#27 august

Arnim Dahl, a German stuntman, practices his balancing act as he takes in the sights at the top of the Empire State Building on August 27, 1959. Dahl stopped over in New York on his way to Hollywood, where a film about his top stunts was made.

World Lake Day

World Lake Day is all about giving lakes the attention they truly deserve. These peaceful places do more than offer a pretty view.

They give us fresh water, help grow our food, and provide a home for fish, birds, and other animals.

When families spend weekends by the water or farmers rely on lakes to keep crops alive, it’s easy to forget how much we depend on them.

This day nudges us to pause and think—not just about how we enjoy lakes, but how much they give in return.

Lakes can’t speak for themselves, but their health tells a story. Some are shrinking, others are full of trash, or struggling with disappearing wildlife. That’s where World Lake Day steps in.

It brings people together—kids, teachers, scientists, neighbors—all wanting to do their part. Simple steps like keeping litter out or planting nearby trees make a difference.

Every clean lake means better lives for nearby communities. It’s not about grand gestures.

How to Celebrate World Lake Day

Here are some friendly ideas to honor World Lake Day with care and fun:

Join a shoreline clean-up

Grab a pair of gloves and a bag. Tidy up trash and plastic that harm wildlife. Help local water stay fresh and safe. This mirrors actions urged by clean‑up campaigns around lakes and beaches.

Plant native greenery along edges

Pick shrubs or wildflowers that thrive by water. Roots hold soil and slow runoff. This simple act supports habitat and water quality.

Measure water quality at home

Use a low‑cost kit for tests like pH or clarity. Track results over time. These efforts can join citizen science initiatives and raise attention to local lake wellness.

Host an outdoor learning session

Invite neighbors to the lake. Share facts about its role in nature and our lives. Encourage group care. Educational talks boost awareness, as seen in UN efforts.

Volunteer with a nature group

Find a nearby group that works on invasive species removal or tree planting. Your time can improve lake habitats and support wildlife recovery.

Share your stories online

Post photos or quick clips of your lake care. Use a dedicated hashtag. Small posts help spread the message and inspire others.

Reduce chemical use in your yard

Skip harsh fertilizers or herbicides. Choose natural lawn care. That protects water from harmful runoff and supports long‑term lake health.

History of World Lake Day

World Lake Day began with a simple idea—lakes deserve their global moment. The call came during the 2023 United Nations Water Conference in New York.

Experts, leaders, and environmental groups pushed for a day to recognize how lakes support people, wildlife, and the planet.

One group, the International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC), had worked for years to make this happen. Their voice helped turn that moment into action.

Later that year, the United Nations General Assembly agreed to create the day. Indonesia played a leading role in bringing the proposal forward. The chosen date, August 27, honors the first World Lake Conference held in Shiga, Japan, back in 1984.

That event brought scientists and community leaders together to talk about how to care for lakes. Now, the same spirit lives on through this international day.

World Lake Day reminds us that lakes are more than just water. They hold culture, memory, and life. The day grew from a strong mix of science, teamwork, and care for nature.

It’s not just about looking at lakes but about thinking deeply about how we treat them. Thanks to this effort, people across the globe now pause each year to protect what these waters offer.

28 August

Bashar Osama Al-Habil (@basharbfamily): Bashar is 19 years old and has 4 sisters and 2 brothers:(Baraa (21), Amir (19), Jumana (13), Jude (13), Faten (10), Osama (5). Their father was martyred in 2006 and his sister Baraa works tirelessly to ensure her siblings have enough to eat and a safe place to sleep. (https://gofund.me/73544173) (Vetted by association. @/basharbfamily is a relative of  @aya2mohammed, who has been vetted (#166 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-husssein and nabulsi). See post here for proof.) (Very low funds! Only €10 raised of €50,000 goal!!)

Israa Al-Tawel (@naseranam225): Israa is a 25-year-old mother with two children: Nasser (2) and Inaam (2-months-old and born during this war). Her husband was captured by the Israel occupation and taken away in front of her eyes 5 months ago, and Israa has no idea what has happened to him. Israa is also suffering from hepatitis and has lost her parents and a number of relatives. They are trying to evacuate to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/9e412513) (Vetted by association. @/naseranam225 is the sister-in-law of @/hanaa987 (#246 on the verified fundraiser spreadsheet vetted by nabulsi and el-shab-hussein, shared by 90-ghost). See post here for proof.)

Rudaina Ayyad (@rodainaayyad83): Rodina is a mother of four children: Mustafa, her eldest, is studying to become an engineer, her second son was about to graduate high school, her youngest son who is 14, and her daughter Dana who is in third grade. However, their dreams are shattered as the war destroys their home and their schools. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/532e6bdc) (shared by 90-ghost) 

27 August

Mahmoud Hilles (@hillesmahmoud): Mahmoud has been a refugee in Belgium since 2015 and has not seen his family in Gaza since he left Gaza then. His wife was pregnant when he left, and he has not met his youngest child (6). He has a total of 4 children, and his wife suffers from kidney problems and has had one kidney removed. Her health has deterioriated due to the war. He is trying to evacuate his family to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/e5000dd9) (#170 on the verified fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi, also shared by nabulsi.) 

Haytham al Habil (@alhabilgaza): Haytham has not been able to see his family in Gaza for 13 years. Haytham’s younger brother Tamem (20) was killed in a carpet bombing when buying sweets and toys for Haytham’s young nephew Haitham. Both his parents are suffering from chronic diseases and require medical care. He is trying to evacuate his family to Egypt.  (https://gofund.me/6715ea8b) (#98 on the Operation Olive Branch verified fundraiser list and #20 on the Butterfly Effect Project verified fundraiser list.)

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 13 July - 25 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 26 July -29 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 30 July - 1 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 2 August - 5 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 6 August - 10 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 11 August - 14 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 15 August - 18 August

Click here for my Masterlist for fundrasiers from 19 August - 21 August

Click here for my Masterlist for fundrasiers from 22 August - 24 August

How does vetting and verification work? See post here. (also read comments regarding 90-ghost and why we trust the campaigns he has shared)

Click here for my Google Doc with my complete masterlist of all the Palestinian gfm asks I've received, updated daily (along with other verified ways to send aid to Gaza).

George Harrison tries to score some grass on this date, while the rest of the Beatles cement various conflicting recollections of meeting Elvis.

Calum by Ryan Fleming

1695 – The second Irish parliament of William III is called in Dublin; Robert Rochfort is unanimously elected Speaker. 1798 – General Humbert appears outside Castlebar. The Government forces are deployed to cover the direct route and Humbert unexpectedly appears on their flank. Humbert attacks. French advance causes Militia to run. Government defence collapses and Humbert takes the town.…