In an inadvertently ominous fashion, the day before Steve Jobs died, I stumbled on Todd Sampson’s Twitter feed, which had a link to Jobs’ unveiling his iconic “1984″ advertisement for the Macintosh computer. In it he was eloquent and passionate about his work. The pride written on his face during the applause was stunning. I thought, now here is a guy who probably deserves to look so smug. But that was me thinking in retrospect. This wasn’t even Jobs at his peak of success, but rather at a prelude of even greater things to come. If he only knew just decades later that his face would be synonymous with the world’s leading innovators in design and technology, indeed all facets of everyday living and popular culture.

Australia has lost one of its finest actors: Perth-born Heath Ledger was found dead by his housekeeper in his Manhattan apartment. He was 28 years old. I am absolutely shattered. He wasn’t my favourite actor, but he was nonetheless a great and versatile talent. It just reiterates the fact that life is not all riches and glamour for famous people; there is a lonely and isolated aspect that is unconditionally shackled to you. I can’t imagine what he was going through. I only have the deepest respect for him, and my condolences for his family, friends and those who were lucky enough to know him.

The epitaph of all roles: Heath as Batman’s arch nemesis, Joker.

Always an Aussie: Heath celebrates with Sharon (nursing a pash rash) from Kath and Kim and Dannii Minogue at the 2006 AFI Awards in Melbourne.

Rest in peace, Heath Ledger. You’ll be remembered not for the way you died but for the way you lived.

Meanwhile, onto some pleasantries, I ordered my black Macbook from Apple today! I get a student discount. I was going to upgrade the RAM to 2GB but then I thought better of it. If I really need it I can just add another …