Folks at Starbucks have been busy lately (and I'm not just talking about the employees suing to keep their tips) working on a couple different programs meant to generate excitement.

A couple weeks back, the brand introduced My Starbucks Idea, a Digg-like community site where coffee lovers offer up suggestions, and vote on which ideas they think are worth trying out. I was skeptical at first, but they're getting a whole lot of feedback, and some ideas are already being taken to the next level. Let's see if it translates into any noticeable differences at the stores.

And last week, this email went out, announcing something really big was going to happen at Bryant Park on Tuesday. (oh the suspense is just unbearable). The email says to show up at 11:00am, and for non-Manhattanites, just go to any Starbucks at noon. I'm picturing a 12 story Vanilla Latte with extra foam...call the paramedics.