epequeno

I always recommend:

Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/

It's a pretty good overview of basic concepts of Computer Science, it's focus is Object-Oriented but does cover functional programming as well.

I would also pair any of the suggestions offered here with http://pythontutor.com/ adding the visual component of program execution will help absorb the material much quicker and get you used to the nuances of python.

Addresses in the bitcoin system are designed to be disposable, you can generate as many as you want. Adding an address that you can prove was involved in theft to a blacklist is wasted effort.

Edit: Also, the use of "anonymizers" in the bitcoin ecosystem is common. Silk Road has something they call tumbler which masks transactions in such a way that you can't really say for sure where the bitcoins are coming from.

This is very important to point out. For those who aren't very familiar with the system a story like this says: "bitcoins aren't safe" when the message they should get is: "bitcoin exchanges don't have a great track record for security"

Once again, if you want real safety in trading bitcoin, do it "over-the-counter" on irc. The "low-tech" solution can sometimes prove to be the best.

I would suggest Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist

http://greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkpython.html