July 9: Mario, Pop Art Soup, and a Palace Intruder

Every date has its greatest hits, and July 9 is basically a mixtape of gaming legends, gallery-shaking soup, and one very awkward wake-up call for a queen. Let's dive in.

The Day a Plumber Was Born (Sort Of)

In 1981, Nintendo released the arcade game Donkey Kong, featuring the debut of Mario — yes, THE Mario, one of the most famous characters in video-game history. He wasn't even a plumber yet or named Mario in the original concept, but a mustachioed man leaping barrels for love went on to build an empire, a kart, and countless broken friendships during multiplayer. Not bad for a guy whose whole personality is jumping.

Also in a seminal art moment: in 1962, Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans exhibition opened at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles. Warhol looked at 32 cans of soup and thought, "This is art," and history agreed. Somewhere, an art critic is still trying to explain why a painting of tomato bisque is worth more than your house.

A Very British Break-In

In 1982, a British man named Michael Fagan broke into Buckingham Palace and wandered right into Queen Elizabeth II's bedroom while she was asleep. Imagine being the most famous woman on Earth, surrounded by guards, and still getting the world's boldest uninvited house guest. It remains the single most inconvenient way to say "nice place you've got here."

Happy Birthday to the Disney Channel Crowd

July 9 has raised some familiar faces. In 1991, actor and singer Mitchel Musso was born, delighting a generation of Hannah Montana fans everywhere. Sharing the birthday spotlight is Kiely Williams, born in 1986, singer-songwriter and dancer beloved from The Cheetah Girls era. Also joining the party is Rebecca Sugar, born in 1987, the animator and composer behind some seriously beloved cartoons. And sports fans, DeAndre Yedlin, the American footballer, arrived in 1993. Quite the guest list — someone cue the confetti cannon.

Go Hug a Tree

Meanwhile, Cambodia celebrates Arbor Day today, the wholesome holiday dedicated to planting and appreciating trees. It's the rare observance where the correct response is literally "touch grass" — or at least a sapling. In a world of missile tests and soup-can controversies, taking a moment to plant something green feels genuinely lovely.

So there you have it: July 9 gave us a gaming icon, gallery-worthy groceries, a startling royal encounter, and a heartfelt reminder to be kind to the trees. Go celebrate accordingly — preferably outdoors, and preferably not in anyone's bedroom.