Slate V

Militant Ski Masks September 28, 2009 Explainer: The ski mask has long been a staple of Palestinian militants. Chris Beam asks: Where do you come by ski masks in such a hot climate, and do different factions favor different garb?

Slate V

How Big Is Rhode Island? September 28, 2009 Explainer: Whenever journalists need an easy way to describe something really big, they often use the nation’s smallest state as a convenient yardstick. Michelle Tsai answers the question: Just ...

Slate V

Are Mosquitoes Good for Anything? September 28, 2009 Explainer: In the thick of another mosquito season, Michelle Tsai asks, "What good are mosquitoes, anyway?" and wonders why we can’t seem to get rid of these bloodsucking pests.

Slate V

Will We Ever Finish the Space Station? September 28, 2009 Explainer: Samantha Henig asks, "Why is it taking so long to build the International Space Station?"

Slate V

Could Bush Be Our Least Popular President? September 28, 2009 Explainer: George W. Bush has sunk to a near-record low in public approval. How far would he have to drop to become the least popular president? And how would he stack up against unpopular ...

Slate V

Does the President Need a Wallet? September 28, 2009 Explainer: Being the U.S. chief executive carries a lot of perks. Does the president bother carrying cash? And how much does he make, anyway? Samantha Henig has the answers.