I have to fully agree with this post. And, to be quite honest, regarding security it's actually worse then that.

Every unencrypted traffic on an open network is pretty much open for the public to read. No matter if you are using Linux, Mac, or Windows, with every browser. You don't need any plug-ins for that. Passwords, Usernames, everything and anything unencrypted (non SSL traffic).
It is possible with freely and legally available software to monitor the network traffic. Of course this software was intended for administrators for troubleshooting. But as with everything else, this software can easily be miss-used with malicious intentions.

On top of that WEP for Wireless encryption must also be considered insecure. For someone who knows what he's doing it is a matter of minutes to break that encryption. It is highly recommended to use WPA2 or at the very least WPA in case you have older hardware that doesn't support WPA2.
Of course, this isn't helpful when in an Internet Cafe or where ever else with an open Wifi. But it might be important to know that WEP can NOT be considered secure, so that you don't falsely assume you would be secure.
See Wikipedia on WEP: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wired_Equivalent_Privacy

Also, good to know is, don't be fooled by simply using a network cable if available instead of the wireless. If there is an open Wifi the whole network traffic (wired and wireless) can be monitored.
And on a side note, public computers in Internet Cafes might have key logger or other sniffing software installed. Though, this is not the topic of this post, I guess.

So, I fully agree with the original post. There is no need to be frightened, panic or freak out. But we need to be aware and act accordingly. E.g. by not accessing sites that require us to log-in (social networks, online stores, bank, etc) or using appropriate security measures.

Actually, the ease of snooping on unencrypted wireless connections is amazing. It is simple enough for a third grader to do. However, don't think that you are secure if your wireless connection is encrypted or you are using a wired connection. Unencrypted communications (i. e. http instead of https, or not using a VPN or encrypted tunnel of some sort) are easy to intercept at many points along the path between you and the computer you are communicating with-- some in surprisingly distant places. Some cover vast areas, like satellite links. Some are vulnerable with special equipment on microwave links. For people with physical access to any wired network you use, including as it passes through other countries, it is also easy. Note that you don't know which way a packet you send may go. It might actually get routed through another country even on a "domestic" connection.

Now you know why I used a totally different password for this site than what I use for my bank. You did, too, right?

China shut down more than 130,000 illegal Internet cafes in the country over a six year period, as part of crackdown to control the market, according to a new Chinese government report. Internet cafes in China are highly regulated by the government, which can issue and revoke their licenses. Authorities have made it illegal for Internet cafes to serve minors under the age of 18, stating that the Web's content could endanger their well-being. Last April, the Ministry of Culture issued new rules declaring that Internet cafes would be closed down if they were found admitting minors. China has the world's largest Internet cafe market, said Yu. "The leadership has been trying to regulate it for some time now," he said. China is actively closing down Internet cafes that don't meet regulations in an effort to standardize the way they operate.

I rarely use internet cafes but it's good to keep this in mind. I thought there are certain antivirus tools which offer you protection regarding this issue though, as far as I know they make a good job from blocking any unwanted attack on your computer.