Cryptocurrencies: A Beginner’s Guide

The term ‘cryptocurrency’ refers to a type of digital currency, which, unlike fiat currencies, have no underlying assets. If you are somebody who has heard about the huge profits people have made from crypto investment and want to try it out for yourself, then you are in the right place.

As you probably already know (by virtue of reading this article), crypto investing can be very confusing. Most people who turn to it actually lose money because they do not take the time to educate themselves and learn the strategies needed for success.

This post will tell you how you can get started successfully as a crypto investor:

Other Uses

Most people’s minds immediately go to trading when the subject of cryptocurrency is brought up. However, there are many other uses for crypto besides trading. While it is true that trading is the most lucrative way of using one’s crypto, there is another way of making money with it: Gambling. Crypto casinos are very popular at the moment, especially among young investors. Crypto casinos give people the opportunity to make huge profits. If it’s something you are interested in then spend a little time researching crypto dice sites and find the one that’s right for you. You can also find crypto casinos that specialize in live gaming, like poker. However, you don’t just have to gamble or trade, you can also use crypto to buy things like groceries, takeaways, and even clothes. Some fashion retailers actually accept crypto.

Selecting Currency

There are hundreds, even thousands, of cryptocurrencies for you to choose from. If you intend on taking crypto trading (or gambling) up then the first thing you need to do is to find the one that’s right for you. In order to do this, spend some time researching, and identifying which cryptocurrencies hold the most promise. Ideally, you should invest in a currency that is showing strong growth and is predicted to increase in price in the coming months or years. Avoid pump ‘n’ dump schemes and never take investment advice from strangers on forums and in chatrooms.

Finding Platform

Once you have identified a currency that you want to invest in, you can go ahead and begin searching for a platform. A platform (or an exchange) is where you will buy your crypto. There are lots of exchanges on the web to choose from, some better than others. The best way to determine an exchange’s quality is to read its reviews. If they are all bad, then it is a good idea to avoid signing up and using them. Try to find an exchange that has low fees, fast payouts, and offers a wide range of different cryptos.

Creating Wallet

Before you can start buying crypto, you need a wallet. A wallet is like a digital bank account, used for storing crypto. You should get an offline wallet since they confer more protection. Never store crypto in an exchange account. If you store crypto inside your exchange account and somebody gets access to it, then they could easily withdraw or transfer your holdings out. Another mistake to avoid making is storing your wallet’s password on your laptop or computer. Instead, write it down on a piece of paper and store it somewhere safe, like a safe.

Digital Security

On the subject of security, it’s important to make sure that you take steps to protect yourself online. Always have a VPN activated when you are trading, so that you can avoid falling victim to targeted hack attempts. Also, have a firewall downloaded. A firewall will prevent hackers from being able to infect your trading device with a virus. Your digital security is very important so do not take shortcuts when it comes to it. Take great care not to sign up for a trading site that’s not genuine, either. There are a large number of phony sites operating online, designed to steal people’s money.

Trading Responsibly

A lot of people treat trading like gambling. In many respects, it is. However, trading gives you more of a chance to do research and make effective decisions than gambling does. If you do not take care when you are trading, especially if you are trading with leverage, then you can lose a lot of money. Make sure that you do not go too much into debt if you are trading with leverage. If you struggle to trade, then do some research, watch a few videos, and even take a course.

Crypto trading has the potential to transform your life, stopping you from ever having to work again. However, it is risky. If it’s something you want to try out then consider each point outlined here, and get yourself set up on an exchange.

 

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New Asian film-focused label ‘Neon Eagle Video’ announces Deluxe Blu-ray for the 1987 cult classic ‘Kill Butterfly Kill’

Kill Butterfly Kill | Blu-ray (Neon Eagle Video)

Kill Butterfly Kill | Blu-ray (Neon Eagle Video)

Later this year, New Asian film-focused label Neon Eagle Video will release the Deluxe Blu-ray for the 1987 cult classic, Kill Butterfly Kill (aka American Commando 6: Kill Butterfly Kill).

Read the official details below:

Cauldron Films’ Jesse Nelson and Brian Izzi, in collaboration with Mondo Macabro’s Jared Auner are proud to announce the formation of a new home video boutique imprint, Neon Eagle Video (NEV), that will focus on the trashier side of Asian cinema, highlighting exploitation, action, horror, and other ‘cult ’ films that have been neglected in the High Definition era. 

Each disc will be lovingly curated and Continue reading

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Zuyang Sun, Paris Hilton and Sammo Hung join forces for Jaycee Chan’s upcoming action thriller ‘China Game’

"China Game" Teaser Poster

“China Game” Teaser Poster

Pre-production is currently in progress for China Game, an upcoming action thriller that marks the second directorial debut of Jaycee Chan (Good Night Beijing), who is widely known for being Jackie Chan’s son.

China Game stars Zuyang Sun (Connected), Paris Hilton (House of Wax) and Hong Kong film legend, Sammo Hung (Eastern Condors). Although Jaycee has been in front of the camera in films like Double Trouble, Monk Comes Down the Mountain and Railroad Tigers, it appears that he’s only directing this one.

Written by Nancy Doyne (Dance 88), China Game involves a Chinese Gangster who leaves Hong Kong to travel to America and find his missing sister. He fights his way through a world of crooked cops, corrupt Continue reading

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Sammo Hung returns with his trademark ‘bowlcut’ for the upcoming ‘Legend of the Pearl’ (aka ‘Return of Lucky Stars’)

"Legend of the Pearl" Teaser Poster

“Legend of the Pearl” Teaser Poster

If you’re a fan of the legendary Sammo Hung (The Bodyguard), get ready to be happy, because the Hong Kong legend is currently putting finishing touches on Legend of the Pearl (formerly The Return of Lucky Stars).

Directed by Hung, Legend of the Pearl is an upcoming follow up to the classic Golden Harvest series that peaked with 1983’s Five Lucky Stars, 1985’s My Lucky Stars and Twinkle, Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars. In fact, production photos have popped up online and show Hung in his trademark 70s/80s “bowlcut” haircut.

The film also stars Eddie Peng (Operation Mekong), Tony Leung Ka Fai (League of Gods), Yuen Qiu (Kung Fu Hustle), Chin Siu Ho Continue reading

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How to Expand Your Streaming Options With a VPN

The internet is said to have unlocked a whole new age of information access. If that’s true, then the VPN has unlocked a whole new level of access, allowing users to parachute into any country of the world for the purposes of watching different content. We look at how a VPN does this, and the way that using a VPN will expand your streaming options.

Using a VPN Means No More Geo-Blocking

There are few things more frustrating than finding a link to your favorite show, or an item that you wish to purchase, just to find out when you click that it’s not available in your region. 

This is geo-blocking, and it’s a huge pain—to anyone that doesn’t have a VPN, that is. Essentially, companies are given licenses to stream or sell content in certain geographical regions, and are required to reject attempts to access their content from outside of these regions. Hence, the existence of geo-blocking.

 The beauty of a VPN, however, is that it connects you to an internet provider in whatever location you select. That means that if you want to watch the latest episode of Survivor Season 43, but it’s only available to stream on CBS for viewers in America, all that’s required is to switch your VPN to the USA, then click on the CBS website and you’ll be able to watch Survivor. 

With a VPN, geo-blocking becomes a thing of the past and your streaming options are opened up immensely.

Stream on Restricted Networks With a VPN

Some networks, such as schools and workplaces, often put a restriction on what content can be watched through their IP address.

This can mean that on these networks, it’s not possible to watch YouTube, access social media or stream shows. Here’s where a VPN comes in handy. By connecting to a VPN, your internet will be routed through a different IP address, meaning that those same restrictions that apply to your colleagues or classmates will no longer apply to you.

Now you can be streaming your favorite movies with a VPN at work or school with ease. This might not be the best idea, but it’s still great to have it as an option for a rainy day.

A VPN Can Save You Money When You Stream

Say that there’s a new movie coming out that you really want to watch, and are willing to pay to purchase a streaming subscription to do so.

Using a VPN to do this can save you money. Here’s how: In different countries, streaming services are priced differently. India, for example, has a large population and low median income, so various streaming services have charged much less for their services when purchased in India, as opposed to a country like Finland which has a smaller population and much higher average income. In other regions, domestic competition or government regulation may drive prices down as well.

By using a VPN and setting it to a country where streaming services are cheaper, than purchasing your subscription from that region, you can save money while streaming your favorite shows.

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Shaolin Martial Arts (1974) Review

"Shaolin Martial Arts" Theatrical Poster

“Shaolin Martial Arts” Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Chi Kuan Chun, Alexander Fu Sheng, Fung Hak On, Feng Yi, Leung Kar Yan, Gordon Liu, Lau Kar Wing, Johnny Wang Lung Wei, Tino Wong Cheung, Irene Chan Yi Ling, Bruce Tong Yim Chaan, Simon Yuen
Running Time: 107 min.

By Ian Whittle

“I go out and sweat blood to make a swell picture and then the critics and the exhibitors all say, ‘If this picture had love interest it would gross twice as much.’

That’s a line from my all-time favourite movie, King Kong (1933), but I bet Chang Cheh frequently found himself saying it. His Yang Gang style of filmmaking became increasingly male-dominated as the 70s progressed, but every so often he presumably came under pressure from the front office, and he would suddenly let the girls into the treehouse (though heaven forbid they should be allowed to do anything as cool as fighting). The main example is probably 1978’s Invincible Shaolin, in which three of the Venoms each get a girlfriend, and in several ways, that film is a remake of 1974’s Shaolin Martial Arts – a film that feels less like a Chang Cheh movie, and more like one from its co-choreographer, Lau Kar-leung.

Set generations after the destruction of the Shaolin Temple (which Chang and Lau had just shown in Heroes Two and Men from the Monastery), the films begins with a ceremony at which both Shaolin and Manchu students are present. A petty squabble over a ritual results in a Manchu killing a Shaolin student, and a fight breaking out. The Manchu government decides to crack down on Shaolin and has its martial instructors (Fung Hark-on and Kong Do) recruit two Qi Gong Continue reading

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Asian Cinema Demonstrating an Evolving Relationship with Western Culture

While most of the people at City on Fire have been fans of Asian cinema for decades, the same can’t be as readily said for the general public. It is true that the popularity of Asian movies has been skyrocketing in the last few years, but they exist as just one part of a media whole. Outside of cinema, a huge range of Asian entertainment has been pushed into the Western world. Changing in access, visibility, and in some smaller and less obvious ways, this relationship illustrates developing global acceptance, and there’s more to the growth than meets the eye.

Cinema’s Evolution

In the earliest days of cinema, film buffs would get their hands on everything they could. No matter where it came from, they’d watch and appreciate it, absorbing the different techniques and styles from all over the world. In terms of Asian cinema, the earliest breakout example to come to the West would have the films of Kurosawa. With titles like Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, Kurosawa would go on to inspire a huge chunk of Western cinema, including classic cowboy flicks.

Past the 1970s, it was the action films of Asia like Enter the Dragon that would continue to capture the attention of mainstream Western audiences. Though some consider this title in particular overrated today, there’s no denying the influence that stars like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li would have in bringing forward new generations of Asian films.

IMAGE SOURCE: pixabay.com

The success of epics and action made sense because these genres wouldn’t rely on cultural understanding as a backbone. We all understand concepts like revenge and the need to protect the innocent, so their appreciation in the West was easy. More difficult to sell were the more intimate tales, as they relied on understandings that those in the West didn’t possess.

The latest in the big Asian films to challenge this idea was Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite. Despite being firmly rooted in Korean culture, Parasite reflected worldwide concerns like inequality and its place within the capitalist system. Winning an Oscar for the effort, this cinematic masterpiece opened the door for many who would otherwise pass Asian media by. 

Outside of the World of Film

A greater appreciation and acceptance of Asian cinema has been occurring in film for decades, but thanks are also owed cumulative effects of the total entertainment zeitgeist. At its core, much of the success of these types of media has been born from the internet and television, which exposes Westerners to Asian culture and language on a new possible level. As the years progress, fewer compromises and explanations of Asian culture have resulted from this exposure, in many media forms.

Some of the earliest illustrations of the internet making Asian media popular is found in Japanese physical challenge shows like Takeshi’s Castle, and much later, Sasuke (brought to the West as Ninja Warrior). As explained by the BBC, Takeshi’s Castle clips became hugely popular on the internet, leading many to investigate further what this exact brand of the seemingly impenetrable show could mean. These ended up being so popular that both would go on spawn fully fledged Western imitators.

IMAGE SOURCE: pixabay.com

More recently, interactive entertainment has seen more natural integration with Asian themes in its offerings. Some of the most popular Betway slot games like FU88 and Double Lucky Line lean heavily on Asian themes in their online lineup. The same can be said for major websites with popular quizzes, like BuzzFeed’s page on “Do You Belong in Asia or Europe?”. While minor, every part of offerings like these creates more welcoming environments, further opening doors to mainstream Western consciousness.

Video games also continue to play a big part, with genres like Japanese role-playing games no longer limited to success in their countries of origin thanks to breakouts like the Final Fantasy series. Even the details within these games have changed with Western knowledge, as fewer compromises are made to cater to foreign unfamiliarity. Alex Kidd in Miracle world, as TCRF notes, once has his rice ball changed to a hamburger so Western audiences would understand. Today, this wouldn’t be necessary.

IMAGE SOURCE: pixabay.com

As cinema enthusiasts, it’s obvious which media we find the most engaging, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least acknowledge that the appreciation of Asian movies is about more than film alone. Instead, a wide range of media, cultural, and technological factors have driven our landscape beyond its early limitations to how it exists today. No longer a niche, Asian cinema is a major and seriously considered force thanks to the combined efforts and evolutions, and it’s only going to get better.

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Well Go USA’s South Korean historical actioner ‘Hansan: Rising Dragon’ hits Blu-ray & DVD on November 15

Hansan: Rising Dragon | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Hansan: Rising Dragon | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

On November 15, 2022, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Hansan: Rising Dragon. The film is a prequel to The Admiral: Roaring Currents, the most-watched film in Korean cinema history.

Kim Han-Min (The Admiral: Roaring Currents, War of the Arrows) returns as a director, with a cast that consists of Park Hae-Il (The Host), Byun Yo-Han (No Tears for the Dead), Ahn Sung-Ki (The Divine Fury), Son Hyun-Joo (Real), Kim Sung-Kyu (The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil), Kim Sung-Kyun (The Witness) and Kim Hyang-Gi (Space Sweepers).

Hansan: Rising Dragon depicts the historical Battle of Hansando. In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might Continue reading

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Park Hoon-jung’s South Korean thriller ‘The Witch 2: The Other One’ now Blu-ray and DVD from Well Go USA

The Witch 2: The Other One | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

The Witch 2: The Other One | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

On November 8, 2022, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray and DVD for The Witch 2: The Other One (read our review) to theaters. Directed by Park Hoon-jung (New World), the film is the sequel to his 2018 thriller, The Witch: Subversion.

The Witch 2: The Other One stars newcomer Si-ah as a mysterious girl who emerges as the sole survivor of a bloody raid on the top-secret research facility behind the clandestine Witch Program. She is quickly rescued by a couple who understands the level of threat the girl now faces. However, as the assassins tasked with locating and silencing the girl move closer, the lives of all three are in grave danger (via THR).

The film also stars Park Eun-bin (Stove League), Seo Eun-soo (King Maker), Jin Continue reading

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Andy Lau, Golden Harvest, Dolph Lundgren and Jerry Springer, Here’s what’s on Hi-YAH for the month of November

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Release line up for the month of November, which includes a New title added to Hi-YAH! every Friday.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! John Wick Triple Feature | Blu-ray | Only $10 – Expires soon!

John Wick Triple Feature | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

John Wick Triple Feature | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Today’s Deal on Fire is for the John Wick Triple Feature, which include Chad Stahelski’s John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2 and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum in one 6-disc collection (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital).

John Wick: When sadistic young thugs senselessly attack John Wick (Keanu Reeves) — a brilliantly lethal ex-assassin — they have no idea that they’ve just awakened the boogeyman. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, Wick embarks on a merciless rampage, hunting down his adversaries with the skill and ruthlessness that made him an underworld legend.

John Wick: Chapter 2: Legendary hit man John Wick is forced out of retirement again by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John Continue reading

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Shout! Studios takes on ‘Gunfight at Rio Bravo’ starring ‘Showdown in Manila’ star Alexander Nevsky

"Gunfight At Rio Bravo" Poster

“Gunfight At Rio Bravo” Poster

Writer/director Joe Cornet (A Prayer for the Damned) will soon be unleashing Gunfight at Rio Bravo, an upcoming Western actioner that will be distributed by Shout! Studios.

The film is headlined by Alexander Nevsky (Showdown in Manila, Maximum Impact), who’ll be sharing the screen with Olivier Gruner (Angel Town), Matthias Hues (No Retreat, No Surender II), Natalie Denise Sperl, as well as the director himself.

In Gunfight at Rio Bravo, Nevsky plays a mysterious Russian gunslinger who aids a marshal and a sheriff as they stand up to a bloodthirsty outlaw gang known as The Hellhounds who have invaded their small East Texas town (via Deadline).

Cornet also recently wrapped production on the film’s sequel, Taken from Rio Bravo, which Continue reading

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The latest on Lexi Alexander’s martial arts film ‘Absolute Dominion’ starring Désiré Mia, Alex Winter and Patton Oswalt

"Punisher: War Zone" Theatrical Poster

“Punisher: War Zone” Theatrical Poster

Writer/director Lexi Alexander, who is perhaps best-known for helming 2005’s Green Street Hooligans and 2008’s Punisher: War Zone, is currently putting finishing touches on an upcoming martial arts actioner titled Absolute Dominion.

Absolute Dominion takes place in 2085 A.D., where the world has been destroyed by religious warfare. Desperate to save humanity, global governing forces host a gripping, no-holds-barred, martial arts tournament. Last fighter standing wins Absolute Dominion for one faith (via Deadline).

The film features an all-star cast that includes Alex Winter (Bill & Ted Face the Music), Alok Vaid-Menon (Random Acts of Flyness), Andy Allo (Chicago Fire), Désiré Mia, Jennifer Jajeh (Transparent), Juliana Continue reading

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Watch Netflix’ Trailer for the sci-fi actioner ‘Warriors of Future’ starring Louis Koo and Lau Ching Wan streaming in December

"Warriors of Future" Theatrical Poster

“Warriors of Future” Theatrical Poster

Louis Koo (Accident) and Lau Ching Wan (The Bullet Vanishes) are doing the powered exoskeleton thing with Warriors of Future (previously known as Virtus), a $56M sci-fi action flick that’s being touted as “the most visual effects-heavy Hong Kong film to date, with a future Hong Kong rendered entirely in CGI”.

Warriors of Future (read our review) also stars Carina Lau (Let the Bullets Fly), Nick Cheung (Bodies at Rest) and Philip Leung (Shock Wave 2).

According to THR, the Hong Kong-China co-production tells the story of a meteorite crashing down on a barren future Earth ravaged by pollution and global warming, bringing with it a fast-growing alien vine that purifies the planet but kills everything in its path. Armed with the plant’s genetic map, the Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Ip Man 4: The Finale | 4K UHD + Blu-ray | Only $10.99 – Expires soon!

Ip Man 4: The Finale | 4K UHD (Well Go USA)

Ip Man 4: The Finale | 4K UHD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the 4K UHD + Blu-ray for Ip Man 4: The Finale (read our review). The film sees the return of Donnie Yen (Chasing the Dragon) as the legendary martial arts figure, Ip Man.

Following the death of his wife, Ip Man travels to San Francisco to ease tensions between the local kung fu masters and his star student, Bruce Lee, while searching for a better future for his son.

Joining Yen this time around is Chris Collins (Paradox), Vanness Wu (Dragon Squad), Scott Adkins (The Debt Collector) and of course, Danny Chan Kwok-kwan (Ip Man 3) returns as Bruce Lee. Acclaimed action director Yuen Woo-ping (Ip Man 3) will be handling the film’s fight choreography Continue reading

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