Bitcoins (a virtual, peer-to-peer, anonymous currency that involves no banks or financial institutions) have gotten a flurry of attention since their collective value crossed the billion dollar mark at the end of March.

Bitcoins (a virtual, peer-to-peer, anonymous currency that involves no banks or financial institutions) have gotten a flurry of attention since their collective value crossed the billion dollar mark at the end of March. The currency is currently in a bubble that could threaten its future, but if acceptance of Bitcoins by retailers becomes more widespread they could become a normalized online payment form. (NYMag)