The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and like many Americans, you're probably thinking about firing up the grill and preparing some tasty vegan fare that doesn't form cancer-promoting chemicals like charred barbecued beef and fried fish and chicken do. You've probably even got the marinades all ready.

But what's a compassionate chef without a "Kiss Me, I'm Vegan" apron?

For this "Win It" Wednesday, you can score our stylin' new "Kiss Me, I'm Vegan" apron (hot guys or gals to kiss not included). To win, just share the most scrumptious vegan barbecue recipe that you plan to prepare this July 4—and all cookout season long—in the comment field below. The person who submits the recipe that makes our mouths water the most will win the apron. My mouth is already watering thinking about Grilled Seitan With Crisp Apple Salsa and Tandoori "Chicken" Kabobs. Can anybody top them?

The contest ends on July 14, 2010, and we'll pick the winner on July 16, 2010. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting.

Good luck, and happy Independence Day!

Written by Heather Moore

The newest rapper in da veggie club?

According to Vegetarian Star, Grammy winner and rap superstar 50 Cent is working to encourage healthy eating among children, and he just threw a picnic party in Queens for kids who chowed down on veggie burgers and whole-wheat pasta.

Given how many young people are already battling weight issues and poor health, serving veggie burgers rather than cholesterol-filled cow patties is a great way to get kids on the path to healthier lifestyles.

Eliminating cholesterol-laden animal products by going vegan is one of the easiest ways for people of all ages to reduce their risk of a number of health complications, from heart disease to diabetes. Is it possible that 50 Cent has joined the hip-hop ranks of Wu Tang Clan's Masta Killa and gone vegetarian? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Written by Jennifer O'Connor

Just in time for barbecue season comes a new study about meat eaters showing that eating charred meat, doubles the risk of bladder cancer. Even eating fried fish and chicken can significantly increase the odds.

Ravedave / CC by 2.5

Other studies have already shown that eating charred meat may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Kind of makes a few ants and some clouds seem like trivial problems, huh?

So, given that well-done meats can form chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer and undercooked meats can cause food poisoning, you might want to grill some mouthwatering veggies and mock meats at your next gathering. You want to keep your guests happy and healthy and save the lives of animals—don't you?

Written by Heather Moore

Some PETA activists stopped by the World Beef Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to show them a thing or two about beef—namely, that all meat is murder.

Calling attention to the similarities between killing humans and killing animals for food, one of our activists lay on a "grill" on a busy sidewalk, her skin painted to mimic the charred flesh that some people still happily consume at barbecues. Meanwhile, local activists passed out free copies of PETA's "Vegetarian Starter Kit" to passers-by who asked for them—and you can bet a lot of people did!

Check our pics of the great demo below—and check out GoVeg.com for more info!

Written by Amanda Schinke

Here's another classic from the PETA vaults, which I came across a little while back and filed away for summer barbeque season. The website, which you can find here, starts off like this:

And on it goes. As usual with this sort of pro-vegetarianism campaign—see, for instance, Eat the Whales and Say No to Pot (roast)—the underlying point is the same as ever: "Eating animals is weird and gross, and it sucks for the animals involved." But the sad fact of the matter is that a lot of diehard meat-eaters just zone out when you say stuff like that to them. Telling people that you're thinking of firing up a roadkill barbeque, however, tends to wipe that long-suffering "preached at" look right off their faces. And the message is ultimately the same: “Dude. Go vegetarian.”

Anyway, that's my two cents, but please do check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.