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Learn the Basics on Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies

9 Feb

I have family and friends who have invested in Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies, but it is something I’ve just begun learning about myself.  Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are a form of digital money that can be exchanged directly, person-to-person, without the need of a third party or bank intermediary and is not controlled by any group or government.

If you are curious to learn more, you can join us on Feb. 15th from 7-9 pm for a presentation with Lindsley D. Medlin, Jr Certified Blockchain Professional.™ In this presentation, you will learn about Bitcoin and why it is important.  You’ll get an understanding of how Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies work, and how to get started with bitcoin yourself.  The presentation will clear up some common misconceptions about Bitcoin. 

Lindsley Medlin is an international executive with more than 30 years of experience building and running businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and an MBA in Marketing, both from Rutgers University, as well as a Graduate Marketing Certificate from the SMU Cox School of Business in Dallas, Texas.  Additionally, he is a Certified Blockchain Professional™ who has studied Bitcoin in depth and is the Founder of the NJ Blockchain Center.  He teaches Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency at Columbia University and County College of Morris.

Zoom links will be sent out 24 hours prior to the event.  Register here to secure your spot! Email reference@hoboken.bccls.org for more information.

Interested in learning more, but can’t attend the program?  Here are four books that Mr. Medlin recommends on the topic.

The Bitcoin Standard
by Saifedean Ammous
The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous looks at the history of Bitcoin (the first successful form of digital cash), what has allowed Bitcoin to flourish and the implications Bitcoin could have on economics and politics in the future.  Ammous examines it as a possible apolitical, free-market alternative to national central banks.

Mastering Bitcoin
by Andreas Antonopoulos
Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas Antonopoulos provides an overview of what can feel like a confusing new system.  Antonopoulos provides the information readers need to begin understanding Bitcoin, the first popular decentralized digital money that has created a multi-billion-dollar global economy. Readers gain knowledge about Bitcoin and the supporting blockchain as well as its technical foundation and continued developments.

Cryptoassets
by Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar bring their expertise to how investors can capitalize on bitcoin and blockchain technology in Cryptoassets.  They provide clear, concise, and accessible information about investing in cryptocurrencies, minimizing risks, and a look at Bitcoins impact on the future.

The Age of Cryptocurrency
by Paul Vigna & Michael Casey
In the Age of Cryptocurrency, Paul Vigna and Michael Casey look at the origins, functionality, importance, and useful information to prepare for the new era of digital currency.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month this October with titles from Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy!

20 Oct

My husband’s maternal great grandparents emigrated from Italy so my household is proud to celebrate in October all the many accomplishments and rich cultural heritage Italians have brought to this country, so I couldn’t resist this month sharing some books and more you can check out about Italian-Americans.

Voices of Italian America: A History of Early Italian American Literature with a Critical Anthology
by Martino Marazzi
Voices of Italian America includes an authoritative study and collection of the Italian-language literature written and published in the United States from the Great Migration (1880–1920) to shortly after World War II.  This time reflects the rise of Little Italy’s in cities where Italian-Americans were in largely insular communities in which Italian continued to be the main language.

Italian Immigrants: In their Shoes
by Tyler Omoth
The Juvenile Nonfiction title, Italian Immigrants part of the Immigrants Experience series, provides children with information about the lives and challenges Italian-Americans including a timeline, quotes, and “fast facts.”

Cake Boss: The Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia
by Buddy Valastro
With his show Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro put Hoboken and Carlos’s Bakery on the map as the destination for Italian-American pastries and baked goods like Lobster Tails and cannoli.  Besides Cake Boss, also available by Valastro in print from BCCLS Libraries: Cooking Italian with the Cake Boss: Family Favorites as only Buddy can Serve Them Up and Baking with the Cake Boss: 100 of Buddy’s Best Recipes and Decorating Secrets.

Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power
by Susan Page
Featuring interviews with Pelosi and those who know her best Madam Speaker takes a look at the life of the First Female Speaker of the House.  Want to learn more also available are Molly Ball’s Pelosi and Queens of the Resistance: Nancy Pelosi by Brenda Jones and Krishan Trotman.

Sinatra: The Chairman and Frank: The Voice
by James Kaplan
Check out James Kaplan’s biographies on Hoboken born classic Italian-American crooner Frank Sinatra!  Also available are Lady Blue Eyes: My Life with Frank by Barbara Sinatra and His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra by Kitty Kelley.

The Italian Americans
The 2015 PBS Documentary Series, The Italian Americans, explores the immigrant experience of Italian Americans and their impact on American history and Culture.  Also available from Kanopy: Da Feast! about the Italian American celebration of San Paulino di Nola in Brooklyn.

During the early parts of Hoboken’s history Italians specifically those from Southern Italy such as Molfetta have been one of the largest group that settled here in Hoboken.  Although some returned to Italy or their descendants moved elsewhere in America, there are still plenty of reminders of Hoboken’s proud Italian Heritage with businesses like Fiore’s (providing their delicious Mozzarella since 1913), Leo’s Grandevous (open since 1939 and just steps away from the Municipal Building where our Grand Street Branch is located), and Dom’s Bakery nearby our Main Branch since 1979.  Plus every summer residents of all backgrounds enjoy St. Ann’s Feast and the Hoboken Italian Festival celebrating the Feast of Madonna Dei Martiri.  Want to learn more about Hoboken History or get help with genealogical research; reach out to our history librarian (and proud Italian American) by emailing Stephanie.Diorio@hobken.bccls.org!

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Head of Information and Digital Services

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