July 2007 Archive 

The ‘black ops’ of America The US military spends $30 billion annually on classified military programmes, ranging from spy satellites to ‘extraordinary rendition’. These secret ‘black operations’ leave a mark on our everyday landscapes and legible traces in public data. Trevor Paglen is an artist and experimental geographer working to create visual representations of these secret worlds. He spoke to Oscar Reyes

Pick up a penguin The Linux open-source computer operating system isn’t just for geeks. Dave Sambrook explains how to try out the free alternative to Microsoft Windows

Democracy’s last resort The acquittal of two men who broke into the Fairford airbase to try to disable B52 bombers at the start of the Iraq war is a victory for democracy, writes Stuart Weir

Tents on the runway A rising tide of direct action on climate change is spreading across the UK. Tom Bailey records the spread of this movement, from last summer’s Camp for Climate Action, which targeted the Drax power station, to this year’s gathering near Heathrow Airport

Slow suicide

Dear Auntie

I notice that in your picture you always have a tab to go with your pie and pint, so I’m sure you understand my problem. After 30 years on the Golden Virginia I can’t so much as walk past a pub without lighting up. My local pub landlord and his customers are all smokers. Where’s the harm in us all committing slow suicide together? Is there any way we can get round the new smoking ban?

‘Old Holborn’, Sunderland

A healthy choice Labour’s deputy leadership contest has at least revealed one thing – the extent of unease over Tony Blair’s market reforms of the NHS. Ministers have made statements that would once have got them sacked but now get them votes. Red Pepper and Keep Our NHS Public teamed up to survey the six candidates’ views and see who’s best for the NHS. By Alex Nunns