Our table talk with Ty — and a larger group of people than I was expecting — was filled with interesting discussion on the state and future of this interesting new monetary concept: the virtual currency.

Starting with the basics, it was a nice refresher to learn about the underlying technology behind Bitcoin (a type of cryptocurrency), blockchain: a digital ledger in which transactions made in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency are recorded chronologically and publicly. Discussion was centered around Bitcoin’s recent increase in value and whether the hype is to last. Thankfully, most didn’t have much confidence in the cryptocurrency to serve as a reliable and stable investment or way to hold savings. Some, however, did put some money into Bitcoin as a sort of fun experiment to see where ti would go. For now, it seems to be paying off! In my view, I don’t believe the rise and excitement will last.

This is not without dozens of other cryptocurrencies popping up, such as Litecoin or Etherium to Bananacoin which is backed in value by bananas (1). Interesting to say the least. I was rather pleased with the discussion. An excellent way to spend the evening.

(1) (http://www.latimes.com/food/sns-dailymeal-1868202-eat-bananacoin-latest-crazy-cryptocurrency-youve-never-heard-about-20180125-story.html)