Mental Floss

POP CULTURE

Kate Beckinsale stars in 'Underworld' (2003).

The movie, which hit theaters September 19, 2003, was a surprise hit: It was made for $22 million but grossed nearly $96 million, kicking off a film franchise that brought in nearly $550 million. Here’s what you should know.

Erin McCarthy












Elmo played a big role in the episode.

'Sesame Street' has a long history of teaching kids how to deal with traumatic events. In the wake of 9/11, the show's creators wanted to find a way to bring the real-world horror to their young audience's attention.

Mental Floss UK








Former Ask Jeeves CEO Steve Berkowitz stands with a cut-out of the search engine's mascot.

Ask Jeeves became a casualty of the search engine wars of the early 2000s. Eventually, their mascot was escorted right out the door.

Jake Rossen