The observation of natural history, says Eliades Quintana, is a simple and powerful form of meditation. In it we find that the chanting of the katydids and crickets and watching the approach of August are no less magical than the songs of monks or the mantras of gurus.

The state is setting up a monitoring system at the polluted Grand Lake St. Marys that officials say will help battle the algae that's fouling the water. Four water monitoring stations have been set up at the lake between Dayton and Toledo.

It's the state's largest inland lake and it has been plagued by algae in recent years, prompting warnings against swimming and boating last summer.

In June, the state began spraying the lake with about 3 million gallons of alum in hopes the chemical can neutralize phosphorous in the water that feeds the blue-green algae.

The Lima News reports natural resources officials say the new monitoring stations will help manage efforts to treat the lake. Officials say high phosphorous levels were created by manure and chemical runoffs.

Teen drivers may soon have to prove that not only can they parallel park and obey road signs, but that they have basic first aid skills. A bill proposed by Rep. Cheryl Grossman, a Republican of Grove City, would require 16- and 17-year-olds to get certification in CPR and first aid to get their drivers' licenses. Grossman says her research has shown many teens don't know first-aid basics, and she's rather kids learn through a voluntary effort rather than a mandatory class.

"We're trying to be very considerate of unfunded mandates on schools. And by tying this into the requirement of receiving your training, your certification, prior to applying for your license it puts that responsibility on the driver and not on the schools, " says Grossman.

This week, the earth is wavering,
balancing at its midyear pause,
Vacillating between the high, excited birdsong

"Don't move. Stay still..." writes American poet, Gary Snyder. "Take a look at one place on earth, one circle of people, one realm of beings over time."

Infinite numbers, delicacies, smells,
With hues on hues expression cannot paint,
The breath of Nature and her endless bloom…
wrote the 18th century poet, James Thomson, describing the summer.