(H/t to Metblogs for finding SBX_IronChef.) Howard Schultz is rallying the troops this morning, and we've been eavesdropping via Twitter: "Great companies will evolve their strategies while retaining their core customer....We are the largest buyer of high grade arabica coffee that is Fair Trade in the world...We will be communicating this...Half of the beverages we sell are under $3, 1/3 under $2, and brewed coffee is a fantastic value...[on sales of Starbucks gift card at Costco] 2 weeks in, Costco ran out. It became the the #1 product in EVERY Costco location. (draws applause). 5 mill sold!" more ›

We're mentioning this mainly so you don't try driving hurriedly around McCaw Hall this morningas many: the city says "as 7,600 people are expected" to show up for the Starbucks 2009 Annual Shareholders Meeting, which starts in half an hour, at 10 a.m. It lets out at noon, so you might want to give Seattle Center a miss over lunchtime, too. more ›