Please ensure the following before submitting a PR:
[x] if suggesting code changes or improvements, open an issue first
[x] for all but trivial changes (e.g., typo fixes), add your name to DESCRIPTION
[x] for all but trivial changes (e.g., typo fixes), documentation your change in NEWS.md with a parenthetical reference to the issue number being addressed
and update NEWS.md as per #50
Please ensure the following before submitting a PR: