Exxon agrees to pay millions for Yellowstone River spill

        BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- Exxon Mobil Corp. has agreed to pay $12 million for environmental damages caused by a pipeline break that spilled 63,000 gallons (238,474 liters) of oil into Montana's Yellowstone River and prompted a national debate over lax pipeline safety rules, officials said Wednesday.

The payment is meant to settle claims from the U.S. and state governments that the crude oil killed fish and wildlife and damaged thousands of acres along an 85-mile (137-kilometer) stretch of the famous river that flows through southern Montana.

Court approval is pending before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn Ostby.

Exxon could face further penalties for violations of federal water pollution laws, a matter not addressed in the settlement.

The pipeline break upstream of Billings, Montana's largest city, required a monthslong cleanup.

A U.S. Transportation Department investigation found Exxon workers failed to adequately heed warnings that the 20-year-old pipeline was at risk from flooding.

Gov. Steve Bullock, Attorney General Tim Fox and representatives of the U.S. Justice Department announced the $12 million settlement at the site of the pipeline break in Laurel. The Associated Press obtained details in advance.

"All of us as Montanans lost something when that spill occurred," Bullock said. "This money is to make sure not just that we're compensated but the pelicans are where they should be, the fish are where they should be."

Assistant U.S. Attorney General John Cruden said restoration of the river is not done.

"We're going to work to bring the river back to where it would have been but for that spill event." Cruden said.

Some $4.7 million of the settlement will go to shoreline and channel restoration and improvement, Fox said. Another $3.6 million will be for wildlife habitat restoration, $2.4 million for improving recreational access, $900,000 for restoration planning and $400,000 for improving white pelican breeding areas, he said.

Montana will receive $9.5 million from the settlement, and the federal government will get the remaining $2.5 million.

Exxon previously said it spent $135 million on cleanup and repair work. Separately, the company has paid $2.6 million to resolve federal safety and state pollution violations.

Company spokeswoman Ashley Smith Alemayehu said in a statement that the settlement is "an adequate resolution to restore, rehabilitate and or replace injured natural resources and services to pre-spill conditions."

The accident sparked a national discussion over the adequacy of safety rules for thousands of pipelines crossing beneath rivers, lakes and other waterways. Many of those pipelines were installed decades ago in shallow trenches and can be left exposed after floodwaters scour river bottoms.

In the years since the spill — and at the urging of safety regulators — oil and pipeline companies, including Exxon, have re-installed some lines at greater depths to reduce the risk of accidents.

However, there still are no regulatory mandates for lines to be deeply buried. In January 2015, another shallow pipeline broke and spilled 30,000 gallons (113,559 liters) further downstream along the Yellowstone near the town of Glendive.

Penalties against Exxon for possible federal Clean Water Act violations stemming from the 2011 spill have not yet been levied. An investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency continues, agency spokesman Richard Mylott said.

A consent decree detailing terms of Wednesday's settlement was to be filed in U.S. District Court in Montana. The deal will be finalized pending a 30-day public comment period and court approval.

source:yahoo.finance.com

Kids Willing to Step Up to Help Aging Parents, Study Finds

Do you wonder if your kids will have your back when you’re older? Apparently the answer is a surprising yes.
That’s the good news in a conversation many people are having these days — around aging parents — that comes courtesy of the third biennial “Fidelity Investments Family & Finance Study.” Less heartening is that nearly 4 in 10 families seem to be suffering from what can only be described as — hats off to “Cool Hand Luke” for this — a failure to communicate.

Let’s start by paying homage to at least certain offspring and giving them their due credit:
• While 93 percent of parents felt it would “unacceptable” to become financially dependent on their kids, 70 percent of the adult children had no qualms about opening their wallets.
• Children were much more likely to expect that they, or a sibling, would care for an ill parent than their moms and dads were (47 percent vs. 11 percent).
“Despite this welcome news for parents, the study suggests several areas where they [parents] need to speak up to ensure their wishes are heard, as it appears the children may not be getting the message,” says John Sweeney, Fidelity’s executive vice president of retirement and investing strategies.
Whether it is estate execution, long-term caregiving during an illness, or help in managing investments and retirement finances, it often turns out that the very child that parents expect will handle things doesn’t have a clue the responsibility will fall to him or her. (Reaching as high as 44 percent of children, in the case of helping to manage their parents’ household expenses.)
Part of this miscommunication is attributed to “timing,” given that only 33 percent of parents and their offspring agree on when it’s “appropriate” to initiate conversation related to aging. Before retirement? Upon entering retirement? Closer to when health and/or finances become an issue? (The correct answer? Before retirement.)
Compounding the problem is that even when those conversations do occur, the study found, they’re not as detailed as they should be.
Think about it: Has your family discussed, say, how it will cover the estimated $245,0000 the average couple can expect to spend on healthcare throughout their golden years?
Probably not. But as, Sweeney notes, “At some point, every family will face issues relating to aging — perhaps even dementia — and there are real emotional and financial consequences when family conversations either don’t happen or lack sufficient depth.”
If peace of mind is important to you — and at least 93 percent of both parents and children reported attaining it after having had those all-important talks — online tools can help get you there.
Fidelity, for example, has a variety of resources available at fidelity.com/families
that, among other things, list the documents you’ll need should a key financial decision-maker die.
After all, “Cool Hand Luke” moments are best saved for the movies.

7 Self-Destructive Behaviours That Hold You Back From Success & Wealth

7 Self-Destructive Behaviours That Hold You Back From Success & Wealth
By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rosemary_Nonny_Knight/1196925]Rosemary Nonny Knight

A lot of the time, people get in their own way by taking part in self-destructive behaviours that hold them back. I mean, no one is perfect but increasing your awareness of the things that could be holding you back will certainly help you stay clear, in action and creating wealth.

1. Gossiping

It is so hateful to talk about someone else behind their backs. It can seem so interesting to discuss everyone else's dramas instead of create something in our own lives. Ask yourself, where the lack is, in your own life that makes you feel the need to talk about someone else's?

2. Negative Self-Talk

Listen to the way you talk to and about yourself. Sometimes, it seems funny to laugh at yourself in a self-derogatory way but you do not understand the damage you are doing to yourself when you do that. If you do not believe in and love yourself, how can you expect anyone else to? We all take our lead from you, on how to treat you so speak to yourself with respect and expect to receive respect as well.

3. Worrying

Such a pointless waste of time. You cannot know what will happen so why worry about it? It always seems worse in your head - there is nothing like a misdirected imagination to explode every potential setback into a full-blown disaster. Worry is just having faith in a negative outcome. Instead, have faith that things will work out for you. Obsess about how life will look when you create the result you are working towards. Be focused on things working and take the next step.

4. Lying

One lie does tend to lead to another. And they get bigger and bigger and harder to manage. It is just easier to tell the truth. Lying can come in many forms - You can lie to yourself about how satisfied you are with your life and you can lie to others about who you are. Choose to be authentic. It is only as you admit your true feelings that you can start to do something to change things.

5. Jealousy

You only ever feel jealous of someone else when you feel that you cannot get what they have. And that is never the truth. Start to believe inside of you that you can have whatever you set your mind to, put the blinkers on and stop comparing yourself to other people and get to work creating your dream.

6. Holding Grudges & Resentments

This is like drinking a cup of poison hoping that it will affect some other person who did you wrong. It never works and it holds you back from getting the life and the business that you want. Choose instead to forgive and let it go. Do it for you. I know it is easier said than done but DO IT FOR YOU!

7. The 'POM's - Poor Old Me Syndrome

You are not a victim, never have been and never will be so give up feeling sorry for yourself. If you want something, do the work to get it. Stop looking for someone or something to blame - You are more than capable - Remember that even on the bad days.

You are a victor!

Do any of these affect you? How will you now start to work these self-destructive behaviours out of your life?

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Self-Destructive-Behaviours-That-Hold-You-Back-From-Success-and-Wealth&id=9314273] 7 Self-Destructive Behaviours That Hold You Back From Success & Wealth

10 Leadership Tips Startup Entrepreneurs Should Know

10 Leadership Tips Startup Entrepreneurs Should Know
By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joel_Roberts/2242347]Joel Roberts

An entrepreneur does not run a business with his or her acute business acumen alone: it comes with leadership skills.

Here are 10 tips for startup entrepreneurs:

Be a good example. Startup leadership entrepreneurs must be able to lead his or her business by example. Coming to work early and leaving the workplace late could send a message to the employees that their employer works, too. His or her work ethic must encourage others to follow his or her lead.

Exude confidence and optimism. A startup deals with what can be called a "baptism of fire." There are challenges that a startup hurdles as it goes through the crucial first year of operation. In these trying months, an entrepreneur must exhibit confidence and optimism to encourage his or her staff to also believe in the company and the product or service. It is bad marketing for the company if an employee is himself or herself a non-believer.

Be a doer. An entrepreneur does not only deal with paperwork and financing of the business; he or she is also ready to roll up his or her sleeves and ready to do the work.

People are your asset. A successful entrepreneur knows that his or her greatest assets are people. A successful entrepreneur surrounds himself or herself with good-quality employees and experts. He or she values the opinions of his or her employees. He or she treats them as family, not servants.

Be tech-savvy. Every entrepreneur these days must be tech-savvy: must be able to do business using mobile devices, network with peers through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, among other social media; must recognize that business must conform with the sweeping changes in technology and employees must be attuned to these changes; must understand that the use of some applications or software could lead to better efficiency and productivity at the workplace.

Education is key. A successful entrepreneur sees the values of education; he or she constantly sends his or her employees to trainings to keep them highly skilled.

A leader commands respect. A successful and good leader not only commands respect but also inspires people.

Communication is important. No successful entrepreneur shuts down the lines of communication to his or her staff. Through a healthy conversation, an entrepreneur understands what his or her employees' needs are and what they believe would make the business succeed.

Share blessings. A successful entrepreneur knows that the key to longevity in the business is getting the community to support his or her business. As a token of appreciation, an entrepreneur always has the best interest of the community in mind. He or she sees the community as a partner in building the business. Some big companies take their social responsibility seriously. A startup enterprise must see this responsibility as important early on, too.

Take calculated risks. A successful entrepreneur knows how and when to take calculated risks. He or she makes an informed decision before taking on any risk.

A successful entrepreneur knows that leading a business requires the right blend of character, business acumen and motivation to make the business succeed.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Leadership-Tips-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Should-Know&id=9386096] 10 Leadership Tips Startup Entrepreneurs Should Knowgoogle-site-verification: googlef05af49bccf2e2ce.html

Make Money Online Instantly - What Are The Top Reasons You Want To Quit Your Job?

-Eddy Drouinaud Jr

When it comes to the workforce, there are many horrible places to work. Working in a place that gives a regular salary with good benefits should not cause misery. However, this is the case in many positions in the workforce. In a few, I will discuss the amazing secret that will allow you to quit your job or career and enjoy a higher quality lifestyle. This secret will allow you to make money online instantly and allow you to spend more time with your loved ones. However, before I reveal the secret to you, here are the top reasons why you want to quit your job.

Problem #1 - You Feel Helpless

In the back of your mind, you have this constant thought that you might be transferred, laid off, or snubbed. You feel like you have no control over your destiny. You are at the mercy of your bosses. Unfortunately, in the workforce, the lower you are in the totem pole, the more people you have to answer to, and the higher your chances are of being fired.

Problem #2 - It forces you to be fake

Lets take this random example.If a stripper goes to work and has to give a lap dance to obese men for money, she constantly smiles and acts like she enjoys it. You face the same type of scenario but in a different setting. You are forced to put on a fake smile and adopt a personality that is not yours. For most people, this can be a big blow to their self-identity.

The Solution - Here is the secret

If you want to know how to make money online instantly and learn how you can spend more time with your loved ones, you must reinvent the way you think great income can be made. There is a new method that more people are doing called working from home.

People are joining the right home business opportunities and are living an incredible life. The reason why they are able to quit their careers or jobs and live a higher quality lifestyle is because they work on their terms and get paid based on their knowledge and work ethic.

If you want to make money online instantly, you must seek help from an expert who has been in the arena before. Luckily for you, there are many organizations of experts who offer free downloadable material, like reports, to those who want to seriously quit their jobs and live the wealthy lifestyle.

For more information on how to make money online instantly, you can get a free report here, [http://drouinaudmarc.weebly.com/]FREE REPORT

How To Make Money Instantly - Do You Hate Your Job For These Reasons?

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Everyone does not come to work with the same level of motivation, engagement, and passion everyday. The lack of engagement is a sign that the employee is not satisfied with the job. Most of these employees have no freedom, they are bored, and realize that their reality is a lie.
However, you may be able to erase all your problems by owning your own home business. Owning your own home business can allow you to generate serious income from the comfort of your own home. However, I want to share with you why people hate their jobs.
Here are the top three reasons you hate your job.
Problem 1 - You have no freedom
The lower your position is in the workforce, the more people you have to answer to. Each day you have many tasks you have to complete that are assigned by your bosses. Unfortunately, you can't choose which tasks you want to perform or the order in which you want to perform them. Until you learn how to make money instantly, you will always have to answer to the multiple people above you.
Problem 2 - You are bored
Corporate America usually only offers a repetitive and mundane life. Life is all about surprises and opportunities. You are bored everyday because you are stuck in a 5 by 5 cubicle, staring in a blank white screen. Unfortunately, routine behavior will numb your mind whereas unpredictability will engage your mind.
Problem 3 - You realize this reality is a lie
Unfortunately, as a generation, we often think as soon as we get the degree our lives will change and we will be happy. Happiness reflects on ambition and success, not the kind of car that is in your driveway. It is better to struggle to make ends meet doing something you love rather than relishing in a company that you are miserable in.
Your solution - Here Is the Answer
The answer on how to make money instantly and earn seven figures every month is to own your own home business. Owning your own home business will resolve many issues in your life.
To succeed in the home business world there are some skills you will have to acquire.Luckily for you, there are many trained, and well organized experts who offer free reports to anyone looking to escape the 9 to 5, join the new wealth club, and live in the location of their dreams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9418543