For as long as mankind has occupied New York, there have been two Starbucks locations on Astor Place, a block away from each other, which occasioned many predictable remarks. No more! This means everything.

Macy's is closing nine stores in six Midwestern states, the department store giant said today. Don't worry, the legendary flagship Manhattan store and the crowds it draws will continue to plague every New Yorker trying to traverse Herald Square during the holidays. Or rush hour. Or lunchtime. Or in the rain. Or when cabs change shifts. Any time at all, really. [WSJ]