the buzz log

The news that Starbucks will be closing 600 locations across the U.S. caused a legion of coffee drinkers to look up from their venti soy lattes and hit the Web. Since the notification went out, thousands of jittery patrons have driven queries for "starbucks closing," "starbucks closures," and "starbucks locations" up the Search charts.

Local papers immediately sprang into action, flooding the Buzz with articles informing readers of which Starbucks in their vicinity are due to be sacrificed. The roster ran the gamut from Alabama's Opelika Auburn News (the state is losing 12 stores) to the Washington Post (9 in the D.C. region).

The Waynesboro News Virginian went so far as to reassure readers, "Starbucks in region to stay open." Whew. New York Magazine, though, saw no reason to soothe rattled nerves. The weekly's web site proclaimed: "Starbucks Shortage in Midtown!" It's like a Frappuccino famine.

New York may be losing a number of the ubiquitous coffee outlets, but it's not the hardest hit. That misfortune falls to the great state of California. Between San Diego, San Francisco, and all the towns in between, the Golden State will suffer the loss of 88 locations. Breathe deeply. It's going to be OK.