As a web publisher, I definitely had an interest in checking out Apple's new iPad device. Yesterday, I did an in-store 30-minute test drive. Of course, I was disappointed that the Croquet Network Magazine issues were not viewable on the device (as expected), but I was pleased that the website shows fairly well. It was smaller than I expected and a little heavier. I found the internet speed to be adequate, but not necessarily lightning fast as advertised. All of the other apps on the other hand were very quick.

The device was simple to use and I suspect over time a lot of people will prefer to do their news, e-mail and video consumption with this type of portable tablet. People will still want a laptop or desktop around for heavy computer work, but for casual use (80% of what I do), this looks like a step in the right direction.

Boston University's International Extreme Croquet Society made the BU today website with both an article and video. The Croquet Society also has a Facebook page available for more information.

In WCF news, the main site indicates that the WCFMC has decided to proceed with a Women's Association World Championship despite feedback opposed to the proposed event. An excerpt:

"... We are concerned about the dilution of the WCF's 'world championship' brand and feel it may fall into a wash of secondary tournaments ... We offer this compromise position: Instead of creating a "WCF Women's AC World Championship," we suggest a 'WCF Women's AC Open.' This would further the goal of expanding croquet. It would also, at least semantically, protect the "world championship" brand."

Line-ups for the MacRobertson Shield lower tier play have been posted on the WCF website.

The 2010 Mohammad & Friends Golf Croquet Invitational has shifted from Saturday, April 24 to Sunday, April 25.