text:
From UFStarfleet LCARS
Year: 2378
- USS Voyager NCC-74656 returns home via a Borg Transwarp conduit, destroying a Borg Transwarp hub in the process
- The Federation Council and Starfleet Command starts detailed analysis of USS Voyager NCC-74656 database and sensor logs
- Starfleet Command feels the risk of the Borg rebuilding is too great to ignore.
- Realising that because of the distances involved they could never support fleet operations in the Delta Quadrant, they start feasibility studies for a permanent Federation colony in the Delta Quadrant.
- The Borg Collective collapsed, due to the infection delivered by future Janeway. Borg Tribes emerged.
Year: 2379
- The entire Romulan Senate is assassinated in a coup by Shinzon of Remus. He is soon deposed, but the Empire is left in disarray.
- The Federation attempts to mediate power-sharing talks between the numerous Romulan and Reman factions. An agreement is eventually reached whereby Remus is made a protectorate of the Klingon Empire and the Reman people allowed to settle on a Romulan continent.
- The Federation begins providing material and humanitarian aide to the devastated Romulan Star Empire, and attempts to facilitate negotiations for the re-establishment of permanent government. Starfleet Vessels routinely patrol the Romulan Neutral Zone and the Romulan Star Empire. Not only did Starfleet see this as a tactical necessity, it was also a chance for a new dawn of exploration, which had been stagnant for nearly 12 years.
- Exploring the unknown expanse of the Romulan Star Empire provided a much needed excuse for Starfleet to expand its fleet beyond what it had been prior to the Dominion War, as Starfleet wanted to be prepared in case the Dominion decided to attack the Alpha Quadrant again.
- During routing patrols on the edge of the Romulan Border near to Khittomer, the USS Wraith NX-97511, an experimental scout ship, detected an anomaly which turned out to be an intermittent wormhole.. Intensive scientific study of the phenomenon begins
Year: 2380
- The Klingon Empire agrees to make the planet Remus and the Remans their protectorate. After a failed attempt at Reman colonization of a continent on Romulus, the Remans are eventually relocated to the Klingon planet of Klorgat VII.
- Scientific studies identify the anomaly as a wormhole that spawns at random, anywhere within a 20,000 light year radius. Ongoing scientific studies result in being able to predict where and when the wormhole would next appear. It is also discovered that whilst it opened randomly this side, the far side remained at a stable, permanent location in the Delta Quadrant.
- Starfleet also soon realise that the length of time between each opening of the wormhole gets greater between each event. This means that opportunities for future travel between the Alpha Quadrant and Delta Quadrant would become more and more limited as time progressed, as the wormhole would open less frequently. Starfleet recognises that any colony in the Delta Quadrant would need to be totally self sufficient
- Starfleet Command choose the Pinastri Star System in the Nekrit Expanse region as the home for a UFS colony.
Year: 2381
060112 Federation Council finally approve funding for the Delta Quadrant Expedition with the intention of a two phase journey through the wormhole to set up a Starfleet colony
060129 Construction of Cascade Station begins on Earth in preparation for transport to the Delta Quadrant where it will be assembled
060208 Intensive ship building program begins in the Alpha Quadrant at Utopia Planitia and Beta Antares Shipyards for the mission.
060325 Initial fleet of colony ships, scientists, engineers and Marines under the command of Admiral Stewart Price journey through the now named Khittomer Wormhole to Pinastri to begin colonisation
060330 Construction of Starfleet HQ and UF Starfleet Academy buildings begins on Pinastri Prime.
060416 UFSMC establish base and training facilities on Pinastri Prime under command of Commandant Kathryn Maxwell
060501 Delta Quadrant Expedition and Pinastri Colony formally placed under the command of Admiral Mike Calhoun
060515 Cascadia Shipyards construction completed
060601 Under the command of Admiral Calhoun, the second fleet of Starships, Transports and Freighters departs for the Delta Quadrant. Population includes, officers, cadets and civilians
060812 In space assembly of Cascade Station
061017 A pre forecast opening of the Khittomer Wormhole allows Admiral Price return to the Alpha Quadrant aboard the USS Wraith NX-97511
061207 Lt Allen Blatchford assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Security
061230 The Redeemer Class Project begins under the command of UFS engineer, Lt. Ronin Calayan
Year: 2382
070104 UF Starfleet Academy opens its doors for the first time at UFS HQ on Pinastri Prime.
070119 Lt Chakotay300 Ebi assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Science
070201 Security Division announces creation of "Sector001 Security" a Special Ops sub department.
070222 Captain Darren Reiner assumes position of Chief of UFS Operations
070227 Lt Louis Lazarno assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Security
070408 Ensign Samuel Whizenhunt assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Science
070408 Ensign Tourmaline Falken assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Medical
070408 Lt Allen Blatchford assumes position of Division Head of UFS Communications
070409 Colonel Sanstrom Laxness assumes position of Vice Commandant UFSMC and commander of FORCECOM
070413 2nd Lt Zander Uralia reported missing in action
070503 UF Starfleet Medical checkup program of all UFS personnel commences
070511 Colonel Sanstrom Laxness assumes position of Commandant UFSMC
070620 Lt Data Spectre assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Security
070701 Lt Allen Blatchford assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Engineering
070716 Specialist UFSMC Training Division TRACOM is established with 1st Lt Dray Maverick as CO
070803 Tranquility Station undergoes intensive redesign work
070810 The Terran Empire crosses over into our universe and initiates the Terran Empire Campaigns
070813 Project Firewall - Grounbreaking experiments in combatting Borg assimilation technology were begun aboard Cascade Station by Dr Damion St. James
070920 Commodore Mateo Infinity assumes position of Division Head of UFS Communications
071001 Colonel Sanstrom Laxness assumes position of Vice Commander UFS and thew rank of Commodore
071001 Major Tig Spijkers assumes the position of Commandant UFSMC
071004 1st Lt Dray Maverick assumes the position of Vice Commandant UFSMC
071008 1st Lt Renpat Greggan assumes the position of CO UFSMC TRACOM
071008 Project Magellan instigated by UF Starfleet Science under the leadership of Lt Gijsjan Broek
071026 Ensign Kevin Fremont assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Science
071029 UFSMC initiate reservist program
071101 Vice Admiral Rafkin Ashbourne assumes position of Division Head UFS Support Services
071130 Assembly of UF Starfleet Academy and Athena Station is completed.
071207 Assembly of Defiant Class USS Caracas NCC-74305 at Cascadia is completed
071214 Bio-Mechanical Hybrid Borg Nanoprobes discovered by USS Caracas, resulting in the ship becoming infected.
071226 The USS Redeemer NCC-100753 is destroyed in battle with the Terran Empire.
071226 Destruction of the inter-universe portal marks the end of the Terran Empire Campaigns
071228 Magellan explorer Lt Gijsjan Broek discovers metamorphic rock on one of the moons of Caledon
Year: 2383
080111 USS Caracas - Jaye Jeffries, Kosmos Asturias and Shana Flute jointly find a way to contain Bio-Nanoprobes and remove them by utilizing transporters. Bio-Nanoprobes were transferred to USS Freedom and taken back to Cascade Station for further research.
080115 UFSMC relocate to new HQ and training facilities on Pinastri V. The facility is named Camp Dieppe
080117 Office of Personnel created
080121 Lieutenant Samuel Whizenhunt assumes position of Division Head of UFS Communications
080130 First Contact with the Timelords
080205 1st Lt Januarius Allen assumes position of Vice Commandant UFSMC and commander of FORCECOM
080220 1st Lt Sam Christiansen assumes the position of CO UFSMC TRACOM
080310 UFS Archaeologists report that surface scans of a planet in Sector 3556 have a set of ruins on the Southern Continent that bear a striking resemblance to ancient ruins that were discovered on Earth Centuries ago.
080312 UFSMC Camp Dieppe is raised to the ground after earthquakes rock that region of Pinastri V
080317 Construction of USS Emily Lynn NCC-61907 begins at Cascadia
080318 Formal representatives of each of the many species that make up UFS are appointed.
080319 Romulans for Romulans(RFR) begin to rise as a threat to the Federation/Romulan negotiations
080323 Battle of Starbase 427 (Delta Quadrant) marks the loss of more than 15 allied Federation ships.
080328 Engineering works to Cascade are near completion, and the station is duly renamed Tranquility Station
080405 A secret meeting between the Romulans for Romulans(RFR) and the Breen is interrupted by the USS Redeemer. Their leaders are killed, thus ending the problems with the Romulans for Romulans(RFR)
080415 Alpha Quadrant negotiations with the Romulans are finalized, forming the first Romulan / Federation Alliance.
080421 The Office of Intellectual Property Management(IPM) is created
080420 Construction of New UFSMC Camp Dieppe is completed on Pinastri V
080430 First Contact with the Kingdom of Syldavia
080506 2nd Lt Rasim Aeon assumes position of Vice Commandant UFSMC and commander of FORCECOM
080510 UFSMC Camp Dieppe on Pinastri V is renamed Camp Casey
080513 UFS Support Services Division Dissolved. All departments transferred to UFS Command
080513 Vice Admiral Rafkin Ashbourne returns to service in the Alpha Quadrant
080513 Office of Public Relations & Marketing is created
080513 Renowned explorer Lt Gijsjan Broek assumes control of UFS Diplomatic Corps
080513 First Contact with the Beenobians.
080514 Januarius Allen assumes position of UFS UFS Command Master Chief
080528 Official UFS disciplinary procedures come into effect for all active personnel
080531 Vice Commander UFS, Commodore Sanstrom Laxness retires
080602 Project UMMIE, a top secret experimental communications network gets underway
080603 Major Missy Halderman assumes position of Vice Commandant UFSMC
080603 Captain Zed Drebin assumes position of Vice Commander UFS
080603 Lt. Commander Taylorholic Durant assumes position of Second Officer UFS, and UF Starfleet Operations
080603 Lt. Daneil Collins assumes position of Superintendant UFSA
080603 1st Lieutenant Varon Vandeperck assumes position of CO UFSMC FORCECOM
080610 Formal Diplomatic Treaty between UFS and Syldavia is signed
080614 UF Starfleet Science survey mission of the planet Svarga reveal evidence of ancient Linden Dynasty
080617 Lt. Ronin Calayan, the designer of the Redeemer Class, returns to the Alpha Quadrant to work on improving Redeemer Class vessels.
080622 Formal Diplomatic Treaty between UFS and FFESP is signed
080623 [1] at Pinastri took place. The USS Emily Lynn and the USS Redeemer-A responded to the call from Tranquility Station and offered their assistance in defending Sector001. Ground forces battled the Vaadwaur's re-animated Borg Drones while the Fleet battled the Borg Spheres and the Vaadwaur's hijacked Turei vessels.
080624 The USS Redeemer-A and the USS Emily Lynn remain in a Cascadia Shipyards drydock for repairs. They were heavily damaged and nearly destroyed in the battle with the Vaadwaur.
080624 Solar flares from Pinastri's sun cause power outages and also cause climate controls malfunction, resulting in massive torrential rainfalls and flooding across huge regions of Pinastri Prime. With power failures and continuous rainfall, waterlevels began to rise.
080627 UFS Ally Syldavia breaks the Warp Barrier for the first time.
080628 The Prometheus class USS Menelaus is commissioned at the Cascadia Shipyards
080702 MCAPT Azalia Cazalet reported missing in action
080706 Restructuring of UFS intorduces new Branch Commanders layer to better facilitate future growth.
080706 Lieutenant Chase Quinnell's new design UFS Uniforms are introduced throughout the entire fleet.
080706 The Andromeda Research Lab and Sensor Array in orbit of the Pinastri Sun is commissioned.
080707 USS Emily Lynn is renamed USS Kallima and given a new registry of NX-61907
080707 Lieutenant Jeffery Biedermann assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Security
080707 Merissa Milena assumes position of UFS Command Master Chief
080710 Commodore Sanstrom Laxness comes out of retirement to head up the newly formed Office of the Judge Advocate General
080711 The Pathfinder Research Facility is comissioned at UFS HQ on Pinastri Prime.
080715 The S'raris colony is destroyed by the Borg. The USS Redeemer-A and the USS Colossus take heavy damage in the ensuing battle.
080717 1st Lieutenant Lothar Bereznyak assumes position of Commandant UFSMC
080720 Lieutenant Haku Yiyuan assumes position of Division Head of UF Starfleet Engineering
080722 2nd Lieutenant Daz Clip assumes the position of CO UFSMC TRACOM
080722 Lt. Colonel Allen Blatchford assumes position of Vice Commandant UFSMC
080723 Lieutenant Sam Christiansen assumes position of Head of Strategic Operations
080727 First Contact with the Talgorans
080729 The Treaty between the UFS and the Timelords is terminated by the Timelord Ambassador.
080801 Admiral Margot Lorefield assumes position of Superintendant UFSA
080804 The USS Caracas, as a NX test- bed vessel, is returned to Cascadia drydock to be fitted with a classified prototype "Holo- Masking" System and Sensor Pallet array.
080805 The USS Champion and 40 crewmembers are lost on the latest mission to test Transwarp Drive
080809 First Contact with the Mendari More Info
080816 An Inter-Galactic Portal was discovered by the USS Redeemer. It appears to lead to the Windsor Galaxy, the Mendari's home galaxy.
080826 The USS Redeemer hosted a peace-negotiation between the Mendari and the Federation. Captain Zed Drebin represented the Federation with Ambassador Lok Mandwe representing the Mendari.
080906 First Contact with The Veoi.
080915 The USS Redeemer and its compliment of Academy cadets is nearly lost on a routine Cadet Cruise. More Info
080919 The modified Intrepid class USS Sheppard NCC-74679 is officially launched from Tranquility Station
080922 BGen Sanstrom Laxness resumes his former position of Vice Commander UFS.
080922 VAdm Margot Lorefield assumes command of the Office of the Judge Advocate General
080922 Captain Zed Drebin assumes the position of Superintendant UFSA
081010 Commander Cyril Barthelmess assumes position of Branch Commander of UFS Engineering
081103 All further experimental work on the USS Kallima NX-61907 is halted, and the ship is decommissioned by order of Admiral Calhoun
081110 Whilst performing studies at the edge of the Pinastri Sector, scientists aboard the USS Yellowstone (NPC Ship) detect an M-class planet in an uninhabited star system in the adjacent sector. Sensors indicated that its moons were rich in many minerals including the highly prized Dilithium. Even though this system was closer to Borg space, UFS Command see this as of great strategic value as it would not only provide for much needed ongoing resources to Pinastri, but also provide UFS with a great means of trade. Admiral Calhoun personally authorises further scientific study.
081126 Extensive terraforming begins on the Eastern continent of Pinastri Prime.
081126 Construction of the new UFSA Jupiter Class station nears completion after nearly 3 years of intense engineering work.
081220 USS DaVinci and USS Talisman are both recalled to Cascadia drydock for refit as per UFS Command orders.
081220 The Vulcan UF Starfleet Academy Professor Abulafia Gray led an away team on the Arakeen Mission to the desert planet Arakis learning much about the inhabitants and making some fascinating discoveries. Click [here to read the official report.
081221 FCAPT Kate Platt is recalled to UFS Headquarters for reassignment and assumes the position of commanding officer of the USS Aviator, currently docked at Tranquility Station
081224 The USS DaVinci and USS Redeemer-A reach the end of the road and are decomissioned.
081227 Two Starships are destroyed by the Borg in an intense attack on Pinastri. The USS Aviator is badly damaged and tractored to Cascadia Shipyards for repairs. The Borg are repelled but the loss of life is high.
Year: 2384
090106 Lieutenant Commander Sheridan Jewell assumes position of Chief of UF Starfleet Security
090106 "Alexandria Station" is chosen as the name for the soon-to-be commissioned Jupiter Class Station
090115 The Sovereign Class Starship vessel under construction at Cascadia Shipyards is commissioned as USS Shogun NCC-73812. The ship will be Captained by Lt. Ulrich Bechir
090119 UFS Scientists based at the Pathfinder Research Facility on Pinastri Prime, discover evidence of underwater structures whilst doing a deep sea archaeological scan of Pinastri V. Plans are being drawn up for further research missions.
090124 Captain Darren Reiner is selected to lead the UFS colonisation of Trailwan Sphere in the Excalibur Star System.
090126 Renowned UFS Magellan explorer Gijsjan Broek completes his 100th mission
090129 Unknown suicide bombers detonate explosives during a routine cadet inspection near the Pathfinder Facility. Commodore Durant and Chief of Security Sheridan Jewell are amongst many injured. The attack was the precursor to a land invasion from unkown enemy faction. Fighting was fierce and many lives were lost. Read personal logs here, here
090131 Sector002 is officially opened by Admiral Calhoun with a ribbon cutting ceremony that is followed by a spectacular show of fireworks.
090131 The first annual Admiral's Banquet is held on Pinastri. Distinguished guests enjoyed an high spirited evening of http://www.ufstarfleet.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=137&t=6745 awards] and dancing.
090206 Pathfinder Chief of Science Nabuleone Rhode discovers 15,000 year old evidence of a previous civilization on Pinastri V. Read the UFSNN report here
090210 The USS Aviator and a number of transports depart the Pinastri System for the M-class planet Trailwan Sphere in the heart of the Excalibur Star System.
090215 Circumstances again allow Major General Sanstrom Laxness to retire from active duty as Vice Commander of UFS
090216 Admiral Stevan Seriman is assigned command of the Defiant Class Starship USS Caracas
090216 UFS Intelligence, formerly a division of UFS Command is granted full UFS Branch status.
090216 Lieutenant Commander Klawdija Shelman assumes position of Branch Commander, UFS Intelligence
090222 A creature of unknown origin but most likely native to Pinastri Prime attacks a UFS officer close to the Pathfinder Research Facility. Pathfinder's science and security teams are undergoing further investigations.
090403 Construction of the Sovereign Class USS Shogun NCC-73812 is finally completed, and the ship is commissioned at the Cascadia Shipyards
090407 Ongoing studies of ancient artifacts recovered from Pinastri V and Pinastri III reveal they are from an ancient civilization called the Rajans who at one time occupied the Pinastri System
090411 USS Shogun visits the Amphora System en route to Devore Imperium space. Read the mission reports Children of Destruction
090417 UFS Command issue orders to the USS Menelaus to investigate unidentified energy readings in Pinastri's Asteroid Belt
090418 The USS Shogun discovers dead members of a species of genetic augments called The Duco on a deserted space station 25LY from Pinastri Prime. Read the CO's report Message in a Bottle
090425 After more than two years in the post, Commander Tourmaline Falken steps aside as Branch Commander of UF Starfleet Medical. She will remain in the branch in an advisory capacity.
090425 The USS Shogun visits the Polenta System and docks at the impressively designed Mongo Station for repairs and some brief shore leave.
090502 Lieutenant Commander Dusti Dagger assumes position of branch Commander, UF Starfleet Medical
090504 Unexpected seismic activity on Pinastri Prime causess the virtual destruction of the Jonathan Archer building, along with some severe damage to the supporting structure of the Pathfinder Research Facility. Read the Report of the Pathfinder CO here
090505 The Andromeda Science Research Outpost in orbit of Pinastri's sun is [2] by a warp core breach.
090511 Hostilities with the Kingdom of Syldavia surface again. Pinastri is placed on Yellow Alert
90513 PRF scientist Nabuleone Rhode confirms that the ancient Rajans had colonies on Pinastri III, Pinastri Prime, and Pinastri V.
090514 UFS sign an exchange of Ambassadors treaty with Vooper Werribee of Splintered Rock
090526 An autopsy carried out by PRF doctor Piper John confirms that the body retrieved from Pinastri III is that of UFS scientist LtCmdr T'Wum. T'Wum was a Vulcan serving in UFS who went missing during a mission to Pinastri III in 2381
090530 USS Shogun discovers evidence of two lost civilizations, namely the Alakra and the Krasic on the planet Alakron.
090530 After an extensive refit, the USS Caracas relaunches from Cascadia Shipyards under the command of Admiral Stevan Seriman
090621 Pathfinder scientists discover further exciting evidence of the ancient Rajan civilization on Pinastri III. Lt Rhode's log can be accessed here
090625 The Captain of the USS Shogun, LT Ulrich Bechir, recovers a suspicious barrel on an Oncan Station that contains a heavy radioactive element. Analysis by Dr Fargus Skytower and Lt SVAndrei Baxton, reveals the element (now named Shogunium) is beyond the manufacturing skills of the Federation.
090701 A temporal rift opens up off Pinastri's coastline. Out of the rift comes a warship from Earth's past, circa 1944. Read the Pathfinder XO's log here
090701 A terrorist faction launches a devastating attack on UFS planetside operations, by setting off explosives in and around the Pathfinder Research Facility. A total refit is required.
090801 The Borg make a surprisingly undetected venture into UFS space in a never before seen type of cube. Initially discovered in local Pinastri Prime airspace, they were later engaged by the USS Caracas and Pathfinder starfighter squadrons in and around Tranquility and Cascadia Shipyards. Read UFS officers logs here
090812 The USS Shogun becomes the first Federation vessel in over nine years to encounter the Devore Imperium, when it comes under an unprovoked attack
091004 LTCOL Allen Blatchford assumes the position of Commandant UFSMC
091028 Pinastri Prime is rocked to the core as it comes under intense bombardment from asteroids. Planetary defences limit the damage but much destruction of the landscape and facilities occured. The Pathfinder Research Facility suffers huge damage. Read official reports here
091030 UFS Command announces a complete reorganisation of the Senior Command Structure of UFS see the details Here
091030 Commodore Taylorholic Durant assumes the newly created position of Commander Starfleet.
091030 Commander Diemme Morane assumes the newly created position of Starfleet Chief-of-Staff.
091030 Captain Tammy Durant assumes position of UFS Operations Branch Commander.
091102 Lieutenant Wolfton Foulsbane assumes position of Branch Commander UFS Intelligence
091105 Lieutenant Wyp Luminos assumes position of Branch Commander, UFS Corps of Engineers
091123 Lt Commander Jadia Triellis assumes the newly created position of Head of Starfleet Operations.
091129 Pinastri Prime is plunged into Arctic conditions as the planet's Weather Modification Net is sabotaged. See Winter Wonderland
091212 A memorial service for fallen UFS Officer Melissa Ordram was held on the surface of Pinastri. A video of the occasion can be viewed here
091229 Lieutenant Tim Feriszke assumes position of Branch Commander, UF Starfleet Security
Year: 2385
100103 - Lt. Colonel Allen Blatchford stands down as UF Starfleet Marine Corps Commandant to aid the Operations Branch as Vice Branch Commander. Major Pema Nakamura is named the new Commandant.
100105 The remains of the elusive sea creature thought to be native to the planet and last encountered mid-2384 has been recovered by scientists at PRF. Read the logs here
100107 Admiral Calhoun was kidnapped by the group of Orion pirates who go under the banner of Orion's Sword. These were the same pirates that have been attacking the system of late. For full story see Have You Heard the Word?
100108 Starfleet Command received Intelligence that there would be a raid against the Pinastry System. The operation was classified under the file Have You Heard the Word?
100117 Following the shocking events of the past few weeks Starfleet Command beings investigating how our enemies were able to bypass our defenses so easily. Details of this operation can be found in the data file Are You My Neighbor?
100124 The upcoming launch of the USS Sentinel is cancelled at the order of UFS Command. The crew of the Sentinel are transferred to the USS Sheppard with immediate effect to continue training simulations under the command of Mulgrave Dwi until her upcoming launch. The order can be found here
100130 The second annual Admirals Banquet was held on the surface of Pinastri Prime. All the top brass were in attendance and many officers were decorated for their outstanding service to UFS.
100130 UFS Scientist LTCMDR Nabuleone Rhode releses his final report on the history the mysterious Rajans, who were the original inhabitants of a number of planets in the Pinastri Star System
100201 Whilst undergoing a routine surveying mission around grid 008, the USS Yurei (NPC Ship) suffers an unprovoked attack from an unknown alien vessel
100209 CMDR Cheryl Skinstad takes over as Superintendant of UF Starfleet Academy as Commodore Zed Drebin steps into semi-retirement. He remains at the Academy in an advisory capacity.
100213 Following an attack on the USS Yurei Starfleet detects an oncoming flotilla of unidentified craft and from their attack on the Yurei are believed hostel. This operation was dubbed Red Sun Rising
100313 The 2nd and 3rd Fleets engage an incoming alien flotilla at the edges of UFS space. This marks the beginning of a series of skirmishes and battles resulting in sustained attacks on both SS Athena and SS Tranquility
100316 Following the brutal events of Red Sun Rising it was discovered that the enemy had stolen some classified information but due to damage to systems it was impossible to tell what. This operation can be found in the file Yea Though I Walk Through the Valley
100328 Commander Diemme Morane stands down as UF Starfleet Chief of Staff and retires from UFS.
100402 The Intrepid class USS Sheppard is formally launched from Cascasia under the command of Mulgrave Dwi
100420 Major Pema Nakamura stands down as UF Starfleet Marine Corps Commandant. Admiral Calhoun moves the Marine Corp to inactive status until a vast and needed restructure can be completed.
100506 Commodore Taylorholic Durant stands down as Commander UF Starfleet and retires to a civilian teaching position.
100514 LTCMDR Millenia Infinity assumes the position of Branch Commander, UFS Corps of Engineers
100528 Vice Admiral Sanstrom Laxness returns to active duty as Commander UF Starfleet
100530 New Uniforms are introduced throughout the fleet.
100604 Commander Peedy Thor is assigned as the new UF Starfleet Chief of Staff
100806 An unknown object landed on Pinastri Prime and was discovered to be a strange crystal. Further study and actions are under the file Crystal Clear?
100809 UFS Meteorologists studying weather patterns on Pinastri VII discover a belt of ion storms inside the planets atmosphere. Access detail of the study here
100814 The USS Sheppard returns for needed repairs and rest for the crew however appearing out of a strange anomaly the USS Shogun appears and warns of a catastrophic danger to Pinastri Prime. Operations Reports can be found under the file Homecoming
100823 Lt. Commander Jadia Triellis is abducted to the another dimension referred to as The Mirror Universe and an attempt to destroy the UF Starfleet is thwarted Upending the Dagger, Revealing the Conspiracy
100922 After many months of work Admiral Mike Calhoun reactivates the UF Starfleet Marine Corp with Major MilesPrower Dagger as the new UF Starfleet Marine Corps Commandant
100926 The USS Rotterdam (NPC Ship) discovers an egg on a Y-Class, often called a Demon Class, Planet and brings it back for study. The operation reports are under the file A Time to be Born
101124 The new Joint Chief Position Chief of UF Starfleet Communications is created and Commander Kermie Mistwallow is appointed.
Year: 2386
110921 Commodore Zania Turner assumes Chief of UF Starfleet Communications postion.
110921 Captain Kermie Mistwallow assumes Chief of UF Starfleet Operations position.
110928 Admiral Mike Calhoun Announces UFS Reboot. All information can be found at the following LCARs Location Reboot
110928 UF Starfleet Marine Corps Commandant Position held by Colonel MilesPrower Dagger is elevated to Joint Chiefs of Staff Status .
110930 Construction begins on the USS Solstice under the command of Lieutenant Graves Paramour.
111010 Commander Thallanor Rasmuson recieves command of SS Tranquility .
111010 Construction begins on the USS Veracruz under the command of Captain Kinney Randt .
111013 UFS Academy Superintendent Postion held by Lieutenant Commander Hidalgo Dorchester is elevated to Joint Chiefs of Staff Status .
Year: 2387
120114 SS Helmut Kohl is commissioned in the remote Barrett System, Commander Dinero Outlander assumes command.
120114 The USS Menelaus leaves Pinastri Prime following a supply a supply re-fit after a year long mission
120123 The USS Sheppard is discovered adrift in the Midgar Sector, the vessel is salvaged but none of the crew are found.
120130 SS Pegasus is discovered in the Genesis Sector of the Alpha Quadrant. Ensign DDeridex Resident leads an expedition using the disused M.I.D.A.S array.
120229 The USS Banshee, an Akira Class Starship is commissioned under the command of Captain Madadh Magic
120327 The crew of the USS Aviator-A is replaced and the vessel is brought under the command of Commander Azalyna Resident
120329 The USS Republic-C is built from a disused prototype spaceframe for the Legacy Class Starship at SS Pegasus
120408 The USS Sheppard is recommissioned and refitted under the command of Captain Hanna Kestrel
120425 The USS Republic-C returns to the Pinastri System by alien technology and is reassigned to Task Force 3 under the command of newly promoted, Commander DDeridex Resident
120427 The USS Taylorholic Durant, a Luna Class Starship is commissioned as a Cadet Training Vessel, under the command of Fleet Admiral Mike Calhoun
120501 Captain Madadh Magic abandons the USS Banshee following a collision with a Borg Cube on it's first mission.
120502 The USS Republic-C makes First Contact with the Pax Magellanic, the Republic is heavily damaged and the USS Sheppard is missing, presumed lost.
120506 The USS Shogun is discovered by the USS Veracruz and is towed back to SS Tranquility, the crews fate is unknown.
120628 USS Cochrane, an Oberth Class Starship is commissioned under the command of Commander Lan Nakajima
120701 The New Orleans Class Starship, USS Expanse is renamed USS Republic-D and put under the command of Commander DDeridex Resident
120703 Commander Jamie Czavicevic assumes full time command of the USS Banshee after intensive repairs to the vessel.
120714 The USS Protector was launched from Cascadia Shipyards, under the command of Commander BenjaminBalan2 Resident
120714 The USS Republic-C is destroyed over a Class O Planet in Sector 009F while discovering the fate of the USS Renown.
120717 The Battle of Excalibur, EDC Forces engage UF Starfleet. The USS Cochrane suffers heavy damage and is unable to be repaired. The USS Banshee assists.
120718 The El' Dorain Combine (EDC) formally declare war on UF Starfleet
120719 The USS Halcyon, a Champion Class Starship is renamed USS Cochrane after the original Oberth Class Starship is deemed beyond repair.
120726 Grid Reference 002 is evacuated due to disturbing reports in Another Horizon
120726 UF Starfleet HQ is relocated to UFS Grid
120805 The USS Cochrane establishes First Contact with the Avianis
120811 Brigadier General MilesPrower Dagger is appointed UF Starfleet Chief of Staff
120812 The USS Cochrane establishes First Contact with the Nocteen
120815 The EDC War officially ends with the signing of the Armistice Treaty, the EDC retreat back to the Emerald Expanse.
120817 The USS Republic-D goes missing while patrolling the Emerald Expanse boarder.
120818 The USS Republic-D locates the EDC Homeworld after almost 3 months in the Emerald Expanse, the Republic succeeds in stopping a weapon from reaching Pinastri Prime
120821 The USS Banshee leads the Battle of the Corwin Star System in which the Banshee is successful in capturing an EDC Commander.
120905 The USS Shogun is recommissioned under the command of Commander Mac Gaelyth
121010 The SS Helmut Kohl is decommissioned when UF Starfleet decides to withdraw from the Barrett System
121028 The USS Shogun makes First Contact with the "Void Callers"
121104 Lieutenant (J.G.) Jean Hema assumes command as Director UF Starfleet Personnel, Nabuleone Rhode assumes position as Vice Director.
121114 The USS Dauntless, a Nova Class Starship is commissioned under the command of Commander Grandeeva Resident, the Dauntless locates the missing USS Republic-D
121115 The USS Republic-D is decommissioned. The crew are reassigned to the USS Dauntless. Commander DDeridex Resident is missing, presumed dead.
121119 UF Starfleet Academy Superintendent Hidalgo Dorchester announces a general restructuring of the UF Starfleet Academy.
121120 The USS Banshee is formally commissioned and Jamie Czavicevic is promoted to Captain.
121120 The USS Talisman-A is re-launched into active duty under the command of Captain Hitman Jayaram
121124 Spies infiltrated the USS Banshee attempting to assassinate Captain Jamie Czavicevic, Second Officer T'mari was killed in the explosion.
121125 The Typhon Corridor, a secondary, fast, and more stable route to the Alpha/Beta Quadrants, is discovered by the USS Cochrane by accident during Slipstream transit to Sector 001D of the Delta Quadrant.
121201 Captain Jamie Czavicevic was kidnapped by the Orion Sword from the USS Banshee
121202 The USS Shogun makes First Contact with the Saka'ari "Ancient"
121205 The Shuttle Montezuma of the USS Veracruz explodes, killing three crew members. The USS Veracruz suspects Romulan Star Empire involvement.
121213 Pathfinder Research Facility is damaged by a heavy Ion Storm in the Beta Antares system
121216 The USS Shogun encounters a space-dwelling vortex organism.
121217 Brigadier Penney Lancaster is arrested for attempting to kidnap USS Banshee commanding officer, Captain Jamie Czavicevic, he was arrested and awaiting trial.
121219 The Interstellar Concordium invade the Excalibur Star System, the USS Dauntless, USS Bravon and the SS DeBakey are successful in engaging them resulting in them fleeing.
121228 The USS Cochrane is destroyed in the Ravanar System in the Alpha Quadrant when a Tholian Attack ship impacts the ship near it's Warp Core Ejection Hatch, setting the ship's core on it's way to a breech.
121229 Construction of the Steamrunner Class Starship, USS Republic is completed and the crew of the USS Dauntless is transferred to the Republic.
121229 The USS Sunstrider is launched under the command of Commander Brandi Meredith
Year: 2388
130102 The USS Republic is successful in liberating Rakosa V from the remaining Interstellar Concordium Forces. The Concordium lose their only way to get reinforcements into the Delta Quadrant.
130105 Captain Poison Toocool is kidnapped from Astraios Colony, Commander Genny7 Markus takes over command of Astraios and the USS Argonaut in an attempt to rescue her.
130106 The newly built and christened Luna Class, USS Hyperion is launched from Utopia Planitia under the command of Commander Lan Nakajima, and the crew of the late USS Cochrane.
130106 The USS Republic re-establishes contact with the Argussian Federation who attempt to reconquer the Pinastri Sector and capture Lieutenant Colonel Grandeeva Resident
130106 Vice Admiral Rosine Heinkel resigns as Commander UF Starfleet
130112 Astraios Colony Celebrates its 2 Year Anniversary
130113 USS Wildfire launched under the command of Nikond40 Resident and Jean Hema
130303 USS Hyperion is recognised as a commissioned chapter within United Federation Starfleet
130321 USS Curiosity launched under the command of Ben2012rascal Resident and BenjaminBastian Hermans.
130510 BenjaminBastian Hermans assumes command of USS Curiosity
130519 Commodore Hidalgo Dorechester stands down as UF Starfleet Academy Superintendent
130521 SS Caledonia launched under the command of Ashembers Resident and Edwynnstryker Resident. This marks UFS's new presence in the InWorldz metaverse.
130523 Commodore Rosine Heinkel becomes the new UF Starfleet Academy Superintendent
130529 Lieutenant Commander Maddox Underwood becomes Commandant of the UF Starfleet Academy.
130601 USS Shogun recognised as a commissioned chapter within United Federation Starfleet
130601 SS Cassini launched under the command of Fleet Captain Nabuleone Rhode and Fleet Captain Piper John.
130624 USS Taylorholic Durant recongised as a commissioned chapter within United Federation Starfleet.
130628 USS Hyperion celebrates the 1 year anniversary of the launch of the USS Cochrane, it's predecessor.
130628 Commodore Kermie Mistwallow stands down as Chief of UF Starfleet Operations.
130706 USS Sheppard relaunched under the command of Commander Cordova Marabana and Commodore Rosine Heinkel.
130714 USS Protector recognised as a commissioned chapter within United Federation Starfleet.
130721 USS Prophetic launched under the command of Commander Wolfton Foulsbane and Lieutenant Commander Nexus300 Resident.
130717 Jean Hema appointed as new Chief of UF Starfleet Operations.
130717 MilesPrower Dagger appointed as Deputy Commander, Starfleet.
130726 To better clarify the duties of several of the JCS the titles of UF Starfleet Chief of Staff and UF Starfleet Cheif of Operations are switched with Jean Hema becomming UF Starfleet Chief of Staff and Piper John appointed Chief of UF Starfleet Operations.
130723 Taurik Xaris and Adlor Tyran take over command of the USS Curiosity.
131105 USS Elysium is officially decommissioned.
131128 USS Sunstrider launched under the command of Captain Brandi Meredith and Commander CD Duffield.
Year: 2412
140101 United Federation Starfleet did a timejump to the year 2412 due to our stories would be limited by Starfleet history of the past BUT also by Starfleet history of future events already written (the things that happened during the years described in the "Path to 2409").
140117 USS Corsair launched in shakedown under the command of Colonel Millenia Infinity and Colonel Penney Lancaster.
140122 USS Wildfire is officially decommissioned.
140124 USS Shogun re-launched in under the command of Commodore Kermie Mistwallow and Commander Izzy Baum.
140126 USS Erebus launched under the command of Captain Lan Nakajima and Lieutenant General MilesPrower Dagger.
140401 USS Talisman-A is officially decommissioned.
140407 Lieutenant Commander Eddie Hagoromo becomes Chief of Computer Operations.
140409 USS Davy-Crockett launched in shakedown under the command of Commander Selenmoira Resident and Lieutenant Commander JohnnyB Guardian.
Year: 2413
150207 Commodore Maddox Underwood is appointed UFS Academy Superintendent.
150211 SS Alexandria is officially decommissioned.
150221 Cheryl Skinstad is appointed Commandant UFSA.
150221 USS Maxwell is launched under the command of Commander Nora Gerhadsen and Lieutenant Commander Ponce Zapatero.
150326 USS Prophetic is officially decommissioned.
150402 USS Nightstalker is officially decommissioned.
150615 Captain James Killian took over command of USS Shogun after Commodore Kermie Mistwallow.
150627 Captain Wolfton Foulsbane took over command of SS Tranquility.
150728 USS Redemption launched in shakedown under the command of Commander Maryanne Slater and Lieutenant Commander Reese Turner in Sector 016.
150802 USS Davy-Crockett launched in under the command of Captain Selenmoira Resident and Lieutenant Commander JohnnyB Guardian.
150829 Captain Genny7 Markus took over command of SS Astraios after Fleet Captain Poison Toocool.
150829 USS Longtalker is launched in shakedown under the command of Fleet Captain Poison Toocool and Lieutenant Commander Indie Author at Nyota Colony (Metropolis Metaversum Grid].
151018 USS Thunderbird is launched in shakedown under the command of Commander Azdra Resident and Lieutenant Commander Suzie Setsuko.
Year: 2414
160105 Cheryl Skinstad steps down as Commandant UFSA.
160105 Azdra Resident is appointed Commandant UFSA.
160105 Commodore Cheryl Skinstad is appointed UF Starfleet Chief of Staff
160208 USS Sheppard is drydocked due to repairs and awaiting new captain.
160304 USS Taylorholic Durant is drydocked due to repairs and awaiting new captain.
160313 USS Taylorholic Durant is taken out of drydock with Commodore Cheryl Skinstad as Executive Officer.
160313 USS Longtalker is officially decommissioned.
160323 Brigadier General Kressler Constantine is appointed UF Starfleet Marine Corps Commandant.
160324 USS Shogun is drydocked due to repairs and awaiting new captain.
160324 Commodore Kinney Randt is appointed Chief of UF Starfleet Operations.
160522 USS Sheppard is taken out of drydock under the command of Captain Cordova Marabana and Lieutenant Commander Jim Bomazi.
160701 Commander Herbert Glenfadden becomes Director UF Starfleet Personnel.
160703 Captain Jamie Czavicevic takes over command of SS Tranquility.
160706 Azdra Resident steps down as Commandant UFSA.
160711 Jayce Rebel is appointed Commandant UFSA.
160809 SS Tranquility is drydocked due to repairs.
160814 USS Thunderbird launched in under the command of Captain Azdra Resident and Commander Suzie Setsuko.
160922 RodneyMMcKay Resident became Surgeon General.
161016 USS Davy-Crockett is officially decommissioned.
161031 USS Protector is officially decommissioned.
161106 Jayce Rebel steps down as Commandant UFSA.
161106 RodneyMMcKay Resident is appointed Commandant UFSA.
161112 USS Vulpine is officially decommissioned.
Year: 2415
170228 Luke Spiritweaver became UF Starfleet Vice Chief of Staff.
170403 USS Bellerophon is launched in shakedown.
170623 RodneyMMcKay Resident steps down as Commandant UFSA.
170623 Commodore Maddox Underwood steps down as UFS Academy Superintendent.
170623 Captain Azdra Resident is appointed UFS Academy Superintendent.
170623 Stormchyld2 Resident is appointed Commandant UFSA.
171105 Captain Azdra Resident steps down as UFS Academy Superintendent.
171109 USS Bellerophon is disbanded.
171116 Stormchyld2 Resident steps down as Commandant UFSA.
171116 Commodore Stormchyld2 Resident is appointed UFS Academy Superintendent.
171116 Kermie Mistwallow is appointed Commandant UFSA.
171231 Herbert Glenfadden steps down as Director UF Starfleet Personnel.
171231 Lieutenant Commander Bit0Honey Resident takes over as Director UF Starfleet Personnel.
Year: 2416
180111 USS Redemption in Sector 016 is drydocked.
180228 SS Peedy Thor is launched in shakedown under the command of Commodore Ravyn Stormchyld and Lieutenant Commander Rich Lombardia.
180505 Kermie Mistwallow steps down as Commandant UFSA.
180505 Commdore Kermie Mistwallow is appointed Chief of UF Starfleet Communications.
180512 Lieutenant Commander Vardasilver Spearsong is appointed Executive Officer of SS Pathfinder.
180513 Commodore Kermie Mistwallow is appointed Executive Officer on SS Peedy Thor.
180513 Commander Rich Lombardia is appointed Commanding Officer of USS Sheppard with Captain Indy Firelight as Executive Officer.
180831 Rich Lombardia is appointed Commandant UFSA.
180907 Commodore Stormchyld2 Resident steps down as Superintendent.
180908 Rear Admiral Poison Toocool is appointed UFS Academy Superintendent.
181015 Captain Bit0Honey Resident steps down as Director UF Starfleet Personnel.
181015 Fleet Captain Data Axel takes over as Director UF Starfleet Personnel.
Year: 2417
190120 Office of Computer Operations is elevated to Joint Chief Status with Commodore Eddie Hagoromo as Joint Chief.
190226 USS Monarch is launched in shakedown under the command of Commander Sarheni Kanto and Commander WilliamH Greymoon.
190413 USS Christopher Pike is launched in shakedown under the command of Admiral MilesPrower Dagger and Captain Ishan Broek.
190306 USS North Carolina is launched in shakedown under the command of Brigadier General Jonathan Wilson and Lieutenant Colonel TJ Allen.
190406 Captain Luciano Skar-Machado is appointed Sector Commander of Sector 002(Mainland Europe).
190407 Brigadier General Jonathan Wilson is appointed Sector Commander of Sector 013(North Carolina).
190425 SS Peedy Thor is launched under the command of Commodore Kermie Mistwallow and Commander Draco Dimanovic.
190705 Luke Spiritweaver stepped down as UF Starfleet Vice Chief of Staff.
190705 Data Axel is appointed UF Starfleet Vice Chief of Staff.
190829 Kermie Mistwallow is appointed as Chief of UF Starfleet Operations
190928 Rear Admiral Poison Toocool steps down as UFS Academy Superintendent.
190928 Commodore Rich Lombardia is appointed UFS Academy Superintendent.
190929 Commander 3249Rowena Resident is appointed Commandant UFSA.
191004 Commodore GreenLantern Excelsior is appointed Chief of UF Starfleet Communications.
191023 Major General Kressler Constantine steps down as UF Starfleet Marine Corps Commandant.
191112 RodneyMMcKay Resident stepped down as Surgeon General.
191112 Captain Draco Dimanovic became the new Surgeon General.
191112 Lt. Commander Miriamnataliakon Resident became Head of UF Starfleet Science.
191120 SS Nimbus is launched in shakedown under the command of Captain Luciano Skar-Machado and Commodore Brian Voice.
Year: 2418
200101 Commodore Kermie Mistwallow transfers Command of SS Peedy Thor over to Captain Draco Dimanovic and Commander 3249Rowena Resident ceremony to be held at 200112.
200301 Commodore Genny7 Markus transferred Command of SS Astraios over to Commodore David7 Bravin. Commander Kem Vala took over as XO.
200302 USS Courageous is launched in shakedown under the command of Commander Miriamnataliakon Resident and Lt. Commander Dirtydog Bebb.
200501 Rear Admiral Cheryl Skinstad stepped down as UF Starfleet Chief of Staff.
200501 Commodore Data Axel stepped down as UF Starfleet Vice Chief of Staff, Director UF Starfleet Personnel and Director UF Starfleet Fleet Operations.
200501 Commodore Luciano Skar-Machado became the new UF Starfleet Chief of Staff.
200501 Captain Draco Dimanovic became the new UF Starfleet Vice Chief of Staff.
200501 Commander Morath Landfall became the new Director UF Starfleet Personnel.
200914 Colonel Penney Lancaster is appointed UF Starfleet Marine Corps Commandant.
201026 Vice Admiral Poison Toocool) is appointed Chief of UF Starfleet Communications.
201205 Pinastri Headquarters is launched under the command of Rear Admiral Kermie Mistwallow.
201216 The SS Peedy Thor moved to USS Thor under command of Commanding Officer Draco Dimanovic and Executive Officer 3249Rowena Resident.
Year: 2419
210115 USS Magellan is launched under the command of Captain Phoenix Finistair.
210127 USS Christopher Pike is officially decommissioned.
210227 Lieutenant Andrew Kerr is appointed Vice Chief of Computer Operations.
210314 USS Sheppard is officially decommissioned.
210513 USS Caligula is officially decommissioned.
210604 The UF Starfleet Chief of Staff opens a new office called Office of Quadrant Operations that will handle and work with and for the Real Life members.
210811 GreenLantern Excelsior stepped down as Vice Chief of UF Starfleet Communications.
210811 Evelyn Rieko is appointed Vice Chief of UF Starfleet Communications.
210912 Office of Membership Support and Office of Recruitment & Retention is moved under Office of Personnel.
211122 USS Magellan is officially decommissioned.
211213 SS Nimbus is instructed by Command to dismantle and start the relocation of the starbase to the Delta Quadrant.
211219 It was noticed an incorrect calculation with the Universal Calendar as such UF Starfleet Command has approved adjustment so the date is correct as the new year arrives.
Year: 2422
220102 SS Nimbus finished the move over to Delta Quadrant, and is now moved to the Humboldt Belt in the Pinastri system.
220401 Fleet Admiral MilesPrower Dagger is appointed Commander-in-Chief.
220415 Commodore Aryela Dagger is appointed Vice Chief of UFS Operations.
220511 Vice Admiral Kermie Mistwallow is appointed Deputy Commander in Chief.
220512 Denkiri Centre is launched under the command of Vice Admiral Poison Toocool and Lt. Commander Astro Balut.
220828 USS Maxwell gets moved to be a NPC ship, as Rear Admiral Nora Gerhadsen steps down as Commanding Officer.
220828 USS Atlas is launched under the command of Captain Drewski Northman and Lt. Commander Siobhan Crystal.


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The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow large-scale hydropower to qualify as a Class I resource under the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS).
According to a Hartford Business report, a companion bill passed the state Senate on May 6, but due to some differences, the legislation returns to the Senate for final approval.
Connecticut's RPS requires 27% of utilities' electricity to come from renewable energy resources by 2020, with a Class I requirement of 20% by 2020. Under the state's current mandate, Class I resources include solar, wind, fuel cells and biomass.
Hydropower facilities up to 5 MW also qualify, but the new provision, which the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recommended in March, aims to increase the limit to 30 MW.
Following the House vote, Hartford Business says some groups have protested, claiming the hydropower measure harms the state's RPS and provides an advantage to companies such as Canada's Hydro-Quebec.
'This legislation is based on the faulty premise that provincially owned, Canadian large-scale hydro is cheaper, cleaner and more reliable than generators based in Connecticut and throughout New England,' Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association, told the news agency.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
And before kicking off Pie Week, MORNING EDITION sponsored a pie contest here in the office. One of our winners was science editor Maria Godoy, who baked a medieval pork pie.
MARIA GODOY, BYLINE: It was a sweet and savory dish made of ground pork and currants, dates and honey. And then I got these dragon figurines breathing flames to sort of guard the dish.
MONTAGNE: Maria was inspired by the fantasy novel and HBO series "Game of Thrones."
MONTAGNE: The series conjures up a fantasy world based on medieval England where regions and families fight for dominance. The show inspired a cookbook written by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel and Sariann Lehrer. It's called "A Feast of Fire and Ice." Maria says that's where she found that pie recipe and others.
GODOY: Foods like sweet lemon cakes and warm pork pies and mulled wine. And the authors decided to go back into medieval cookbooks and find authentic recipes for these meals.
MONTAGNE: Maria Godoy writes for our blog, The Salt, on npr.org. Tomorrow, we'll explore regional pies with the author of "The United States of Pie." Tell us about your attachment to pie on Twitter @MORNINGEDITION. And make sure to use the hashtag #PieWeek. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.


text:
News Room
Weyerhaeuser Company Declares Dividend
Board also declares dividend on Mandatory Convertible Preference Shares
Feb 13, 2014
FEDERAL WAY, Wash., Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) today announced that its board of directors declared a dividend of $0.22 per share on the Common Stock of the company, payable in cash on March 14, 2014 to holders of record of such common shares at the close of business on February 28, 2014. Additionally, the company's board of directors has declared a dividend of $0.7969 per share on the company's 6.375% Mandatory Convertible Preference Shares, Series A, which will be payable in cash on April 1, 2014 to holders of record of such mandatory convertible preference shares at the close of business on March 15, 2014.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120111/AQ34535LOGO)
About Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control nearly 7 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manage another 14 million acres under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood and cellulose fibers products, and we develop real estate, primarily as a builder of single-family homes. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2013, we generated $8.5 billion in sales and employed approximately 13,700 people who serve customers worldwide. We are listed on the Dow Jones World Sustainability Index. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.
For more information contact:
Media – Anthony Chavez, 253-924-7148
Analysts – Kathryn McAuley, 253-924-2058
SOURCE Weyerhaeuser Company


text:
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Protests are taking place a day after Republicans converted Michigan from a seemingly impregnable fortress of organized labor into a right-to-work state.
Protesters covered their mouths with tape Wednesday in Lansing with the words "$1,500 less" written on it in reference to wage cuts they expect. Silent protests also took place in Saginaw and were planned elsewhere.
In Detroit, dozens of noisy protesters entered a state of Michigan office building to voice their opposition to right-to-work.
The state House swiftly approved two bills reducing unions' strength Tuesday, one dealing with private-sector workers and the other with public employees, as thousands of furious protesters at the state Capitol roared in vain.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder signed the measures into law within hours, calling them "pro-worker and pro-Michigan."


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Canada gets a "C" grade on its share of knowledge-intensive services in GDP and ranks 11th out of 16 countries. It is important to look also at Canada's ranking on the complementary indicator—the share of GDP generated by high- and medium-high-technology manufacturing. Switzerland is an "A" performer on both indicators. The U.S., the U.K., and Australia are strong on knowledge-intensive services but relatively weak on high- and medium-high-technology manufacturing, while the opposite is true for Germany. Canada's middle-of-the-pack ranking reflects its lack of specialization in either high-technology services or manufacturing.
Yes. Between 1980 and 2006, Canada experienced a steady increase in the importance of knowledge-intensive services. Knowledge-intensive services now account for 18.1 per cent of GDP, up from 11.2 per cent in 1980. Knowledge-intensive services increased in importance in all peer countries.
Use the pull-down menu to compare the growth in Canada's share of value added by knowledge-intensive services in GDP with that of its peers.
Canada's market has become more open to limited competition within the financial and telecom sectors, and from private delivery services in the postal sector. Further economic integration with the U.S. has also enhanced the uptake of new technologies and applications in Canada by simultaneously increasing market size and competition.
Canada's relative ranking has been a "C" in each decade.
The scope to further expand advanced business services is greater now that most of Canada's population lives in urban centres. Advanced services focus on value creation and management—such as marketing, organizational, and other design work, as well as coming up with ideas and planning—more than transaction facilitation.
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Please note: The data on this page are current as of April 2013.


text:
In a Congressional hearing last week at the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Committee on Financial Services, a Fiduciary Bill Discussion Draft (DD) offered by Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), showcased the latest arguments against SEC fiduciary rulemaking. The Congresswoman's central point was as clear as it was pungent: brokers' clients would be greatly harmed if brokers were required to put their clients' interests first. In contrast to this message, professor Mercer Bullard's testimony analyzing the DD provided a strong critique of the bill.
The Congresswoman's DD would require that the SEC : 1) undertake additional cost-benefit analysis of any new rule, 2) identify whether investors are being "harmed or disadvantaged" under the current suitability standard, 3) "verify that any final rule would actually "reduce investor confusion," and 4) require "harmonization" of rules for investment advisers, in exchange for requiring brokers meet the fiduciary standard.
Congresswoman Wagner introduced her DD legislation by saying the fiduciary standard is "One of the biggest issues facing retail investors today…." as the DOL and the SEC are "heading toward a separate and massive rulemaking that could fundamentally change how families and investors choose financial products and services." See the video above.
The SEC, the Congresswoman continued, "claimed this proposal would better protect investors … (but) failed to provide any evidence to support such a claim… that retail customers were being harmed or disadvantaged" under the suitability standard.
According to Congresswoman Wagner, to the contrary, real investor harm will result if broker dealers are required to put their clients' first. "It is every day Americans who will be harmed when federal agencies regulate without justification…. the new Dad looking to buy life insurance so he can sleep better at night, or the Mom looking to set up an education account for her child, but gets turned away because she is told she is not sufficiently wealthy. Or the grandfather who has fewer choices when deciding how to pass on wealth to his grandchildren."
To emphasize her point Congresswoman Wagner underscored, "You don't protect investors by simply restricting their choices."
Much of the reporting on this hearing focused on the DD's provisions and its likely impact on SEC rulemaking. Fair enough. However, more attention should be given to Mercer Bullard, former Assistant Chief Counsel in the SEC's Division of Investment Management, and current investor advocate and law school professor, who testified at the hearing and delivered a blistering critique. Bullard's comments were simultaneous measured in tone while sharply critical in its legal analysis.
Highlights of his points include the following.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
While Bullard expresses support for cost-benefit analysis and the "generally appropriate aspirational standards for rulemaking" in the DD, he explained how the DD provision "Will create redundancies and confusion" because SEC rulemaking is "subject to a panolopy of cost benefit-benefit analysis requirements that already substantially and unnecessarily interfere with the process of efficient rulemaking." Citing these requirements, Bullard further notes how they are redundant with the "arbitrary and capricious standard" under "Section 706 of the Administrative Procedures Act," that constrains rule-making as "demonstrated by the Courts that have vacated SEC rules deemed to be arbitrary and capricious."
Noting that critics are correct to state the SEC has failed at certain times in the past to meet current cost-benefit analysis requirements, Bullard questions that increasing cost-benefit requirements will be a fix, suggesting, instead, this approach, "is the equivalent of addressing a national deficiency in college students' tests scores by raising the score needed to pass the test." As such he concludes the purpose of the DD appears simply "to prevent rulemaking altogether."
As important, Bullard discusses the limitations inherent in cost-benefit analysis. The DD "Reflects a popular but erroneous belief that an agency can exhaust every avenue of inquiry that might reasonably lead to a better understanding of a rule's costs and benefits. In fact, regulatory action is invariably based on imperfect information.. (and relies on) the exercise of reasoned judgment in the known absence of information that theoretically could improve the regulatory decision-making process."
Bullard quotes former SEC Secretary Jack Katz, who testified to Congress about the limitations of cost-benefit analysis and concluded a regulator can "rarely" predict with certainty how the market will respond to a rule, "It is difficult to accurately quantify the cost of compliance or quantify the value of benefits before one know how the industry will achieve compliance."
SEC and DOL "Coordination"
The DD calls for the SEC to "coordinate" rulemaking with other federal agencies to "minimize conflicts," and this is presumed to refer to the DOL's expected re-proposal in coming months of a fiduciary rule. This expected DOL re-proposal follows the September 2011 withdrawal of DOL's first proposal, which Bullard said at the time had "fatal flaws" and he urged the DOL to withdraw it. This call for "coordination" has been repeated by industry critics over the past three years, and repeated without offering any apparent justification to overcome the legal burden implicit in the status quo: Congress established two separate statutory frameworks with two distinct policy purposes and their respective standards of conduct have been different, as was intended by lawmakers.
As Bullard states: "Securities law and ERISA are different regulatory schemes because they should be different. The public interest in employee benefit plans is far greater than for securities investment in general. Investment regulation takes on greater importance in the context of retirement benefits, where losses resulting from misconduct have greater adverse individual and societal consequences than losses associated with securities investments generally."
So what does the issue of "coordination" really concern? Either "the possibility that the DOL may impose more stringent standards" on BDs than are imposed by the SEC, or "it reflects a desire to require the DOL to defer to the SEC's fiduciary rulemaking," Bullard surmises.
Reduce Investor Confusion
The DD also calls for requiring the SEC to make a "formal finding" that rulemaking will reduce investor confusion. Or as Bullard deadpans, "The provision effectively requires that Americans "become smarter" about the different requirements of brokers and investment advisers "before they can receive the benefit of a fiduciary duty." This view – that the regulatory problem is investors, as opposed to regulation itself – he says is, perhaps in gross understatement, simply "extraordinary."
The final provision of the DD effectively requires the SEC to impose harmonizing regulations on investment advisers if it seeks to impose a uniform fiduciary standard on brokers. Noting correctly, that despite industry claims to the contrary, "There is no necessary connection between fiduciary rulemaking and rulemaking for advisers," Bullard adds this provision is "Nothing more than rent seeking by an industry that wishes to regulate their client's competitors into submission," and, taken in its entirety, the DD's purpose is nothing more than to "promote the interests of one industry over another…"
Calling a Spade a Spade
In very different ways both professor Bullard and Congresswoman Wagner have added to the discussion.
Congresswoman Wagner's impassioned plea to spare brokers' clients the harms of the fiduciary standard is important. It sets a course for a new conversation between the two sides that could be fruitful.
Bullard's sharp criticism of the DD is noteworthy, not because he is an investor advocate who might be expected to oppose these provisions. It is noteworthy because Bullard takes a moderate tact that reflects his wide-ranging experience and expertise and his openly independent views of the SEC and DOL. As examples, Bullard sharply criticized the first DOL proposed rule, and, agrees the SEC has failed to provide sufficient cost-benefit analysis in certain circumstances. In this spirit, Bullard supports "smart cost-benefit analysis" that recognizes its limitations, and he explains the legal and policy differences at the core of what makes ERISA and securities laws unique, differences which, of course, he hints that Congress could address. In short, in a Washington world of uncompromising positions and politicized speech, Bullard's major contribution may be simply identifying common ground while calling a spade a spade.


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- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
As an employer, the City of Clarksville falls under the provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) because the City employs at least fifty or more employees within seventy-five miles of the work site and does so for twenty or more consecutive weeks out of the year. The FMLA allows "eligible" employees to take off up to twelve work weeks of unpaid leave in any twelve month period for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a family member, or if the employee himself/herself has a serious health condition.
View an infographic on FMLA qualifications (PDF).
To be eligible for FMLA an employee must have a condition that makes him or her unable to perform his/her essential job function. Substance abuse is covered when the employee is seeking treatment, and not just impaired by his/her usage.
An "eligible" employee is an employee who has been employed by the employer for at least twelve months and worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous twelve month period. The twelve months do not need to be consecutive.
Care of Family Member
An employee may ask to use FMLA to care for a family member, for their own physical/mental health care, and after the birth or adoption of a child. A family member is considered to be: a spouse, child, or parent. A spouse means a husband or wife as defined or recognized by Tennessee state law. A parent is either the biological parent or the person who acted as the parent when the employee was a child. A son or daughter is either biological, adopted, under foster care, a stepchild, a legal ward, or any child that the employee is assuming parenting responsibility for. The child must be under the age of 18 or over age 18 if a mental or physical handicap is present. The employer is allowed to ask for documentation, i.e, birth certificate, court documentation, or a medical provider's certification.
Intentions to Return to Work
The employer is allowed to periodically ask the employee on leave to report his/her status and intentions to return to work. If an employee informs the employer that he/she does not intend to return to work, the employer may terminate the employment relationship and thus end the employee's FMLA. If an employee fraudulently obtains FMLA, he or she is no longer protected by FMLA in terms of job restoration and benefit maintenance.
- FMLA can be taken on an intermittent basis allowing the employee to work on a less than full-time schedule.
- An employer must give an employee requesting FMLA written notice, within five business days, if he/she is not eligible for FMLA. If the employer does not respond within five business days, the employee will be eligible to take the leave.
- The employee is entitled to have his/her benefits maintained, but he/she must continue to pay his/her portion during the leave. The employee also has the right to return to the same or equivalent position, pay, and benefits at the conclusion of their leave.
Foreseeable Events
The eligible employee must provide thirty day advance notice for foreseeable events. Foreseeable events would include, but are not limited to, scheduled surgery, adoption, or birth of a child. The employer is allowed to ask the employee to obtain a certification from a medical provider testifying to the need for the employee to take the leave for himself/herself or for the family member. Upon completion of the leave the employer is allowed to require the employee to obtain a certification of fitness to return to work when the leave was due to the employee's own health concerns. The employer can delay the start of FMLA for thirty days if the employee does not provide advance notice, and/or until the employee can provide certification from a medical provider.
Spouse Employed for the Same Company
If the employee and the employee's spouse both work for the same employer, they cannot each take twelve weeks off for the birth of a child, when adopting a child, or to care for a parent with a serious health condition. However, a husband and wife who are employed with the same company are entitled to a combined total of twelve weeks under the above conditions. Each employee employed by the same employer is allowed to each take up to twelve weeks off for his/her own serious health condition.
Notice of Act's Provisions
Every employer covered by FMLA must post and keep posted a notice outlining the Act's provisions. The posting must be in a conspicuous place whether or not the employer has any current eligible employees.
Military Family Leave Entitlements
The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 was amended by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2008 to provide new military family leave entitlements. The NDAA expands the FMLA and adds two additional types of leave. Under these new provisions, employees may be granted up to twelve work weeks of leave during any twelve month period because of a qualifying "exigency" arising out of the fact that the spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent of the employee is on active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty) in the Armed Forces in support of a contingency operation.
Also, an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered service member shall be entitled to a total of twenty-six weeks of leave during a twelve month period to care for the service member.


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What To Do
Sailboard with Elvis. Elvis Martinus and other world-class sailboarders offer expert instruction. Prices vary. Try Bonaire Windsurf Place, www.bonairewindsurfplace.com, or Jibe City, www.jibecity.com.
Snorkel or dive the reef. Tours, dive and snorkel packages, and equipment are available at dive shops throughout the island. Check out www.InfoBonaire.com/diveoperators.html.
Mountain bike past flamingos. Cycle Bonaire offers great bikes and trail maps. For more details, see www.infobonaire.com/cycling.html or www.geographia.com/bonaire/boncyc01.htm.
Kayak the twisted mangroves. Bonaire Boating runs a mangrove info and kayak center on the road to Lac Bay. Check out www.abc-yachting.com/English/ecotours.html. Find other kayak outfitters at www.infobonaire.com/kayaking.html.
Help protect the reef. Every second Saturday of the month, Green Submarine organizes and sponsors the Bonaire Monthly Underwater Clean-Up Dive. Vacationers are invited to join in and help pick up trash. For details, contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
Where To Stay
Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire. Captain Don's has worked with the Philippe Cousteau Foundation and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution to install a septic system that prevents waste products from overfertilizing the reef. www.habitatbonaire.com.
Sand Dollar Condominium Resort. Hiking, birding, kayaking, and nature activities abound at this family-friendly oceanfront resort. On site is Bonaire Dive and Adventure, where guests can rent equipment, receive diving instruction, and sign up for numerous nature tours. www.sanddollarbonaire.com.


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Can you dig it?
It's always been difficult to give a one-sentence synopsis for Terraria. When it was released on PC in 2011, the first description that many gave was that it's "like a two-dimensional Minecraft," but that doesn't really do Terraria justice. More experience with it brings about the description that it is a "sandbox-style Metroidvania," and while that description is apt, it still doesn't hit exactly why Terraria is so fantastic.
Boiled down to its essence, Terraria is about discovery. Throughout the game, that discovery comes in many forms: exploration brings about the discovery of new environments, resource collection brings about the discovery of new craftable items, and progression through the game brings about the discovery of not only new enemies to fight, but also entirely new game mechanics to consider.
With Terraria's recent release on consoles, there is even more to discover than before. However, some things are better left undiscovered.
Terraria (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade [reviewed])
Developer: Re-Logic
Publisher: 505 Games
Released: March 26, 2013 (PS3), March 27, 2013 (360)
Terraria is set in a two-dimensional open world. On the PC version, players are dropped into a procedurally generated world with little direction other than an NPC and night closing fast. Without a handy guide, many would be lost. One of the additions to the console version is a tutorial, which was sorely needed to mitigate the aimlessness of the early game. The tutorial sufficiently gives the player short term goals and teaches the mechanics of the world without giving away too much about where the adventure is going.
After the spawn point is secured with a lightly defensible living space, the real meat of the game begins. Traveling along the surface in either direction reveals new biomes, each with their own flora and fauna. More important is downward travel, into the network of caves waiting to be explored. Many of the useful resources can be found there, including ores that can be used to craft better tools, weapons, and armor, which can then be used to dig and fight more effectively.
One of the core elements of Terraria that sets it apart from being a 2D Minecraft is that as you explore, find new things, and gain power, the world itself reacts. While there isn't exactly a written narrative, there is a definite progression of events, and it makes the world feel more alive.
In addition to the progression of events, there are also triggers that affect gameplay on a fundamental level. The early game is largely about resource collection and survival. Digging into the dirt focuses more on exploration and combat. Even further down and it almost becomes a puzzle game as the player attempts to mine ore while avoiding lava flows. And that's not even to mention what happens when you instead decide to explore up.
Simply put, Terraria is enormous, not only in size, but also in scope. Just when you think you have seen everything there is to see in the world, you find something new. Just when you start to get comfortable, a new element shows up to contend with. Even though it happens continually, it is somehow surprising every time.
Terraria is delightful, but it has been for almost two years now, and many already know it. The question this review aims to answer is whether it remains so from its port to consoles or if it suffers in any area.
One of the biggest worries that Terraria fans had regarding the console port was how to best transition from the quick, accurate control afforded by the use of a mouse to the less precise dual stick setup. To emulate the control of the PC version, the console versions have two separate control schemes. Auto is quick but imprecise, allowing the use of the right stick to point in a general direction of action. Manual is precise but slow, allowing the player to choose exactly which square to target. While it sounds less than ideal, switching between the two modes is a matter of clicking the right stick in, and with a little practice it works fine. Certain things, like digging a three-block-high horizontal tunnel, are even easier on console than they were on PC.
The other worry with the switch from a keyboard was that items and tools would not be as easily accessible. As with the original version, there are ten slots in the backpack for equipment to be used, but for the console version, switching between these pieces of equipment requires cycling through each with the shoulder buttons. There is functionality to map up to four items to the cardinal directions on the D-pad, but it strangely must be re-mapped every time you start playing.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect stemming from the transition to consoles was the addition of more accessible multiplayer. While online multiplayer exists for the PC version, it is not easy do without the use of third party software. Joining a game on the Xbox 360 is as easy as one would expect, but it's afterwards that the problems show up.
When hosting, the game runs well enough, but when joining somebody else's game, the lag can be debilitating. While lag doesn't matter much during the slower portions, it can be infuriatingly unplayable during tense combat sequences. Worse yet, if you travel quickly enough in a friend's world, the terrain will not load in time, causing you to fall all the way to the bottom of the map with nothing to stop you.
One of the welcome additions is a map screen, which shows the areas you have been to and makes hunting for rare ore easier. When joining a world online, you can uncover the map in the same way that you would in your own world, but its progress is not saved as it would be for your own, so rejoining the same world in the future starts you at the beginning with respect to the map. Considering it's still more than having no map at all, it's difficult to get too upset about it, but it would have been nice if it were saved.
In addition to online play, the port also allows up to four-player split screen multiplayer, but it has its own problems too. Even with only two players, Terraria suffers from significant drops in framerate at times. Aside from that, the interface works surprisingly well using only a fraction of the screen real estate, but due to the slowdown, local multiplayer can still be a pain for combat or tricky platforming sections.
Some new music tracks have been added, though most of the background music remains unchanged from the PC version. The soundtrack is full of catchy tunes that function to let the player know where he is in the world. It isn't the most amazing collection of music, but each track is fitting for its environment.
The last notable pieces of new content are pets to collect and an additional boss to fight. While neither is a substantial addition, each adds to the already lengthy list of cool things to discover in the world of Terraria.
Terraria is an incredible experience, and no game has filled me with the same sense of wonder and drive to explore in a very long time. In this port to consoles, those feelings are preserved, but perhaps not as elegantly as they could have been. The control scheme turned out better than expected, but the multiplayer functionality is far from ideal. Still, I cannot recommend this enough to anybody with a heart for exploring the unknown and an inherent passion for discovery.


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LA QUINTA, Calif. — Patrick Reed found his putting touch right when things started to getting interesting in the final round of the Humana Challenge.
After shooting three straight 9-under 63s to open a seven-stroke lead, Reed had a 1-under 71 on Sunday at PGA West's to beat Ryan Palmer by two strokes.
"A lot tougher than the first three rounds," Reed said. "My speed was off today. I left a lot of putts short. It seemed like the first three days the ball was just trickling over the front edge, and today it seemed like it came to a screeching halt."
Finally resembling the guy who talked Saturday about being in a "putting coma," Reed ran in an 18-footer for birdie on the par-3 15th to push his lead to three strokes.
"It felt comfortable. It felt great," Reed said. "I was able to play the last three holes just for par rather than trying to make birdies or trying to make something happen."
He did par the last three to finish at 28-under 260 in the three-course event that he opened and closed on the Arnold Palmer Private Course.
The 23-year-old Reed has two victories in his first 46 PGA Tour starts, winning the Wyndham Championship in August. He jumped from 69th to 41st in the world ranking, enough to lock up a spot in the 64-man Match Play Championship.
"I always play to try to prove to everybody that I belong out here," Reed said. "As well as, I belong, not only out here on the PGA Tour, but also with the best players in the world."
Reed took a call from former President Bill Clinton — the tournament is run in partnership with the Clinton Foundation — during his interview session.
"He told me to get myself back in that zone more often," Reed said. "Because he said it was a lot of fun to watch."
Palmer made a 15-foot eagle putt on the final hole for a 63.
"What can you do with what Patrick did this week?" Palmer said. "It's ridiculous what he did. Amazing how good he played. We'll come up a couple short, but it was a win in my game because I was playing for second today."
Zach Johnson and Justin Leonard tied for third at 25 under. Johnson birdied the final five holes for a 62, the best round of the week.
"I got red hot at the end," Johnson said.
The Kapalua winner is taking a four-week break.
"Hopefully, I can maintain where I'm at," Johnson said.
Leonard parred his last two for a 65.
"Would love to have made a few more putts," Leonard said.
Other than the 18-footer on No. 15, the longest putt Reed holed was a 5-footer for par on the par-4 13th. That was a crucial putt after he played the previous eight holes in 1 over with four bogeys and three birdies.
"I knew that if I didn't make that putt, then it was going to get interesting," Reed said. "To make that putt kind of gave me a little bit more fire saying, 'All right, well, we're running out of holes for people to make a lot of birdies.'"
Reed missed two 6-foot par putts and an 8-footer and dropped another stroke with a poor bunker shot on the par-3 12th.
"It would either just stop just short, or it would break at the very end and break off the planet and lip out," Reed said. "It seemed like nothing would go in."
On Saturday, Reed broke the PGA Tour record for relation to par for the first 54 holes, finishing at 27 under. He also became the first player in tour history to open with three rounds of 63 or better. On Sunday, he became the second player in the event to lead wire-to-wire, joining 1977 winner Rik Massengale.
"To have a day where I felt like I had probably about my C or D game and still shoot under par, and to close off a victory, that means a lot to me," Reed said.
Reed's wife, Justine, is pregnant with their first child, forcing her to turn over caddieing duties to her brother, Kessler Karain. She has walked every hole this year and plans to caddie again after the baby arrives around Memorial Day.
"I can't wait to be a dad and have a little girl running around," Reed said.
After helping Augusta State win NCAA titles in 2010 and 2011, Reed drew attention in 2012 when he successfully Monday-qualified for six events. He earned his tour card in December 2012, surviving six rounds of Q-school at PGA West.
"We have worked so hard at it," Reed said. "Especially, with my wife and I, how hard we have worked the past 2½ years, through Q-School, through the Monday qualifiers, and through here to get two wins in less than half a year."


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Economy: Sharpest decline in 26 years
Economic activity shrank by 3.8% in last three months of 2008, according to the government's gross domestic product report.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. economy suffered its biggest slowdown in 26 years in the last three months of 2008, according to the government's first reading about the fourth quarter released Friday.
Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation's economic activity, fell at an annual rate of 3.8% in the fourth quarter, adjusted for inflation.
That's the largest drop in GDP since the first quarter of 1982, when the economy suffered a 6.4% decline.
The decline was less than the 5.5% drop forecast by economists surveyed by Briefing.com. The fourth quarter plunge followed a more modest decline of 0.5% in the third quarter.
Still, some economists cautioned that the smaller than expected drop in economic activity wasn't good news, but a warning sign about further weakness ahead.
"Today's GDP report is no cause for celebration," said Jay Bryson, global economist for Wachovia. "The economy is even weaker than the number would suggest."
Hit by tight credit and soaring job losses, Americans slammed the brakes on spending in the quarter.
Consumer spending fell at a 3.5% annual rate, which was the seventh biggest drop on record. Spending on big-ticket durable goods plunged at a 22% pace, the largest decline since 1987. Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of overall economic activity.
But it wasn't just consumers pulling back. Fixed investment in equipment and software, taken as an indication of business spending, plunged at an annual 28% rate. That's the biggest drop in 50 years.
Healthy export demand helped to lift U.S. economic growth earlier in 2008, but that strength vanished in the fourth quarter, as exports fell at nearly a 20% annual rate, the sharpest decline since 1974. That set off more concerns about the slowdown in the global economy.
"I don't want to say we were counting on the global economy to bail us out. But if it turns into a big drag, we've got more of a problem," said Gus Faucher, director of macroeconomics for Moody's Economy.com.
Faucher and other economists noted that the biggest surprise in the report was the sharp growth in business inventories.
Economists say that was false growth brought about by businesses being unable to sell the goods they had on hand. Excluding the growth in inventories, GDP would have fallen by 5.1%
"When the economy is dropping fast it is hard for firms with plummeting sales to halt inventory accumulation," said Robert Brusca of FAO Economics.
Since companies are likely to respond to the excess inventories by slashing production at the start of this year, GDP could be weaker in the next few quarters.
"As bad as this quarter was, it means the first quarter will be worse," said Faucher.
In addition, prices for goods and services fell more than expected during the quarter. That limited the decline in GDP, which is adjusted lower to account for inflation.
The prices paid by consumers during the quarter fell at an annual 5.5% rate in the quarter, due primarily to lower gas prices. That's the biggest such decline in that key price measure since the Commerce Department started calculating it on a quarterly basis in 1947.
While lower prices may provide some relief for consumers, economists warn that this phenomenon, known as deflation, can hurt economic activity.
Businesses worried that falling prices will cause them to lose money will cut back on production, which can lead to additional job losses. And even consumers who keep their jobs can hold off on purchases if they hope that prices of the goods they want will fall further if they wait.
The report comes as the Senate prepares for a vote on an economic stimulus package that is designed to pump more than $800 billion into the economy. The House passed the measure on a party-line vote Wednesday.
Christina Romer, chair of the White House's Council of Economic Advisors, issued a statement saying the weak GDP report is another argument in favor of the stimulus package.
"This widespread decline emphasizes that the problems that began in our housing and financial sector have spread to nearly all areas of the economy," she said in the statement. "Immediate action to support both the financial sector and overall demand is essential."