September 26: Jetpacks, The Beatles, and a Flag Party

September 26 is a date that decided to skip the small talk and go straight for the spectacular. We're talking flying men, Fab Four masterpieces, a boat that broke a 132-year streak, and a national flag getting its own dedicated party. Buckle up — some of these people literally did.

A Man, A Jetpack, An Entire Body of Water

In 2008, Swiss pilot and inventor Yves Rossy strapped on a jet-engine-powered wingpack and casually flew across the English Channel. Not a drone. Not a plane. A guy wearing wings like a very confident action figure. Somewhere a bird looked up and muttered, "Show-off." It remains the most metal way anyone has ever commuted, and no, your electric scooter does not count.

Speaking of legends conquering the water, back in 1580 English explorer Francis Drake sailed the Golden Hind into Plymouth, completing his trip around the entire globe. No GPS, no snacks worth mentioning, just vibes and a very good boat. And in 1983, the yacht Australia II, captained by John Bertrand, won the America's Cup and ended the New York Yacht Club's 132-year defense of the trophy — a losing streak so long it should qualify as an heirloom.

The Beatles Load a "Warm Gun"

On this day in 1968, the Beatles completed the recording of John Lennon's "Happiness Is a Warm Gun," a song famously regarded by all the band members as their favorite on the album The Beatles (a.k.a. the White Album). When four guys who wrote roughly a zillion classics agree on a favorite, you sit down and listen. It's the musical equivalent of the chef ordering their own special.

Happy Birthday to the Cricket Wizard

Grab the cake, because September 26 gave us English cricketer Jonny Bairstow, born in 1989 — a man who has spent his career smacking cricket balls to places they never wanted to go. Also joining the birthday club: American baseball pitcher Chris Archer (1988), so it's a genuinely stacked day for people who throw or hit things professionally. If you were born today, statistically the universe wants you to play a sport with a stick.

Ecuador Salutes the Flag

And finally, the party of the day: Ecuador celebrates the Day of the National Flag. It's a proper holiday dedicated entirely to admiring a beautifully designed banner, and honestly, respect. Most of us can't be bothered to appreciate anything, and here's a whole nation saying, "That flag? Ten out of ten. Let's make a day of it." Take notes, everyone else.