About This Week: How to Make Your Voice Heard

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This Week With so much going on in the world of politics, now's a great time to speak out (maybe that's why constituent letters to Congress are up exponentially). But how do you contact your Representatives? Here's everything you need to become an advocate for the issues important to you. Writing to Congress Those who think members of Congress pay little to no attention to constituent mail are plain wrong. Concise, articulate personal letters are one of the most effective ways Americans can influence lawmakers. See More About:  writing to congress  addressing members of congress  public advocacy Meet Your Representatives While more difficult than writing a letter, it's not impossible to arrange a face-to-face meeting with your Representative or a member of his or her staff. See More About:  getting involved  public advocacy  house and senate The Legislative Branch: A Quick Overview Before contacting your congressman or senator, you might want to get a handle on how the Legislative Branch really operates. See More About:  legislative branch  salary and benefits of congress members  legislative process Registering to Vote Getting in touch with lawmakers is great, as long as you've got the basics down. Making sure you're registered to vote is an important first step. See More About:  voter registration  voting  elections This Week Ads Letters Writing a Letter Sample Sales Letters Outdoor Sign Letters Congress Lobbying Featured Articles 10 Richest Members of Congress How Bills Become Laws Why We Have a House and Senate About the Primary System Salaries of Top Government Officials The US Constitution   More from About.com Food and Mood Indulging a sweet tooth can cause weight gain, guilt and even worsen depression. Here are a few expert tips to help you resist. More> Carb Cravings Ever wondered why you crave carbs (or chocolate and sugar) when you're depressed? Some scientists say it may be chemical. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About This Week newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement

About Food & Drink: Vegetarian Food Special

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Food & Drink Whether you're making or considering making a change to a vegetarian diet, or simply want some delish non-meat recipes, we'll get you on the veggie-friendly path to eating well and eating right. How to Go Vegetarian So you've decided to stop eating meat--now what? Make the transition easy--and healthy--with these tips from our Guide to Vegetarian Food. See More About:  how to go vegetarian  vegetarian nutrition  vegetarian definitions Vegetarian Grocery Shopping List The ingredients listed here have been selected not only for their nutritional value and role in vegetarian cooking, but also because they are the most common ingredients featured on our Vegetarian Food site (recipes follow). See More About:  how to go vegetarian  vegetarian shopping  vegetarian definitions Satisfying Vegetarian Soup Recipes Is there anything better than a hot bowl of homemade soup on a cold fall day? Our readers have chosen these 10 vegetarian soup recipes as their favorites. See More About:  vegetarian soups  healthy recipes  vegetarian recipes Best Vegetarian Dinner Recipes Find out how to whip up vegetarian and vegan takes on Indian curries, creamy risottos, hearty chilis, and more. See More About:  vegetarian casseroles  quick and easy recipes  healthy recipes Food & Drink Ads Food Vegetarian Recipes Food Diet Recipes Vegetarian Protein Vegetarian Dishes Featured Articles Vegetarian Pizza Recipes Veggie Burger Recipes Easy Tofu Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie Recipe Vegetarian Lasagna Recipes Vegan Date Macaroons Recipe   More from About.com Food and Mood Indulging a sweet tooth can cause weight gain, guilt and even worsen depression. Here are a few expert tips to help you resist. More> Carb Cravings Ever wondered why you crave carbs (or chocolate and sugar) when you're depressed? Some scientists say it may be chemical. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Food & Drink newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement

About Fitness: How to Get 6-Pack Abs Without Ab Exercises

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Fitness From Wendy Bumgardner, your About Fitness Editor How to Get 6-Pack Abs Without Ab Exercises Doing crunches isn't the only way to get great abs. There are sports and activities you can enjoy that also build your core muscles and develop your abs. Here are eight that require engaging both the upper and lower body to force yourself to build that core. See More About:  workouts  abdominal exercises  core exercises Why Your Bodybuilding Workouts Suck Will Brink says you don't have to be a rocket surgeon to make progress in strength and muscle mass in the gym, but you do need to understand the bodybuilding basics. And he has little patience with you, since you have the internet, whereas he had to walk 10 miles through the snow and use rocks instead of dumbbells. Here's why he thinks you aren't getting an effective workout. See More About:  bodybuilding exercises  how to bodybuild  bodybuilding faq Weight Training for Longevity It's not that we want to get really, really old. It's that we want to feel young, energetic and strong for years and years and years and years. Here's how you can get there. Forgive me, it's my birthday today, and a cake big enough to hold the candles weighs a LOT. See More About:  longevity  life extension  seniors Woman Gives Birth Hours After Finishing Marathon From the news of the weird, runners' edition. Yes, we marathoners are a nutty lot, but this Chicago marathoner went the full 26.2 miles even as contractions were starting. And to think I whined about a blister last weekend on the Portland Half Marathon. See More About:  marathon running  running during pregnancy  Fitness Ads Fitness Exercises ABS Workouts Exercise Ball ABS Fitness Workouts Fitness Ball Featured Articles When Should Kids Start Competitive Sports? How to Sell Bike Parts on the Internet What Makes Your Eyes Sting in the Pool? Before You Buy Pink Products Top 5 Running Injuries A Brisk Walk Beats a Hard Run   More from About.com Food and Mood Indulging a sweet tooth can cause weight gain, guilt and even worsen depression. Here are a few expert tips to help you resist. More> Carb Cravings Ever wondered why you crave carbs (or chocolate and sugar) when you're depressed? Some scientists say it may be chemical. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Fitness newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   More Fitness Abs and Back Workout Exercise for Breast Cancer Recovery Hot Yoga - What to Wear Advertisement

About Family: DIY Halloween Costumes

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Family From Jennifer Wolf, your About Family Editor It's not too late to make your own costumes for this year. Check out these ideas from our Guides: Pictures of Homemade Halloween Costumes Gather ideas from these creative costumes. See More About:  costumes  halloween  craft photos Costumes From Your Kids' Favorite Children's Books Make your own one-of-a-kind costume based on your kids' favorite characters. See More About:  children's books about halloween  children's books about holidays  halloween costumes based on children's books Halloween Safety Checklist Make sure that you're ready with this safety checklist from Amanada. Halloween Costumes for Infants There's not a trick in sight. These baby costumes are all treats! See More About:  halloween games  halloween treats  planning halloween parties Family Ads Halloween Costumes Kids Halloween Costumes Ideas Halloween Ideas Kids Costumes Featured Articles Kids' Birthday Gifts Under $10 Get the Most Out of Marriage Counseling Survive Pregnancy Bed Rest 9 Secrets of Active Families Create a Fire Escape Plan Follow About.com Parenting on Twitter   More from About.com Food and Mood Indulging a sweet tooth can cause weight gain, guilt and even worsen depression. Here are a few expert tips to help you resist. More> Carb Cravings Ever wondered why you crave carbs (or chocolate and sugar) when you're depressed? Some scientists say it may be chemical. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Family newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Recent Parenting Channel Headlines: Controversy Over Glee's Adoption Plot Line Halloween Handouts - Candy or Granola Bars? Teens Postponing Sex Until Later Advertisement