The Youth Action Grants program is a key component of the Starbucks(TM) Shared Planet(TM) commitment to communities. Grant recipients were chosen by Starbucks and the International Youth Foundation (IYF) in order to make funding available to young leaders who have completed IYF's YouthActionNet(R) Global Fellowship. The Fellowship seeks to develop a new generation of socially-conscious global citizens who create positive change in their communities, their countries, and the world.

"The diversity of projects led by this year's grant recipients testify to the tremendous drive, creativity, and compassion of today's young social entrepreneurs," said IYF President and CEO William S. Reese. "Through this much-needed support, Starbucks is enabling these youth to realize their visions of a better world - and inspire others in the process."

"We congratulate each of these young leaders for their hard work and innovative solutions to local challenges," said Ben Packard, Starbucks vice president, Global Responsibility. "Through Starbucks(TM) Shared Planet(TM) commitment to communities, we seek to celebrate, support, and spread this spirit of innovation and service in addressing community needs."

Among the 20 projects to receive a total of US$200,000 in Starbucks(TM) Shared Planet(TM) Youth Action Grants are:

Family in Need Trust, Zimbabwe: The Trust, established by Jack Bbabbie Mukulu, 29, will provide vocational training and HIV/AIDS prevention education to 50 women caretakers of orphans and vulnerable children.

Human Artificial Vision, Mexico: Developed by Luis Octavio Ortigoza Ayala, 27, Human Artificial Vision will train 500 visually-impaired individuals in the use of a prosthesis enabling them to perceive images.

Sri Arunodayan Charitable Trust, India: Under the leadership of Iyyappan Subramanyan, 29, the Trust will construct a physiotherapy room serving 90 children with intellectual disabilities.

Youth Action for Change (YAC), Italy: Founded by Selene Biffi, 26, Youth Action for Change will publish an online youth magazine, Young Innovations Europe, aimed at showcasing youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

Fired Up Media, United States: Launched by Richard Graves, 26, Fired Up Media will form seven new media teams, one from each continent, to report on the most compelling climate change stories in the world related to the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.

A committee comprised of IYF staff and Starbucks partners (employees) selected the final grant recipients. To learn more about the Starbucks(TM) Shared Planet(TM) Youth Action Grants program and the planned activities of all 20 grant recipients, visit www.youthactionnet.org.

About YouthActionNet(R)

Launched in 2001, YouthActionNet(R) seeks to develop a new generation of socially-conscious global citizens who create positive change in their communities, their countries, and the world. Through its fellowship programs, national institutes, dynamic website, grants, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, YouthActionNet(R) offers young change makers ideas, resources, and connections to like minds around the world. To date, YouthActionNet(R) has launched national programs in Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, and Spain. For further information, visit http://www.youthactionnet.org.

About the International Youth Foundation (IYF)

The International Youth Foundation (IYF) invests in the extraordinary potential of young people. Founded in 1990, IYF builds and maintains a worldwide community of businesses, governments, and civil society organizations committed to empowering youth to be healthy, productive, and engaged citizens. IYF programs are catalysts of change that help young people obtain a quality education, gain employability skills, make healthy choices, and improve their communities. To learn more, visit www.iyfnet.org.

About the Starbucks(TM) Shared Planet(TM) Youth Action Grants Program

The Starbucks(TM) Shared Planet(TM) Youth Action Grants program helps young people realize their natural potential to reinvent their local communities. The program is the primary vehicle through which The Starbucks Foundation invests in communities globally as part of the Starbucks(TM) Shared Planet(TM) commitment to communities. Since launching the grants program in 2007, more than $1.5 million has been invested in youth-led initiatives around the world. The program is integral to the company achieving its goal by 2015 of engaging 50,000 young social entrepreneurs to innovate and take action in their communities. For more information, please visit www.starbucksfoundation.com/sef.

SOURCE International Youth Foundation

http://www.iyfnet.org

"(RED) gives shoppers a way to give great holiday gifts and give back at the same time. Every purchase contributes to the fight against AIDS in Africa. To date, this has resulted in contributions of $140 million to the Global Fund and has supported programs that have reached more than 4 million people with testing, counseling and medication," said Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED). "These efforts not only strengthen national AIDS programs to increase access to treatment, but truly transform lives as people gain access to medicine, regain strength and can return to being active children, parents, workers and community leaders."

Beyond the (RED) pop-up shops, (PRODUCT)RED items are available in more than 60 countries-giving shoppers a variety of ways to give great gifts while giving back this holiday season. A portion of the profit or sales from all (PRODUCT)RED items goes directly to the Global Fund to help fund AIDS programs in Africa.

The full list of (RED) holiday products includes:

(APPLE)RED

iPod nano is the world's most popular music player and is available in a (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition. iPod nano features a built-in video camera which lets music lovers shoot video wherever they are and view it on their iPod nano. iPod nano also features a pedometer to track your steps, an FM radio tuner with iTunes Tagging and Live pause as well as Genius Mixes, which automatically creates up to 12 endless mixes of songs from your iTunes library that go great together. Starting at $149, the (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition iPod nano is available online along with the iTunes Gift Card (PRODUCT) RED at http://www.apple.com/ipod/red/ and Apple's retail stores.

(BUGABOO)RED

Bugaboo is making good things happen for women and children living with HIV in Africa by partnering with (RED)(TM) and contributing 1% of all revenue across their entire product line to the Global Fund. Special Collection products launched by Bugaboo include the (BUGABOO)RED Cameleon Denim stroller, (BUGABOO)RED bag in white leather, and the (BUGABOO)RED Bee TREASU(RED) and ADO(RED) strollers. To learn more about Bugaboo products go to www.bugaboo.com.

(CONVERSE)RED

Converse will debut two exclusive Chuck Taylor All Star styles, the Red Leather Jacket shoe and Vena Cava for Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists shoes at the New York, San Francisco and London (RED) pop up stores this December. The African Canvas collection of Chuck Taylor All Star shoes made from canvas sourced in Africa will be available at the New York and San Francisco locations. Three new Jack Purcell (PRODUCT)RED African Canvas shoes have been added to the African Canvas Chuck Taylor All Star shoes, available online and at select retailers globally. Converse will also continue to offer people the capability to express their originality with the MAKE MINE RED option on www.converseone.com, which features updated colors, patterns and styles for the season. Visit www.converse.com for more information.

(DELL)RED

Dell has launched the ultimate travel companion, the Inspiron Mini 10v. Weighing in at less than 3lbs, the portable netbook combines highly mobile and robust design with leading edge wireless and entertainment features that keep your loved ones connected to home, even when they're miles away. The Dell (PRODUCT)RED Mini, along with other DELL products including exclusive customizable (PRODUCT)RED artwork from the Dell Design Studio, are available online at http://www.dell.com/joinred.

(EMPORIO ARMANI)RED

Emporio Armani has launched a series of stylish (PRODUCT)RED apparel and accessories this holiday season. Everything from chic sunglasses to trendy ensembles for men and women are available in Emporio Armani stores worldwide with select items available at www.emporioarmani.com.

(GAP)RED

In addition to the collection of colorful and chic men's and women's (PRODUCT)RED graphic T's designed by emerging artists, Gap has introduced a Stella McCartney exclusively designed T for women and baby girls. The T's, along with the limited edition (PRODUCT)RED collection including jeans, denim shirts, graphic scarves and belts, will be available at the (RED) pop-up stores and select U.S. Gap stores.

(HALLMARK)RED

Hallmark is offering (PRODUCT)RED Holiday Cards at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores across the US. Hallmark's (PRODUCT)RED collection, the largest social-impact initiative in its history, features a variety of e-card and photo card options available at www.hallmark.com/red.

(STARBUCKS)RED

Beginning November 17 through December 1, 2009, with any $15 purchase (tax not included) at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada while supplies last, customers will receive a complimentary "All You Need Is Love" Holiday CD featuring Starbucks and (RED)(TM) exclusive tracks from artists including: U2, Dave Matthews Band, John Legend and Playing for Change. In addition, as part of the (RED)(TM) partnership, Starbucks will contribute $1 U.S. from each qualifying purchase to the Global Fund to help those living with HIV in Africa. Starbucks customers can also continue to "do good every day" by using their (STARBUCKS)RED Card, now featuring a new design and available in regular size as well as a "mini" size perfect for your keychain. With every swipe of the Card through 12/31/10, Starbucks contributes 5 cents to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. Additional (STARBUCKS)RED products include the (STARBUCKS)RED Double Wall Stainless Steel Water Bottle, (STARBUCKS)RED Tumbler and (STARBUCKS)RED Whole Bean coffee. The purchase of each will generate a contribution of $1 U.S. by Starbucks to the Global Fund when purchased at any participating U.S. and Canada Starbucks stores.

(PRODUCT)RED Special Editions

(SA-P)RED Special Edition

Solange Azagury-Partridge, recognized as the leading jewelry designer of her generation, has remodeled the iconic Hotlips ring as a (SA-P)RED Special Edition for the 2009 holiday season.

Composed of sterling silver and covered in translucent red lacquer, Solange has engraved the personal message "(SA-P hearts)RED" on the back. The (SA-P)RED Special Edition Hotlips ring is available to order at (212) 879-9100 or newyork@solange.info. For more information, please visit www.solangeazagurypartridge.com.

(GIRL)RED Special Edition

Girl Skateboard Company launched their partnership by creating two limited-edition Eric Koston skateboards and introduces a new limited-edition set made for Mike Carroll starting at $49.95. Visit www.girlskateboards.com for more information.

(CHANNEL ISLANDS SURFBOARDS)RED Special Edition

Channel Islands Surfboards produced 50 (PRODUCT)RED(TM) special edition surfboards which will be sold exclusively in the (RED) holiday pop-up stores.

(Timbuk2)RED Special Edition

Timbuk2 have created a Racing Stripe and an Optical style of their medium-sized messenger bags as (PRODUCT)RED special editions. The bags will be available in the (RED) holiday pop-up stores and online at www.timbuk2.com/red.

About (RED)(TM) and (PRODUCT)RED(TM)

(RED)'s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT)RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to finance AIDS programs in Africa, with an emphasis on the health of women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U.K. only), Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Hallmark, Dell, and Starbucks. Since its launch in the Spring of 2006, $140 million has been generated by (RED) for the Global Fund. (RED) money is at work in Swaziland, Rwanda, Ghana and Lesotho. For more information, visit http://www.joinred.com/.

About The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the dominant financer of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US $15.6 billion for programs in 140 countries. The Global Fund supports programs based on agreed performance targets and disburses money in response to proven results. At the end of July 2009, programs supported by the Global Fund have averted more than 4 million deaths by providing AIDS treatment for 2.3 million people, TB treatment for 5.4 million people, and by the distribution of 88 million insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria worldwide. For more information visit http://www.theglobalfund.org.

SOURCE (RED)

http://www.joinred.com

The Tassimo machine, manufactured by Bosch, reads each encoded disc and adjusts the temperature, brewing time and amount of water.

Greg Price, vice president of global consumer products at Starbucks for US, said: "The relationship with Tassimo has been a natural fit for Starbucks and we are pleased with the success of the Starbucks coffee T Disc offerings. Our continuing work together in single-serve hot beverage innovation now allows consumers to prepare and enjoy a brewed coffeehouse-style Starbucks beverage at home. Providing consumers with a perfect coffee beverage is at the core of what we do as a company."

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The new instant coffee, Via, is offered at U.S. and Canadian Starbucks outlets and some other stores. A pack of three Via pouches costs $2.95. Schultz called Via "not just a new product, but a new growth platform for the company."

Starbucks has yet to offer Via outside North America, but the market for instant coffee overseas is robust. Britons drink far more instant than brewed coffee, for example.

In the past two years, Starbucks bowed to competitive pressure and closed 900 stores, a bid to improve efficiency and cut costs within the Seattle-based company. Schultz acknowledged on Thursday that McDonald's McCafe high-end coffee drinks had spurred Starbucks to optimize its operations. "McDonald's made us better," he said.

And the company recently introduced a new kind of regular coffee, Pike Place Blend, whose name hints at Starbucks' humble beginnings in Seattle in the 1970s.

Thanks to strong Via sales and successful cost-cutting, Starbucks this week revised its 2010 earnings guidance upward by several percentage points.

Best Buy (BBY) and CarMax (KMX) Should Have Very Good Holiday Seasons November 13, 2009 After more than a year of awful sales numbers, retailers are finally reporting signs of a turnaround. Clearly, the tough economic times led millions of shoppers to sit on their hands-and who can blame them, with unemployment climbing month after month. But Americans are consumers at heart, and they've been looking for any excuse to go out to make those purchases they've had their eye on for several months.

And now, with the latest GDP statistics showing signs of a turnaround for the broader economy, this pent-up consumer demand will have a reason to be released as the holiday season approaches.

Which companies will benefit? Not Wal-Mart (WMT), I'm afraid. Although the promise of rock-bottom prices is always an attractive lure for consumers, WMT has not been able to bring home the earnings I like to see from the behemoth of Bentonville. I currently rate WMT a sell.

Best Buy (BBY), on the other hand, continues to impress me. The company plans to open 22 more stores this quarter in advance of the holiday rush. Certainly the demise of competitor Circuit City has benefitted Best Buy -- the company estimates that it gained 270 basis points of market share last quarter. And Best Buy has raised its full-year guidance to a range of $2.70 to $3 a share.

I currently rate Best Buy a B, making it a solid buy.

Although not quite in the same space as Best Buy or Wal-Mart, I currently recommend no-hassle no-haggle car dealer, CarMax (KMX). Now that the new-car buying frenzy sparked by the government's Cash for Clunkers program has faded, the used car market is re-gaining favor among cash-strapped consumers, and CarMax will be the prime beneficiary.

CarMax's latest quarterly numbers were simply phenomenal. Before the earnings report came out, the consensus on Wall Street was for earnings of 18 cents a share, which was already three times better than last year. As it turned out, CarMax earned 46 cents a share. Net earnings rose more than sevenfold to $103 million.

I expect business to stay strong for CarMax. Ironically, the Cash for Clunkers program reduced the supply of used cars on the market, and, of course, when supply is restricted, demand -- and prices -- go up. All good news for CarMax. CarMax is an outstanding buy.

QUALCOMM Upgraded at Wells Fargo (QCOM) November 13, 2009 Mobile chipmaker QUALCOMM, Inc. (QCOM ) saw its rating boosted on Friday by analyst at Wells Fargo.

The analyst now rates the stock as an "Outperform," and raised its valuation range on QCOM to $50-$60 from $40-$46. Qualcomm shares had closed at $44.85 on Thursday.

The Wells analyst noted that "Prior to the 3G generation, Qualcomm only addressed the CDMA segment of the handset market, about 15-20% of the total market. With the transition from GSM to WCDMA at the 3G generation, Qualcomm's chipset and royalty addressable market expands to essentially 100% of the handset market, creating a significant growth opportunity for the company." Qualcomm shares rose 50 cents, or +1.1%, in premarket trading Friday.

The Bottom Line We had removed shares of QCOM from our "recommended" list back on Sept.25, when the stock traded at $46.54. The company has a dividend yield of 1.52%, based on last night's closing stock price of $44.85. The company has technical support in the $40 price area. If the shares can continue to rebound, we see near-term overhead resistance around the $50 price level. We would remain on the sidelines for now.

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