random appealing news

These aren't exactly "Good News" items, but some are at least evidence that trends have the opportunity to move in the right direction.

1. Linux market share on Steam keeps increasing. The November results of their hardware survey showed Linux at 1.44% of their platform base. That doesn't sound like much, but it's more than 50% of the way to overtaking the MacOS share.  The trend line is very clear, and it seems to be accelerating thanks to the popularity of the Steam Deck which is opening in new eastern markets soon.


2. For the first time ever, the "eOD-GT8 60mer" HIV vaccine induced broadly neutralizing antibody precursors. Everyone's hoping that booster shots will finally put us "over the line" for this critical immunological milestone. That's something that doesn't even happen with infection, or so the rumor goes, which is why HIV+ people should still practice safer sex even with other HIV+ people. There's more than one variant out there.


3. It's not on their website yet, but the Minneapolis Monkeypox Task Force is having more free vaccine events, no appointment needed. The next ones are scheduled for December 8th and January 5th, 4:30-7pm. They are happening at my local Cub grocery store here in the warzone. I'm not sexually active (haven't been for much more than a decade), but I do sometimes socialize with other gay men who are. Monkeypox is still transmissible even in social settings, so I think I'll get one since they're openly available. I've programmed the dates into my phone calendar, so I don't forget.


4. I've mentioned the game Oxygen Not Included before. It's the hardest base-building game that I've ever played. This Canadian company keeps making good free updates to the game, but they also issue fundraisers like this Kickstarter plushie toy of an amusing in-game animal. The effort is already very successful, with only 24 hours left remaining. I'd absolutely spend money on it if I had income right now. I'm a little sorry that I'll miss out.