For the first time in a long time, the Houston Rockets have a pair of difference-makers on the bench.

Not since the days of Kevin Willis and Eddie Johnson have the Rockets had as potent a pair as rookie wing Chase Budinger and point guard Kyle Lowry.

That case especially bodes true in the case of Lowry, who was acquired last season in the three-team trade for Rafer Alston, as the Rockets have not had a quality backup point guard since the days of Sam Cassell. Read the full story

Merkaba meditation is an extremely powerful meditation technique which can greatly benefit our healing powers. The objective of Merkaba meditation is to develop an awareness of the geometric energy fields that surround the human body. It is believed that these energies have slowed down and suffered due to pollution of the body, mind and spirit. Without these energies humans are considered to be not fully alive and aware of the wonders of the universe. Merkaba meditation aims to re-establish the movement of these energies. Read the full story

White House wants to kill royalty-in-kind program

WASHINGTON — Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today told Congress he would kill a controversial program that allows energy companies to use actual oil and natural gas — instead of cash — to pay the government royalties for drilling on public lands. Read the full story

Call it a “shrimp cocktail” for your fuel tank. Scientists in China are reporting development of a catalyst made from shrimp shells that could transform production of biodiesel fuel into a faster, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly process. Their study is scheduled for the Aug. 20 issue of ACS’ Energy & Fuels, a bi-monthly journal. Read the full story