diff --git a/.travis.yml b/.travis.yml
index 0b620b87f..93aca8de8 100644
--- a/.travis.yml
+++ b/.travis.yml
@@ -53,14 +53,17 @@ before_install:
   - perl -V
   - cpanm --quiet --notest ExtUtils::F77 Term::ReadLine::Gnu PGPLOT # do not need tests
   - cpanm --quiet --notest Devel::CheckLib # specify this now because this is a CONFIGURE_REQUIRES for author-side
+  - if [ "$AUTHOR_TESTING" == 1 ]; then cpanm --quiet --notest CPAN::Changes; fi # for author tests (AUTHOR_TESTING is set to true by default by init)
   - cpanm --force --verbose ExtUtils::ParseXS # we install the latest ExtUtils::ParseXS
   - if [ "$EUMM_BLEAD" == 1 ]; then cpanm --quiet --notest --dev ExtUtils::MakeMaker; fi
   - build-dist
+  - SRC_DIR=$(pwd)
   - cd $BUILD_DIR             # $BUILD_DIR is set by the build-dist command
 install:
   - cpan-install --deps       # installs prereqs, including recommends
   - cpan-install --coverage   # installs coverage prereqs, if enabled
   - prove t/00-report-prereqs.t t/01-checkmanifest.t
+  - prove -b -v $SRC_DIR/xt/00-check-changelog.t # run the author test out of the source directory
   # SYSTEM_CORES set by travis-perl-helpers
   - if [ "$SERIAL_BUILD" == 1 ]; then make; else make -j$(( $SYSTEM_CORES * 2 )); fi
 before_script:
diff --git a/Release_Notes b/Changes
similarity index 72%
rename from Release_Notes
rename to Changes
index 811521c1c..6b5831f4e 100644
--- a/Release_Notes
+++ b/Changes
@@ -1,48 +1,14 @@
-Release Notes for PDL 2.011_01 -----------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.007 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.011_01 [DATE TBD]
 
 General Notes:
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-
-   - Manual build/install is possible, but easiest is to
-     use cpanm:
-
-       cpanm --dev PDL
-
-
 Highlights:
 
  * TBD
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.011 -----------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.007 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.011 2015-06-02 17:01:22-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -85,7 +51,7 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.010 -----------------------------
+v2.010 2015-06-02 14:40:15-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -93,42 +59,17 @@ General Notes:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.009_01 -----------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.007 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.009_01 2015-05-29 17:47:57-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-
-   - Manual build/install is possible, but easiest is to
-     use cpanm:
-
-       cpanm --dev PDL
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Removal of PDL::Graphics::PLplot since exists as separate CPAN distro
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.009 -----------------------------
+v2.009 2015-05-29 12:26:25-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -147,15 +88,7 @@ General Notes:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.008 -----------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.007 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.008 2015-05-24 18:42:22-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -283,37 +216,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_17 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.007 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_17 2015-05-06 13:35:57-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
  * This is PDL-2.008_rc4!
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-
-   - Manual build/install is possible, but easiest is to
-     use cpanm:
-
-       cpanm --dev PDL
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Clean up of large number modulo tests and make TODO for
@@ -325,37 +233,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_16 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.007 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_16 2015-04-22 10:23:46-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
  * This is PDL-2.008_rc3!
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-
-   - Manual build/install is possible, but easiest is to
-     use cpanm:
-
-       cpanm --dev PDL
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Various clean up and doc fixes
@@ -365,37 +248,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_15 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_15 2015-04-19 17:08:55-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
  * This is PDL-2.008_rc2!
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-
-   - Manual build/install is possible, but easiest is to
-     use cpanm:
-
-       cpanm --dev PDL
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Build issues with PROJ4 detection and link with cygwin
@@ -406,37 +264,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_14 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_14 2015-04-11 14:28:07-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
  * This is PDL-2.008_rc1!
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-
-   - Manual build/install is possible, but easiest is to
-     use cpanm:
-
-       cpanm --dev PDL
-
 Highlights:
 
  * More cleanup and a couple of build issues fixed with
@@ -446,37 +279,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_13 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.007 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_13 2015-03-22 16:00:03-0400
 
 General Notes:
 
  * Counting down to a PDL-2.008 release this April 2015
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-
-   - Manual build/install is possible, but easiest is to
-     use cpanm:
-
-       cpanm --dev PDL
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Travis on Github now routinely tests on dev ExtUtils::MakeMaker, clang:
@@ -504,16 +312,7 @@ Highlights:
 
  * Make "isn't numeric in null operation" warning more helpful
 
-
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_12 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_12 2015-03-06 09:18:04-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -523,26 +322,6 @@ General Notes:
    priority issues needed for PDL-2.008.  Expect feature
    freeze, final shakedown, and release to come!
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_12.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_12.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_12.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_12.tar.gz
 
 Highlights:
 
@@ -567,43 +346,11 @@ Highlights:
 
  * Lots of tweaks and cleanup...
 
-
-
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_11 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_11 2015-02-24 16:08:36-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
  * Counting down to a PDL-2.008 release this February 2015
-
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_11.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_11.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_11.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_11.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * The new Filter::Simple engine for PDL::NiceSlice is now
@@ -621,82 +368,24 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_10 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_10 2015-02-02 10:59:22-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
  * Counting down to a PDL-2.008 release this February 2015
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_10.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_10.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_10.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_10.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * More clean up to build process.
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_09 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_09 2015-01-29 11:01:24-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
  * Counting down to a PDL-2.008 release this February 2015
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_09.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_09.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_09.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_09.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * perl 5.10.x is now the minimum version of perl supported for
@@ -706,41 +395,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_08 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_08 2015-01-20 18:24:01-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
  * Counting down to a PDL-2.008 release this January 2015
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_08.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_08.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_08.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_08.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Some ExtUtils::MakeMaker fixes and clean up for the PDL build
@@ -751,41 +411,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_07 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_07 2015-01-06 17:44:08+11:00
 
 General Notes:
 
  * Counting down to a PDL-2.008 release this January 2015
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_07.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_07.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_07.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_07.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * This release includes the new pre-generated pm/pod to
@@ -797,41 +428,12 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_06 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_06 2015-01-05 13:31:13-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
  * Counting down to a PDL-2.008 release this January 2015
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_06.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_06.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_06.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_06.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Fixed a number of bugs on the sf.net tracker
@@ -844,39 +446,10 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_05 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_05 2014-12-24 09:24:04-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_05.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_05.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_05.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_05.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * You can now: "use Inline with => 'PDL';" - see PDL::API
@@ -890,39 +463,10 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_04 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_04 2014-09-09 00:44:29+01:00
 
 General Notes:
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_04.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_04.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_04.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_04.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * You can now: "use Inline with => 'PDL';" - see PDL::API
@@ -931,39 +475,10 @@ Highlights:
    'MyMod', 'PDL'"
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_03 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_03 2014-07-01 16:54:59-04:00
 
 General Notes:
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_03.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_03.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_03.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_03.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Fix documentation builds for installs into vendor directory.
@@ -974,39 +489,10 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_02 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_02 2013-11-25 14:10:22-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_02.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_02.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_02.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_02.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * This release should be a working PDL::IO::Storable that
@@ -1020,39 +506,10 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007_01 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007_01 2013-11-17 16:31:17-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
- * Another quick CPAN developers release
-
-   - It is a snapshot of the current git development tree
-     and everything may not work correctly or have complete
-     documentation.
-
-   - These release notes may not be fully complete.  Please
-     see Changes (from the git log) for full details.
-
-   - All tests may not pass, especially ones corresponding
-     to issues in Known_problems.
-   
-   - Manual build/install is recommended although the
-     cpan shell may be used by specifying the distribution
-     path rather than just the module name, e.g.:
-
-       cpan> get  CHM/PDL-2.007_01.tar.gz
-       cpan> make CHM/PDL-2.007_01.tar.gz
-       cpan> test CHM/PDL-2.007_01.tar.gz
-       cpan> look CHM/PDL-2.007_01.tar.gz
-
 Highlights:
 
  * Added FAQ entry on PDL version numbering change and how
@@ -1071,15 +528,7 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.007 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.006 and earlier.  This     |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.007 2013-10-12 12:56:52-04:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -1194,15 +643,7 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.006 --------------------------
-
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API for PDL versions 2.4.10 and earlier.  This    |
- | will require that you re-build any PP or XS modules.  Do not  |
- | upgrade or install over an existing PDL installation unless   |
- | you are prepared to do so!!!                                  |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
+v2.006 2013-03-23 10:02:31-04:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -1349,21 +790,13 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.4.11  -----------------------------
+v2.4.11 2012-05-20 13:32:17-04:00
 
 General Notes:
 
  * This is a point release of PDL to support the coming perl
    5.16.0 release.
 
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
- | BE WARNED:  This release includes an update to the internal,  |
- | C-level PDL API and will require that you re-build any PP or  |
- | XS modules.  Do not upgrade or install over an existing PDL   |
- | installation unless you are prepared to do so!!!              |
- +---------------------------------------------------------------+
-
-
 Highlights:
 
  * A new implementation mapflex and mapfraw routines provides
@@ -1412,9 +845,7 @@ Highlights:
    which is a convenience target that allows one to regenerate the
    Changes file from git.
 
-
-
-Release Notes for PDL 2.4.10 --------------------------
+v2.4.10 2012-02-03 18:44:47-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -1674,7 +1105,7 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.4.9 --------------------------
+v2.4.9 2011-04-09 10:05:43-04:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -1699,7 +1130,7 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release Notes for PDL 2.4.8 --------------------------
+v2.4.8 2011-03-29 17:12:41-04:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -1888,7 +1319,7 @@ Highlights:
 
 
     
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.7 --------------------------
+v2.4.7 2010-08-18 20:55:52-04:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -2144,7 +1575,7 @@ Highlights:
 
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.6     --------------------------
+v2.4.6 2009-12-31 23:06:11-05:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -2263,7 +1694,7 @@ Summary of Changes:
 
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.5 ------------------------------
+v2.4.5 2009-10-24 11:56:23-04:00
 
 Highlights:
 
@@ -2382,7 +1813,7 @@ Summary of Changes:
   
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.4 ------------------------------
+v2.4.4 2008-11-12 19:16:53-10:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -2487,7 +1918,7 @@ Summary of Changes:
     
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.3 ------------------------------
+v2.4.3 2006-08-20 06:07:30-10:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -2567,7 +1998,7 @@ Summary of Changes:
 
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.2 ------------------------------
+v2.4.2 2004-12-28 09:19:30-10:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -2617,7 +2048,7 @@ Summary of Changes:
 
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.1 -------------------------------
+v2.4.1 2004-01-05 12:27:18-10:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -2643,7 +2074,7 @@ Summary of Changes:
      - Fixed most reported bugs
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.4.0 -------------------------------
+v2.4.0 2003-05-22 12:09:26-10:00
 
 General Notes:
 
@@ -2713,7 +2144,7 @@ Summary of Changes:
         determinant, linear equation solving, matrix inversion, 
         eigenvalue decomposition, and LU-decomposition.
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.3.4 -------------------------------
+v2.3.4 2002-09-23 15:50:06-10:00
 
      - Now should compile using perl 5.8.0
      - Improved speed for generating PDL's from a perl array ref
@@ -2725,7 +2156,7 @@ Release notes for PDL 2.3.4 -------------------------------
         
   See the Changes file for a detailed list of changes.
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.3.3 -------------------------------
+v2.3.3 2002-05-22 03:16:29-10:00
   
   Mainly a bugfix release with some nice little additions:
      - PDL::IO::Dumper: Cleanly save and restore complex
@@ -2735,18 +2166,18 @@ Release notes for PDL 2.3.3 -------------------------------
         
   See the Changes file for a detailed list of changes.
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.3.2 ------------------------------
+v2.3.2 2001-12-18 22:20:31-10:00
 
-A pure bugfix release to fix compilation problems with gimp-perl
-(part of the gimp distribution). The following notes from
-2.3 and 2.3.1 still apply:
+  - A pure bugfix release to fix compilation problems with gimp-perl
+    (part of the gimp distribution). The following notes from
+    2.3 and 2.3.1 still apply:
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.3.1 ------------------------------
+v2.3.1 2001-11-21 14:38:32-10:00
 
-A bugfix release to fix some compilation problems seen with
-2.3. The following notes from 2.3 still apply:
+  - A bugfix release to fix some compilation problems seen with
+    2.3. The following notes from 2.3 still apply:
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.3 -------------------------------
+v2.3 2001-11-16 05:12:41-10:00
  
  Summary of Changes
    - A nicer slicing syntax for PDL added via the new 
@@ -2763,7 +2194,7 @@ Release notes for PDL 2.3 -------------------------------
         
   See the Changes file for a detailed list of changes.
   
-Release notes for PDL 2.2.1 -------------------------------
+v2.2.1 2001-04-25 03:05:46-10:00
  
  Summary of Changes
     Bugs Fixed:
@@ -2781,7 +2212,7 @@ Release notes for PDL 2.2.1 -------------------------------
         
   See the Changes file for a detailed list of changes.
   
-Release notes for PDL 2.2 -------------------------------
+v2.2 2000-12-21 03:25:36-10:00
 
 Major Changes:
 
@@ -2817,7 +2248,7 @@ Major Changes:
   
 Many other changes. See the Changes file for a detailed list of changes.
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.1 -------------------------------
+v2.1 2000-06-07 22:23:47+00:00
 
 Major Changes:
   - Speed Increase. Most PDL functions are now done totally
@@ -2833,23 +2264,20 @@ See the Changes file for a detailed list of changes.
 
 
 
-Release notes for PDL 2.005 -----------------------------
+v2.005 2000-04-05 22:30:35+00:00
 
-A bugfix release to fix 2.004 problems with PGPLOT changes
-and perl 5.6.0.
-
-The following notes from 2.004 still apply:
-                                             
-*IMPORTANT NOTE*: Due to changes to the PGPLOT module, 'use
-PDL::Graphics::PGPLOT' has been removed from PDL.pm (i.e. in scripts
-and within perldl you now need to explicitly say 'use
-PDL::Graphics::PGPLOT'). Additionally, it needs Karl's new 2.16
-release of the PGPLOT module (available from CPAN).
-
-Notable additions are a module for operations on complex piddles
-(PDL::Complex), a subtype of PDL which allows manipulation of byte
-type PDLs as N dimensional arrays of fixed length strings (PDL::Char)
-and a Levenberg-Marquardt fitting module (PDL::Fit::LM).
-
-Bug reports and patches to the relevant places on sourceforge, please.
+Major Changes:
+   - A bugfix release to fix 2.004 problems with PGPLOT changes
+     and perl 5.6.0.
+   - The following notes from 2.004 still apply:
+     - *IMPORTANT NOTE*: Due to changes to the PGPLOT module, 'use
+       PDL::Graphics::PGPLOT' has been removed from PDL.pm (i.e. in scripts
+       and within perldl you now need to explicitly say 'use
+       PDL::Graphics::PGPLOT'). Additionally, it needs Karl's new 2.16
+       release of the PGPLOT module (available from CPAN).
+     - Notable additions are a module for operations on complex piddles
+       (PDL::Complex), a subtype of PDL which allows manipulation of byte
+       type PDLs as N dimensional arrays of fixed length strings (PDL::Char)
+       and a Levenberg-Marquardt fitting module (PDL::Fit::LM).
+   - Bug reports and patches to the relevant places on sourceforge, please.
 
diff --git a/MANIFEST b/MANIFEST
index fa879eceb..bdb617284 100644
--- a/MANIFEST
+++ b/MANIFEST
@@ -629,7 +629,6 @@ Perldl2/Script.pm
 Perldl2/TODO
 Perldl2/pdl2
 README
-Release_Notes
 TODO
 cygwin/INSTALL
 cygwin/README
diff --git a/MANIFEST.SKIP b/MANIFEST.SKIP
index b89a823b0..ef7023021 100644
--- a/MANIFEST.SKIP
+++ b/MANIFEST.SKIP
@@ -244,6 +244,7 @@ pure_all
 so_locations
 subdirs
 ~$
+^xt/
 
 .travis.yml
 README.md
diff --git a/Makefile.PL b/Makefile.PL
index d878c80a3..fcdebfcd4 100644
--- a/Makefile.PL
+++ b/Makefile.PL
@@ -437,7 +437,6 @@ if($Config{archname}=~m/x86_64/) {
 
 # create GENERATED subdir with *.pm files during 'make dist' (to make metacpan.org happy)
 my $preop = '$(PERL) -I$(INST_ARCHLIB) -I$(INST_LIB) -MPDL::Core::Dev -e pdlpp_mkgen $(DISTVNAME)';
-$preop .= q[ && git log --stat --since='29 Apr 2009' > Changes.new && $(MV) Changes.new $(DISTVNAME)/Changes] if $^O ne 'MSWin32';
 
 my %makefile_hash = (
 	      'PREREQ_PM' => { @prereq },
diff --git a/t/01-checkmanifest.t b/t/01-checkmanifest.t
index 807dc2c98..c0f60a097 100644
--- a/t/01-checkmanifest.t
+++ b/t/01-checkmanifest.t
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ use ExtUtils::Manifest qw(manicheck);
 
 my @missing_files = do {
   local $SIG{__WARN__} = sub { }; # suppress "No such file:" messages
-  grep { $_ ne 'Changes' } manicheck; # dev-mode doesn't have
+  manicheck;
 };
 
 is_deeply \@missing_files, [], 'missing files from MANIFEST'
diff --git a/xt/00-check-changelog.t b/xt/00-check-changelog.t
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..39aa67887
--- /dev/null
+++ b/xt/00-check-changelog.t
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+use Test::More tests => 1;
+
+use strict;
+use warnings;
+
+use CPAN::Changes;
+use Data::Dumper;
+
+my $changes = CPAN::Changes->load('Changes');
+
+ok($changes);
+
+my @releases = map { +{ $_->version => $_->date } } $changes->releases;
+
+note Dumper \@releases;
+
+done_testing;