positive change.”
“And what about relationships?” I asked.
“Tickle my ears,” he said.
I did, and he purred.
About the Author
Saleem Rana got his masters in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable life. Free information.
http://theempoweredsoul.com/enter.html
Copyright 2005 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass this
article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or
newsletter. It's a shareware article.
Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/19705/the-world-according-to-max-the-cat.html