Hello Thursday.
April 25 2024
You may have heard the buzzword “cryptocurrency” pretty frequently in the last year or so.
While it may still feel like a foreign concept, Columbia has adopted some cryptocurrency options for payment, and even offers courses at UofSC that focus on digital currencies and blockchains.
As Colin Jones, a former Ph.D. professor of finance at the Darla Moore School of Business, would say, “education is a critical component of this economic ecosystem." So, without further ado, let’s learn about it.
💰 What is Cryptocurrency?
Simply put, it's a form of payment that can be exchanged online for goods + services. Sometimes it is referred to as digital “tokens” — think of them more like arcade tokens or casino chips.
You’ll need to exchange real currency for cryptocurrency to be able to “play the game.” In this case, instead of playing a game, you are exchanging your “tokens” to purchase goods and services. According to CoinMarketCap.com, a market research website, there are 10,000 different cryptocurrencies, and the total value of all cryptocurrencies is now more than $2 trillion.
💰 How to learn more locally
- Columbia Bitcoin Club | A local group of ~140 members who discuss cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, blockchain technology, and decentralized systems.
💰 Other places in Columbia that accept cryptocurrency
- Reed’s Jewelers at Columbiana Mall accepts crypto as payment.
- Use this map to zoom into Columbia to find gas stations + local atms that exchange cryptocurrency.
- Use this map to zoom into Columbia and find Bitstops — places you can buy bitcoin with cash. There’s 1 location at 2002 Greene St. in Five Points.
Pro tip — Venmo + Cash App can make it convenient to buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies.
Use the buttons below to share this story with your BFFs, your neighbors, and anyone else who has heard of cryptocurrency but would like to know its relevance in Columbia.
Today
- Charley Crockett | Mon., Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $13+ | The show starts at 8 p.m. 🎤
Tuesday
Wednesday
- I Heart Mac & Cheese Grand Opening | Wed., Sept. 22 | 10:30 a.m. | I Heart Mac & Cheese, 1033 Roberts Brand Parkway | Free | Check out SC’s first franchise location and enter a raffle to win prizes throughout the day. 🧀
- Hazelwood Beer Dinner | Wed., Sept. 22 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Griffin Chophouse | $75 | Come hungry for this 5-course chef-inspired meal paired with craft beer. 🍻
Thursday
- Vista After 5 | Thurs., Sept. 23 | 5:30 p.m. | Tin Roof | Free | Thursday night concert series is returning with a show from Opus and the Frequencies. 🎸
- Therapalooza | Thurs., Sept. 23 | 6-10 p.m. | Central Energy, 2030 Gregg St. | $75+ | Enjoy an open bar, food, entertainment + silent auctions to support The Therapy Place.
Friday
- 47th Irmo Okra Strut | Fri., Sept. 24-Sat., Sept. 25 | 6-11 p.m. | Irmo Community Park | Free | Enjoy an evening of family fun with live music, rides, food + more. 🎡
- Oktober Fest | Fri., Sept. 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Segra Park | $40 | Attendees can sample beers, seltzers + ciders from dozens of breweries. 🍻
Plan Ahead
- The South Carolina State Fair | Wed., Oct. 13-Sun., Oct. 24 | Hours vary by day | SC State Fairgrounds | $10 through Oct. 12 | The South Carolina State Fair is back in person for 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, rides, entertainment, and the free, daily “CIRCUS at the Fair.” Ⓟ
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
This is a very difficult but important topic, and may be troubling for some readers.
The Greenlaw Foundation is raising funds through individual and community donations to help support struggling veterans | Photo provided by The Greenlaw Foundation
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. The rate of active duty suicides has increased over the last 5 years, and veteran-focused organizations are seeing decreased funding as a result of the pandemic.
That’s why SC-based 501C3 nonprofit The Greenlaw Foundation is raising funds through individual + community donations to help support struggling veterans, specifically focusing on preventing veteran suicide and homelessness.
Donations are tax deductible — and will change the lives of veterans in need. Ⓟ
Weather
- 82º | Showers | 50% chance of rain ☔
Opening
- S&S Destination will have its grand opening on Thurs., Sept. 23 after the original date in 2020 was postponed. It's located in Chapin at 1200 Chapin Rd. — across the street from Publix + Zorbas. The 500 sqft shop will serve 12 flavors of ice cream, candy, coffee, breakfast, and lunch. (Cola Daily)
- Integrity Ink SC, the newest tattoo shop, located at 514C Gervais St., will host a grand opening on Oct. 8 from 6-9 p.m. It will be celebrated with music, food trucks, and a raffle.
Coming Soon
- A Fuego 100 x 35 is coming soon to Irmo and will be located at 7320 Broad River Rd., near Publix. The restaurant will be Irmo’s first Puerto Rican restaurant, is family owned, will open within the next few months, and serve up traditional Puerto Rican dishes. (The Post and Courier)
Announced
- Harvest Hope Food Bank announced its new “Pantries of Hope” program. It will provide food and supply pantry staples to those graduating from aftercare programs. To launch the Pantries of Hope, Harvest Hope is partnering with Oliver Gospel Mission to assist 3 individuals graduating from the life-recovery program at Toby’s Place.
Sports
- Riley Barnes, a senior at Gilbert High School, made her debut on the football field to become the school’s first female football player. Riley is a soccer player, but suited up + kicked 2 extra points to bring home the victory over Hartsville High School by 1 point. (The Post and Courier)
Health
- The College of Nursing at UofSC program is the first stand-alone program of nursing in the state to have life-like mannequins representing persons of color. Nursing students at the College of Nursing at UofSC are getting hands-on experience without going into hospitals during COVID-19 restrictions. (WLTX)
Feel Good
- September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and a local family celebrated a milestone after receiving some good news. Evie Gvozdas, a 4-year-old, finished chemotherapy for leukemia after over 800 days of treatment. Go, Evie. 🥳
Number
- 48. The number of years Gene Sealy has been with the Forest Acres Police Department. After 27 years of being Chief of Police, he is retiring, and will officially step down in January. (WLTX)
Asked
- If I’ve had COVID, do I still need a vaccine? Here’s the answer from the health experts at Lexington Medical Center. Ⓟ
Stat
- 15%. The rise in cash offers for homes this year compared to this time last year. There’s obviously a lot of competition in today’s real estate market, but Opendoor’s new report, Achieving the American Dream, determines exactly what it takes to buy a home in 2021. 🏡 Ⓟ
Local photographer Katie Wilson has opened a new, natural light photo + video studio, Studio Willow. The new, rentable studio is located at 2005 State St. in Cayce right beside Piecewise Coffee. Check out their website to find more info on renting, memberships, and options for services.
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We had a reader write us + ask where we would recommend someone go in our city (or surrounding areas) to get authentic Thai food. We like Thai food, but thought we would open it up to the rest of you. So, Soda Citizens, where would you recommend, and what should they order?
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