Consortium of Seven: Year 4

        C ruising into an extended July 4th weekend. One with still far too many thunderstorms predicted, but I'll take that over being trapped inside the heat dome a growing part of the country's been dealing with.       Here we are, on the very last day of June 2023, teetering on the edge of July. A busy week, one with its own stresses that will be following me into the new month. However, I have the the illusion of safety in the extended holiday weekend, and I'm anxious to get to it.       One, quick, streaming media development note: Subscribers to Paramount+ received word this week that the service has suddenly been expanded, and now also includes all of Showtimes' series, specials, and movies. The price has gone up, too, btw. Those with the ad-supported version will see it go from $4.99 to $5.99 with the new month. The monthly premium package (commercial-free) is going from $9.99 to $11.99. So, if you ha...

        I'll note - potentially apologize for? - this week's piece not having a real holiday theme... aside, I suppose, for anticipating more leisure time in the coming week for most of us. While we'll likely all be getting to spend some time with family and friends in here somewhere, there are at least three, big, viral infections out there, leaving me wondering how many people will either be out sick, or dragging their diseased selves back into the workplace to spread it all anew, when we step into the new year in about 11 days.     My slow, gradual move into Apple TV+ territory continues. Since last time, I completed the remainder of Ted Lasso 's second season - the most recent - and so have that behind me. The second season ended with much more emotional weight, but still much more in a good way than a threatening one. Much for fans to conjure with as they await season three, likely somewhere off in 2023, when the series will conclude. My...