Starbucks has announced it will close at least 600 stores across the U.S., almost 20% of the stores that have opened in the past two years.

You know the economy's in bad shape when companies peddling an addictive beverage are struggling.

Still, it's kind of amazing how much hand-wringing this is causing. It was the siren-screaming lead item on Drudge yesterday, and much of the coverage has been borderline hysterical: WE STILL DON'T KNOW WHICH STORES ARE AFFECTED! DEAR GOD, LET IT NOT BE MINE!