Bitcoin ATM Puts ABQ on the Cutting Edge

If you had any doubts that Albuquerque’s on the cutting edge, you can put them to rest now.

Over the past several months, it’s possible you’ve heard of Bitcoin, a completely decentralized digital currency not connected to the U.S. dollar, any other currency, or natural resource. It’s really been catching on nationally and it shows tremendous potential for growth and for the economy.

Although Bitcoin is usually purchased online, you can get Bitcoins in person, right here in Albuquerque.

That’s right - last week, Mashable reported that the Imbibe Cigar Shop in Nob Hill now has the first ever functional Bitcoin vending machine in the United States!

Eric Stromberg, owner of the Albuquerque Bitcoin vending machine, told Mashable, “This is my current contribution to advancing Bitcoin into the mainstream.”

Here’s an informative demo video showing us how this new ATM works:

Click here for more information about the first Bitcoin ATM in the U.S.!

Make a Difference by Nominating Someone Who Has

You’re never too young to make a difference in your community. Whether you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, teacher or anyone else, you probably know a young woman in Albuquerque who displays a tremendous amount of compassion, charity, and a sense of community on a daily basis.

Here in Albuquerque, there are a lot of companies and organizations that support youth service and charity, such as ABQ Journal’s SAGE Magazine, the Coronado Center, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center. And all of these organizations are teaming up this month to gather nominations for the 2014 SAGE Making a Difference award.

So if you know a particularly committed young woman here in ABQ, submit them for consideration! Here’s some more information on how to apply, from the ABQ Journal website:

Applications must include:

• A nomination letter, about 300 words. Letter can be from a teacher, adviser, relative — someone who can describe how the young woman is making a difference.
• An essay, about 500 words, written by the nominee about what she’s doing to make a difference and why. Submit applications by mail or online at ABQjournal.com/sage by March 5. 

Mail to Making a Difference, Sage Magazine, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Call 823-3870 for more information.

Remember, the contest opens Feb. 2. The deadline for all materials is March 5.

Nominee form

Nominator form

Take it Slow at Bocadillos

We do live in a past-faced society nowadays, but some of the best things in life come slow. And yes, that even applies to sandwiches.

Bocadillos Slow Roasted Sandwich shop is known for its slow-roasted sandwiches. Whether you like sandwiches adorned by a variety of fruits and vegetables, or a hearty helping of meat and bacon, they’ve probably got a sandwich that suits your tastes. According to ABQ Journal, these are some of your best best off Bocadillos menu:

While I find immense pleasure in the TnA ($7.50), a turkey and avocado masterpiece complete with house-roasted poultry, generous slices of the buttery green fruit and apple-chile chutney, my companion raved about his unconventional Cubano ($7.50). In Miami, this sandwich would be on a baguette and smooshed into a panini-like oblivion but Marie’s version is an open hoagie style so the melted cheese can cling to every bit of shredded pork. Slices of bacon and pickled cucumber complete this trip-round-the-world in a bun.

Another sandwich deserves mention: the 5-0-Filthy ($7.50), a BLT gone to the birds with roasted chicken as the foundation under bacon, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo. It’s simple, with a little something extra. Keeping it simple means Bocadillos’ tables are spare, the counter window looks right into the kitchen, and the only thing remotely dessert-like after your meal are the caramel lollipops from Sheila’s Sweets. Each a buck, they’re just like the rest of this joint: a locally made delicious bargain.

Bocadillos Slow Roasted Sandwich Shop

LOCATION: 1609 Indian School NW (near 12th Street and Menaul), 503-0403, bocadillosnm.com

HOURS: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; closed weekends

NO ALCOHOL

Take Advantage of Tax Help New Mexico

Tax season is upon us, Albuquerque. And while tax filing can often result in a nice tax return from the IRS, it’s one of those nagging tasks that are oh-so-easy to procrastinate--especially if you’ve never done it before.

If you’re particularly busy, earn a low income, or are above age 65, there’s a great opportunity available through Central New Mexico Community College and the United Way of Central New Mexico.

Tax Help New Mexico is free for people whose household income is lower than $52,000 a year, or those who are 65 years of age or older. The program is run by volunteers, certified by the IRS and trained to help you find tax credits you’re eligible for, but might not know about.

Tax Help New Mexico is a free service for people whose household income is $52,000 or less or those who are 65 years or older.  Tax Help volunteers are certified by the IRS and are trained to help taxpayers identify tax credits for which they're entitled to. Tax Help is operated in partnership between CNM and the United Way of Central New Mexico.

Here’s some more information, courtesy of CNM.edu:

What to Bring

To have your taxes prepared, you must present proper documentation including, but not limited to:

●      Tax payer(s) must have a photo ID (driver license, state issued ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID)

●      Social Security cards or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for yourself, your spouse, your dependents or anyone else on your return.

●      All W-2 Forms

●      All 1099 Forms (Miscellaneous, Interest, Dividends, etc.)

●      All 1098 Forms (Mortgage and Tuition Statements)

●      Prior Year Tax Return.

Please check the complete list of required documents.

Self-Preparation

Feel like you can do your own taxes? If you make under $58,000 annually, you can use www.myfreetaxes.com/cnm for free!

Click here for more information on Tax Help New Mexico!