The Bitcoin Saga: A Decade of Digital Disruption

In the realm of finance and technology, few stories have captivated the world as profoundly as the rise of Bitcoin. Born out of the 2008 financial crisis and introduced to the world in 2009 by an elusive figure using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin has since evolved into a global phenomenon, challenging traditional notions of currency and reshaping the landscape of finance.

The Genesis Block, Bitcoin's first block, was mined by Nakamoto on January 3, 2009. Embedded within its code was a message that hinted at the motivation behind this revolutionary creation: "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks." This seemingly innocuous message served as a critique of the traditional banking system, expressing a desire for a decentralized alternative.

Bitcoin operates on a blockchain, a distributed ledger technology that records all transactions across a network of computers. This decentralized nature ensures transparency, security, and immutability—key features that distinguish it from traditional fiat currencies. The process of creating new bitcoins, known as mining, involves solving complex mathematical problems, contributing to the security and integrity of the network.

The early years of Bitcoin were marked by skepticism and uncertainty. Critics dismissed it as a speculative bubble, a tool for criminals, or simply a passing fad. However, as the technology matured, so did its acceptance and adoption. The first recorded Bitcoin transaction occurred in May 2010 when a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz famously paid 10,000 bitcoins for two pizzas. This transaction, now celebrated as "Bitcoin Pizza Day," highlighted the early days of experimentation with the cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin's value remained relatively low for the first few years, but as its scarcity became apparent—the total supply capped at 21 million coins—and awareness increased, its price started to surge. The decentralized and borderless nature of Bitcoin appealed to individuals seeking financial autonomy and a hedge against traditional economic uncertainties.

The year 2017 marked a watershed moment for Bitcoin as its price skyrocketed to nearly $20,000, drawing global attention and sparking a wave of interest in cryptocurrencies. Mainstream financial institutions and retail investors began to take notice, leading to a surge in demand and the creation of various derivative products.

However, with the highs came the inevitable lows. The market experienced significant volatility, leading to periodic crashes. Regulatory concerns also emerged as governments grappled with how to classify and oversee this new asset class. Despite these challenges, Bitcoin's resilience and decentralized nature remained its defining strengths.

Fast forward to 2021, and Bitcoin reached new heights. Major institutional players, including Tesla and MicroStrategy, announced significant Bitcoin investments, adding legitimacy to the cryptocurrency. El Salvador even became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, further cementing its place in the financial landscape.

On the occasion of Bitcoin's 1-year anniversary since reaching its all-time high, the cryptocurrency continues to be a topic of fascination and debate. Its evolution from a whitepaper to a global digital asset with a market capitalization in the trillions reflects a profound shift in how we perceive and interact with money.

As Bitcoin enters its second decade, questions about its role in the broader financial ecosystem, environmental impact, and regulatory framework persist. Yet, its journey from obscurity to ubiquity showcases the transformative power of decentralized technologies. Whether Bitcoin becomes a cornerstone of the financial system or remains a parallel asset class, its story will undoubtedly remain an integral part of the digital revolution in finance.

Photo: Pixabay (free) 

Spectacular Investments In Penny Shares

Investing in penny shares, or stocks that trade at a low price per share, can be a risky business. These stocks often have lower market capitalizations and liquidity, making them susceptible to volatility and manipulation. However, for those willing to take on the risk, penny shares can offer the potential for spectacular investment gains.

One example of a penny share that saw spectacular gains is Plug Power Inc. (PLUG), a company that produces hydrogen fuel cells for forklifts and other vehicles. In 2020, PLUG's share price rose from under $4 to over $75, representing a gain of over 1,700%. 

This dramatic increase was due to several factors, including increased demand for alternative energy sources and a strategic partnership with South Korean conglomerate SK Group. It reminds me of the first time I visited privecity online casino which makes for an alternative gamble an great fun. PLUG's growth potential and partnerships with major companies such as Amazon and Walmart also fueled investor optimism.

Another penny share that saw significant gains is GameStop Corp. (GME), a video game retailer that saw its share price rise from under $20 in 2020 to over $400 in January 2021, representing a gain of over 2,000%.

The rise in GME's share price was due to a combination of factors, including the increased popularity of retail trading platforms such as Robinhood, a short squeeze initiated by Reddit users, and the involvement of high-profile investors such as Elon Musk.

While these examples of spectacular gains in penny shares are impressive, it is important to remember that they are not the norm. For every PLUG or GME, there are many penny shares that fail to deliver significant returns or even result in significant losses.

Investing in penny shares requires a high tolerance for risk and a willingness to do your due diligence as they vary to other forms of gambling, click here, which may be considered more for fun or leisure. It is important to research the company's financials, management team, and industry trends before investing. It is also important to diversify your portfolio and not invest all your money in one penny share.

In addition, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with penny shares, including the potential for manipulation, fraud, and insider trading. These risks are heightened in the penny share market, where there is often less regulation and oversight compared to larger companies... Despite the risks, investing in penny shares can offer the potential for high returns. The key is to do your research and invest wisely, rather than chasing the next big thing or getting caught up in hype.

In conclusion, spectacular investment gains in penny shares are possible, as demonstrated by the examples of PLUG and GME. However, these gains are not the norm, and investing in penny shares requires a high tolerance for risk and a willingness to do your due diligence. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with penny shares, including the potential for manipulation, fraud, and insider trading. By researching the company's financials, management team, and industry trends, diversifying your portfolio, and investing wisely, you can increase your chances of success in the penny share market.

Photo: Pixabay (free) 

Can Poker Players Beat The Best Computers Using Artificial Intelligence Like Libratus?

For years, poker has been a game dominated by human players who rely on their skills, experience, and intuition to outwit their opponents. However, in recent years, computers and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly powerful, raising the question of whether a human poker player can still compete and even beat the best computer. The short answer is yes, it is still possible for a human poker player to outplay a computer. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult as computers and AI continue to improve. Computers have some advantages over human poker players, such as the ability to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately, and to make complex calculations with ease. They also have perfect memory and can remember every hand played, which is a huge advantage when it comes to making decisions.

However, computers also have some limitations. They lack the intuition and emotional intelligence that humans possess, which can be crucial in making the right decisions at the poker table. They are also limited by their programming and cannot adapt to unexpected situations as easily as humans can.

In 2015, a computer program called "Claudico" was created to compete against a team of professional poker players in a tournament called the "Brains vs. Artificial Intelligence". The tournament was held over 20 days, with each day consisting of 3,000 hands of no-limit Texas hold'em.

In the end, the human players came out on top, winning a total of $732,713 in chips compared to the computer's $622,433. This was a significant victory for the human players, but it is important to note that the tournament was only played over a short period of time, and the computer program was not perfect.

Since then, computer programs and AI have continued to improve, and in 2017, a new program called "Libratus" was created to compete against four human players in a similar tournament. This time, the computer program was able to defeat the human players, winning a total of $1.7 million in chips.

However, it is worth noting that the human players still won some hands and were able to adapt and adjust their strategies throughout the tournament. This highlights the fact that even the best computer program still has limitations and can be beaten by skilled human players.

In order for a human poker player to best a computer, they need to be able to exploit the computer's weaknesses and take advantage of the computer's lack of intuition and emotional intelligence. They also need to be able to adapt and adjust their strategies as the game evolves, something that computers and AI are not always able to do.

In conclusion, it is still possible for a human poker player to outplay a computer, but it is becoming increasingly difficult as computers and AI continue to improve. While computers have some advantages over human players, they also have some limitations, such as their lack of intuition and emotional intelligence. Skilled human players can exploit these weaknesses and adapt their strategies to best the best computer. However, as technology continues to advance, it remains to be seen how long humans will be able to compete with computers and AI in the game of poker.

Photo: Pixabay (free) edited with Canva

Can People Make a Living from Playing Poker?

Our tribute to Devilfish, Dave Ulliott, a true legend of poker. #RIPDevilfish http://t.co/hbEzIgyRsW pic.twitter.com/o29rZOXNpg

— Students of Poker (@StudentsOfPoker) April 9, 2015

Poker is a popular card game that has gained a lot of attention over the years. Many people play poker for fun or as a hobby, but some players take it more seriously and wonder if they can make a living from playing poker. The answer is yes, it is possible to make a living from playing poker, but it requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck.

One of the biggest advantages of playing poker for a living is that it offers a lot of flexibility. Players can choose their own schedules and work from anywhere in the world. They also have the opportunity to earn a lot of money if they become skilled enough.... However, making a living from poker is not easy. It requires a lot of discipline and hard work, and it can take a long time to become skilled enough to earn a consistent income. Here are some of the pros and cons of playing poker for a living.

Pros: 

Flexible schedule: Playing poker for a living offers a lot of flexibility, as players can choose their own schedules and work from anywhere in the world.

High earning potential: If a player becomes skilled enough, there is the potential to earn a lot of money from playing poker. Some professional poker players earn millions of dollars each year.

Competitive environment: Playing poker for a living can be a challenging and competitive environment, which can be appealing to some players.... 

Cons: 

High risk: Playing poker for a living is a high-risk venture. Players can lose a lot of money if they have a bad run of luck or if they make a mistake.

Unstable income: Unlike a traditional job, the income from playing poker can be unstable and unpredictable. There may be periods where a player is not earning any money.

Long hours: Playing poker for a living requires a lot of dedication and long hours. Players need to be willing to put in the time and effort to improve their skills and earn a consistent income.

Stressful lifestyle: Playing poker for a living can be a stressful lifestyle, as players need to constantly manage their bankroll and deal with the ups and downs of the game.

In order to make a living from playing poker, players need to have a strong work ethic, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game. They also need to be able to manage their bankroll effectively, as this is crucial to long-term success.

It is important for players to remember that poker is a game of skill, but luck also plays a role. Players need to be able to manage their emotions and deal with the inevitable ups and downs of the game.

In conclusion, it is possible to make a living from playing poker, but it requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck. Players need to be willing to put in the time and effort to improve their skills and manage their bankroll effectively. While playing poker for a living can offer a lot of flexibility and the potential for high earnings, it is not without its risks and challenges. Players need to carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding if it is the right career path for them.

The Pros & Cons of Bitcoin Investment

Bitcoin is a digital currency that was first introduced in 2009, and it has since gained a lot of popularity. Bitcoin investment has become a hot topic as many investors see it as a new way to diversify their portfolios. However, as with any investment, there are pros and cons to consider before investing in bitcoin.

Pros: 

Decentralization: One of the main advantages of bitcoin is that it is decentralized. This means that it is not controlled by any government or financial institution, which can be a positive for those who are wary of centralized control. Decentralization also means that transactions can be made without the need for intermediaries, which can result in lower transaction fees.

Limited supply: Bitcoin has a finite supply, with only 21 million bitcoins in existence. This limited supply can result in a potential increase in value as demand for the currency grows...... Accessibility: Bitcoin is easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection, and transactions can be made from anywhere in the world. This accessibility makes it an attractive investment for those looking for a global currency. 

Potential for growth: Bitcoin is a relatively new currency, and its value has been known to fluctuate dramatically. While this volatility can be seen as a risk, it also presents an opportunity for potential growth.

Cons: 

Volatility: While volatility can be seen as a pro, it can also be a con for bitcoin investment. The value of bitcoin has been known to fluctuate dramatically, which can result in significant losses for investors.

Security risks: Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, which means that once a transaction is made, it cannot be reversed. This can make it an attractive target for hackers and scammers, as there is no way to recover lost or stolen bitcoins.

Lack of regulation: Bitcoin is not regulated by any government or financial institution, which can make it difficult to protect against fraud and other illegal activities.

Limited use: While bitcoin is becoming more widely accepted, it is still not as widely accepted as traditional currencies. This limited use can make it difficult to use bitcoin for everyday transactions.

In conclusion, bitcoin investment can offer several advantages, such as decentralization, limited supply, accessibility, and potential for growth. However, it is not without its risks, such as volatility, security risks, lack of regulation, and limited use. As with any investment, it is important to do your research and carefully consider the risks and potential rewards before investing in bitcoin. It is also important to remember that bitcoin should not be the sole focus of your investment portfolio and should only make up a small percentage of your overall investments.

Photo: Pixabay (free) 

Why Is Betting on Horse Racing Different to the Stock Exchange?

Horse racing and the stock exchange are both forms of investment, but they are vastly different in terms of how they work, the risks involved, and the rewards that can be gained. While both can offer the potential for profit, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two before deciding which is the right choice for you. 

First and foremost, horse racing is a form of gambling, while the stock exchange is a form of investing. While both involve risk, the level of risk is very different. When you bet on a horse race, you are essentially making a wager on the outcome of an event that is outside of your control. There are many variables that can influence the outcome of a race, such as the weather, the track conditions, and the performance of the horse and jockey on the day. Even the best handicappers can be surprised by the outcome of a race, and it’s not uncommon for longshots to win and favorites to lose.

In contrast, investing in the stock market is based on more tangible factors such as company performance, earnings reports, and economic indicators. While there is still a degree of uncertainty involved, there are more tools and resources available to help investors make informed decisions.... 

Another key difference between horse racing and the stock exchange is the level of control that investors have over their investments. When you invest in stocks, you have the ability to research and choose which companies to invest in, and you can monitor your investments over time to make adjustments as needed. You can also choose to hold onto your investments for the long term, which can help to mitigate short-term fluctuations in the market.

In contrast, when you bet on a horse race, you have little to no control over the outcome of the event. While you can study the form and try to make informed bets, there is always a level of unpredictability involved. You may win big one day and lose everything the next, and there is no guarantee of long-term success.

Finally, the potential rewards of betting on horse racing and investing in the stock market are also very different. While it is possible to make a lot of money betting on horse racing, the rewards are generally short-term and limited in scope. In contrast, investing in the stock market offers the potential for long-term growth and compounded returns over time.

In summary, while both horse racing and the stock exchange offer the potential for profit, they are very different in terms of how they work, the risks involved, and the rewards that can be gained. Horse racing is a form of gambling that offers short-term, unpredictable rewards, while the stock exchange is a form of investing that offers the potential for long-term growth and stability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences, risk tolerance, and investment goals.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

A Quick Review About Gambler Harry Findlay

Harry Findlay on life, gambling, prison and Denman! Watch here >>> https://t.co/tONmKx0uKx pic.twitter.com/9X9Xhw6FOA

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 11, 2020

Harry Findlay is a well-known and controversial figure in the world of gambling. Findlay, who was born in Scotland in 1963, rose to fame as a successful gambler and horse racing tipster, building a reputation as one of the UK's most successful and colourful gamblers.

Throughout his career, Findlay made headlines for his high-stakes betting and flamboyant lifestyle, which included lavish spending and a love for fast cars and women. He was known for betting large sums of money on a single horse race, and was said to have made millions of pounds through his successful betting strategy.

However, despite his success and wealth, Findlay's gambling habits eventually caught up with him. In 2008, he was declared bankrupt after losing a substantial amount of money on the stock market. This financial setback, combined with his high-stakes betting and extravagant lifestyle, left him in dire financial straits and forced him to sell many of his assets.

In the years that followed, Findlay struggled to regain his financial footing and rebuild his reputation as a successful gambler. He made several attempts to bounce back, including launching a new betting service and offering tips on horse racing, but these endeavours were ultimately unsuccessful.

It's worth noting that Findlay's bankruptcy was not solely due to his gambling habits. The 2008 financial crisis had a significant impact on the stock market and many investors, including Findlay, were hit hard as a result. However, it's clear that his high-stakes betting and lavish spending also played a role in his financial difficulties.

Despite these setbacks, Findlay has remained a prominent figure in the world of gambling, and is often sought after for his opinions on horse racing and betting. He has also written several books about his life and experiences as a gambler, offering insights into his approach to betting and the challenges he has faced along the way.

In conclusion, Harry Findlay is a fascinating and controversial figure in the world of gambling. While he is known for his successful betting strategies and flamboyant lifestyle, he is also remembered for the financial difficulties he faced in later life. Nevertheless, Findlay remains a respected and well-known figure in the world of betting and continues to offer insights and advice to those interested in the world of gambling.

Did Clive Brittain Train A Derby Winner?

On this day in 1972 Clive Brittain saddled his first winner courtesy of Vedvyas at @DoncasterRaces pic.twitter.com/qNxYRIzDcw

— bettrends (@bettrends) April 1, 2016

Clive Brittain is a British horse trainer who made a name for himself in the world of horse racing. He is best known for his incredible feat in the 1989 Epsom Derby, where he trained the runner-up horse, known as Terimon, at odds of 500/1. This unexpected result made headlines and solidified Brittain's place as one of the most talented horse trainers in the world.

Brittain's passion for horse racing started at a young age. He was born in London and grew up in the countryside where he developed a love for horses. At the age of 18, he became an apprentice jockey and worked his way up the ranks to become a trainer. His first big break came in 1970, when he trained the winner of the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup, the first of many successes to come.

Over the years, Brittain established himself as one of the top trainers in the UK and his horses won numerous races, including the 1,000 Guineas, the 2,000 Guineas, and the St Leger Stakes. He trained some of the greatest horses of his time, including Ardanann, Tolomeo, and Lord Grimthorpe. However, his greatest moment came in 1989, when he took the racing world by surprise with his runner-up horse, Troy, in the Epsom Derby.

The Epsom Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is held annually in Epsom, England. It is a 1-mile, 4-furlong race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses and attracts the best horses and trainers from around the world. In 1989, the race was expected to be dominated by the favourite, Nashwan, who was heavily backed by the bookmakers.

However, Brittain's horse, Terimon, who was given 500/1 odds by the bookmakers, surprised everyone by finishing second to Nashwan. This unexpected result made headlines and put Brittain in the spotlight. Despite the long odds, Brittain believed in his horse and had faith in its abilities. He had trained Troy meticulously and knew that it had the potential to do well in the race.

After the race, Brittain was hailed as a hero by many in the horse racing community. His success with Troy was a testament to his skills as a trainer and his ability to identify and develop talented horses. He went on to train many more successful horses, including Relational, who won the French 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes in 1990.

Clive Brittain retired from training in 2016 after a successful career that spanned over four decades. He trained over 2,000 winners and won numerous races, including the 1,000 Guineas, the 2,000 Guineas, and the St Leger Stakes. Despite his many successes, his runner-up horse in the 1989 Epsom Derby remains one of his greatest achievements and is a testament to his skills as a horse trainer.

In conclusion, Clive Brittain is a legendary horse trainer who has left a lasting impact on the world of horse racing. He is best known for his incredible feat in the 1989 Epsom Derby, where he trained the runner-up horse, Terimon, at odds of 500/1. This unexpected result solidified his place as one of the most talented horse trainers in the world and will always be remembered as one of the greatest moments in horse racing history.

How to Win Playing Roulette at Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth

I'm sure you read this post title and thought...

One of these statements: 

What a lot of rubbish...

Tell me more...

Is it possible?

Where is Great Yarmouth? What's roulette?

For all I know, you may have had all of those thoughts in that order. Mumbo jumbo, hey. We all know that you can't win playing roulette, hey? You can't beat fixed odds because the casino is guaranteed to win long term. 

I can't see how you can win playing roulette. It's the truth. However, it's a fact that I have been to the Grosvenor Casino at Great Yarmouth at least 10 times in the last few years and I am well in profit. So why is that? What is the reason? Have I just got lucky? I think, for the most part, I have been lucky. But there may be some reason why I have increased my chances. 

Compared with all other games you can play at any UK casino, roulette gives you the best odds of winning. I think the casino edge is 2.7% which compared with the likes of pair plus on three-card poker you are a winner without trying. I think pair plus takes about 6%, which is hard work. 

Anyway, let's get back to roulette. 

I figure the only way you can win at playing roulette is by using these three variables (if you can actually call them variable):

• Luck
• Playing for a couple of hours
• Betting on a single number and corner
• Betting level stake 

Yes, you need to be lucky to win. If you are unlucky you will play and not see a number come up once. 

My approach is simple. I look to see which number has come up a couple of times in the last hour or so and bet on that religiously. There is no logic to why the number should come up again but for whatever reason it often does. 

In addition to the single number, I will bet on a corner which includes the single number. This helps to give a few wins along the way (if you are lucky). 

Bet for a couple of hours. If you bet all day and all night the casino rake will gradually take its toll and you are sure to lose. But short term your odds are not that different from the casino. In fact, they often give free bets, drinks vouchers and incentives to get you through the door which can mean when betting £20 - £50 you are pretty much betting on a level playing field. 

Just keep betting on your single number and corner and hope you get lucky. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given

Why Betting at Speculative Odds Gives Punters a Winning Edge

My uncle was a favourite backer. 

He loved his racing but it kind of saddened me to think he would never have a big priced winner. That 33/1 shot, which clambered home by a nose, would never be part of his conversation over a pint. The winners came thick and fast but he was never in profit. He was the reason for the post I wrote: He's Backed Every Favourite Since 1973. 

But who is to say betting on the favourite is wrong? If you enjoy going to Great Yarmouth racecourse you may well have a fighting chance of winning money as it is very much a favourites track. 

Each to their own. 

From betting on two-year-old horses for decades I have learnt a few things. The act of betting isn't something you should do for fun. True, the majority of punters bet for recreation. 

They want to win, but their actions don't mirror this.

I rarely bet at odds below 11/4. I would never say never because the true marker of a talented gambler is knowing when to bet. 

Over a short period of time, even the best gambler can lose. 

Very few punters can avoid losing runs although, to be fair, if you bet selectively you should keep a steady pace rather than the ups and downs of those dreaded peaks (the good part) and troughs (shock horror). A favourite can be a great bet. It is crazy to say I would never bet odds-on even though my general assessment would state this is (and probably should be) a rare bet. It is all about value. And, yes, even a horse priced 1/10f can be value. 

But what about speculative bets?  How do they figure in your betting? Have you ever had a 33/1 winner? 

If you never bet on a big price horse you will never have a big priced winner. It's stating the obvious but it is true. 

When looking through the racing results have you noticed that every favourite wins every race? 

No. Becuase they don't. Mingled between the favourites which may bookend a card, there are horses winning at all odds. 

The Grand National has seen five 100/1 winners over the years. 

I have found the day my betting bank jumped up significantly it is when one of those ''no-hopers'' find their way to the winner's enclosure. 

£50 on a 20/1, and a lovely £1,000 bumps it up nicely. My brother has seen a few exceptional betting days where he won £4,000 for a bet of £20. Yes, the horse won on debut at odds of 200/1. This came from betting on the exchanges. I think the filly [Puggy] was priced 50/1 or 66/1 with the bookmakers. 

To win at gambling you have to know that little more than the rest. The good thing about betting on outsiders is that you are bucking the trend of the crowd. That in itself is a wise move when it comes to gambling. 

If you are a favourites man then you are far from wrong in your thinking if your betting pays. But take note that not every favourite wins and that big priced winner could have been yours if you had been looking in the right direction. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given