Questions: Local banks getting bail-out cash? And where’s best downtown wi-fi?

10 Comments

1. 

   Oni January 31, 2009

   I suspected Mountain 1st had money problems when they ceased allowing overdrafts. Instead of letting overdrafts go through and charging a fee, now they lock down your account until you pay it back. Making me think that they don’t have any money to cover overdrafts.

   I think I’ll be switching to BoA soon…

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2. 

   Orange Cat January 30, 2009

   All the libraries have free wifi – but no coffee.

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3. 

   time 2 part t January 30, 2009

   I just discovered a new wireless hot spot: Upstairs over the Grove Arcarde corner market. Strangely, City Bakery does not have wireless, but of course the Drip down the street does.

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4. 

   Jeremy January 30, 2009

   Montford Books & More (formerly Readers’ Corner) has wi-fi as well. I’ve not tried their connection, but the staff was super friendly when I went in for the first time yesterday.

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5. 

   Celo January 30, 2009

   Other good spots for wireless:
   French Broad Chocolate Lounge
   Firestorm Cafe & Books
   True Confections in the Grove Arcade
   Jack of the Wood

   I’d go to Flying Frog and New French Bar except they’re smoky.

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6. 

   newspaper reader January 30, 2009

   Someone told me that the Times-News did the story on the banks getting bail out money. I wonder why the CTimes didn’t run it. Oh, yes, I remember, the banks run big ads in the CTimes. No conflict there.

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7. 

   James Shea January 30, 2009

   Thanks. In my opinion, this is a big story, and it has gotten no play locally. I don’t think the C-T, WLOS or Mountian Xpress have done to story. Check out bailoutsleuth.com if you want the complete list.

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8. 

   Ash January 30, 2009

   James, thank you. Nicely done.

   Gordon, great suggestions. Thank you.

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9. 

   Gordon Smith January 30, 2009

   Some favorite spots:

   New French Bar
   Flying Frog
   Malaprops
   Izzy’s

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10. 

    James Shea January 30, 2009

    Ashe,

    I wrote the article about Mountain First and Carolina First getting TARP money. BB&T and Sun Trust also got money, but I did not focus on them, as they are not local. Here is a link to the story: http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20090119/TOPSTORIES/901180996

    Reply