lol...

MrJT, I'll take that bet and put up "there's no apartments in the junction for the price I want to pay".

not too long ago I met some friends for a light lunch at Met Market. We sat at one of the tables in the coffee shop above the store. There was an older gentleman sitting at the table next to us. He had multiple books open (at least 4), lots of papers, one coffee cup that I could see, coats, pillows to sit on, bags, and other stuff on all four chairs at this table. It was lunchtime, yet he was not eating.
Not too long after we sat down, this man got up, put his coat on, left everything sitting there, and left the store (maybe he went home for lunch). He did not return while we were there. I thought that took a lot of nerve, as there were others looking for a table to sit at who WERE purchasing food to eat there. I'm surprised he wasn't asked to leave, but maybe they're just used to him - that it's where he hangs out. I thought it very inconsiderate, as he could have done the same at home. I didn't see a laptop, but it's possible there was one. Guess some people just think they're privileged...they need to get over it !

Woman problems, No free WiFi... Who wants to bet the next thing is Metro ?

I agree with Sue. First, it is their business. They can make the rules. If you don't like it you can exercise a choice to go elsewhere. Second, they're in business to make money and they pay for that wireless service. Expecting them to provide you a free service for nothing, or for you to sit there for hours nursing a small drip coffee (and taking up the space of other paying customers) seems like an abuse of their hospitality.

My perception of the American way is in being independent, doing things for oneself, earning the things I receive, having humility and gratitude when I am offered something for free, and thinking of my responsibilities first before articulating what I think I have a "right" to.

I think you'll find that if you focus on being grateful for the things you have as opposed to spending time being frustrated by the things you don't, you'll be much more content.

I don't see why it's "greedy" or "unuser-friendly" when a business doesn't want to pay to give away wi-fi to people who don't patronize their business. Especially when you can buy a cup of drip coffee or tea very inexpensively. If you want it for free, follow DMH's suggestion and go to the library.

Seattle Public Libraries have free wi-fi.

I can't friggin' wait when Clearwire comes out with a universal wireless connection that is clearcut above the rest. I'd pay for it. Maybe they have it out, I'm not sure I'll check. Anyways, I'm tried of the BS attitude that these places who provide wireless have this nasty attitude that you have to purchase something or leave. I guess it is their right since it is a business and they are there to make a buck from you. But there are some buildings/malls who have numerous of businesses that provide wireless and a common area like a food court for you to lounge in and use its connection. But no, I was told by security at the mall, unless I bought something like a coffee or food then they'd have no problem with it. Hey.. one can only drink so much coffee or eat. It is the American way to be unuser-friendly and greedy in this day and age. Especially in a bad economy where no one gets a free pass for anything.