Don't forget your 4-legged companions this 4th of July! Firecrackers and other loud noises are terrifying to many dogs. Some will even attempt to run away to escape the sound, which leads to dogs getting hit by cars or getting lost. To protect your canine companions, plan to have your dogs indoors when the fireworks start, preferably in a basement or a room that will be less noisy. Read more about dogs and fireworks safety.

Before the fireworks, celebrate by inviting your friends and family for a vegan barbecue feast! If you're pressed for time, grill up some veggie burgers and tofu dogs from the supermarket. Want to show off your culinary skills? Try a menu of black bean burgers , sugar glazed corn on the cob and grilled eggplant with basil.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has announced that they intend to bill the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans $1,000 for every day of the seizure of their ship, the Farley Mowat. According to Sea Shepherd, Canadian officials unlawfully took the ship on April 12, 2008 in international waters, amounting to an act of piracy. The ship's crew had been documenting the Canadian seal slaughter. The Canadian seal hunt quota is set at 275,000 seals this year.