Yes, there are some signs we are moving, OK, crawling out of the demise, but every analyst has said we are not the same in our spending patterns as we were a year ago. If a year ago we had two Starbucks specialty drinks a day, we now are more likely leaning toward the basic drip. That’s funny, they are less costly and now they are the focus of reduced pricing. I feel like I need a quick course in psychology or logic to truly understand the process. They’re lowering prices on lattes and brewed coffees and raising them on Frappuccinos which as far as I can tell require little more than a push of a blender button.

The question to ask is who will buy the drinks? If there are more customers complaining about high costs, and they’re still Starbucks customers, will this strategy flip them over the edge? Of course, it’s hard to know, and it’s easy to second-guess. The concept just seems illogical.

When does a cup of coffee become just a cup of coffee? Starbucks created a coffee experience: A place, a destination with an expansive menu of almost unlimited combinations. We are different now. People seem to linger with their non-fancy brewed coffees.

Obviously, McDonald’s and its McCafe specialty drinks are proof that price matters and people are willing to forgo an experience in favor of affordability.

Get your coffee sleeves ready.

McDonald’s joined forces with a research group that had just released its list of the Happiest Cities for Families in America and chose 10 of them to help the company celebrate the 30th birthday of its Happy Meal program. Thirty years!

If you live in Minneapolis, I’m sure you already know how jovial you all are: The number one Happiest City for Families. Don’t worry, I’m sure you live near one of the other 9 top happy family cities.

Now until August 13, when you order a Happy Meal, you’ll receive one of 30 different Beanie Babies that are part of the promotion. You’ll also have a code that you can apply at the happymeal website. The site also has games and puzzles to expand the activity possibilities for families. If a birthday party has you perplexed, McDonald’s has you covered with invitations and ideas to help turn a special day into an extra-fun party.

Make room on your shelf: The Beanies are Back.

Starbucks decided they need to connect better with the Facebook universe. To show their enthusiasm and support of National ice Cream Month, from now through July 19th, Facebook users can sign in and friendster someone with the Starbucks free pint ice cream coupon. If you want to understand its popularity, (not a small number; 800 pints an hour), the ice cream pints for the day may sell out and you’ll need to revisit to take advantage.

McDonald’s, which continues to wrestle up new coffee ideas and lay claim to enticing more ardent coffee drinkers to their side of the road, has a thirst-quenching Monday offer: Free Mochas on Mondays starting this Monday, the 13th until August 3rd. These will be available hot or iced from 7 AM-7 PM on these hot summer Mondays. The company figures they’ll be pouring over 10 million cups on Mondays with the hope that they’ll have found new fans who’ll return any day of the week.

More offers to come.

Love how everyone is fighting for our attention!