The Race to the South Pole

February 13, 2014 by  
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This article was written by Samuel Phineas Upham

Antarctica was one of the last great prizes left for exploration by the late 19th century. The continent was probably first discovered by groups of seal hunters and whalers seeking a bounty, but that fleeting interest soon passed. Richer nations like America, the UK, and Germany all took the initiative to plan expeditions there. This started an international competition of sorts, with Norway and Britain at the forefront.

Robert Scott

Robert Scott had already begun travelling to the South Pole during the Discovery expedition. The government funded trip took him within 410 miles of the pole, which made him the closest explorer to reach the pole. A rivalry between him and Ernest Shackleton spurred Shackleton to form his own expedition, which shattered Scott’s “farthest South” record by over 300 miles. The expedition ended 100 miles outside of the pole, where Shackleton’s group planted the Union Jack and turned back to avoid almost certain death.

Scott versus Amundsen

Scott began organizing a return expedition with the goal of finally reaching the pole. In fact, his sights never left that fabled prize and his determination was stronger than ever. He was on his way toward Antarctica in January of 1911 when he received a telegraph from a rival Captain: Roald Amundsen. Amundsen was still licking his wounds from the disappointment of the Americans discovering the North Pole before he did. He took his expedition south, allowing his crew the opportunity to abandon the expedition. Not a single man left, and the journey continued.

Amundsen’s team would reach the pole first, and Scott would die trying. The story is one of the most harrowing and compelling narratives of human determination.


About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Samuel Phineas Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Samuel Phineas Upham on his Facebook page.

The Best Ways to See the Great Barrier Reef

February 7, 2014 by  
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This article was written by Samuel Phineas Upham.

The Great Barrier Reef is an adventure only as amazing as you make it, and there are tons of ways to approach it. You can explore under water, discovering the diverse wildlife awaiting you, or check out the luxurious life at the hotels. Those lucky enough to visit the Reef should be sure to spend time visiting one or more of these attractions.

Explore a Pontoon

Grab a boat for a full-day excursion that takes you to a permanently anchored pontoon. You can party amongst the reef, admiring the sights of the ocean from the comforts of hotel life. You can learn about the Reef through scientific presentations from biologists working in the area, snorkel amongst the wildlife, or take a boat tour around the islands.

Stay on an Island

The islands in the Reef are like miniature getaways in and of themselves. Fitzroy Island is a wonderful place to visit, with glass-bottom boat rides that the whole family will enjoy. You can also enjoy a walk through the bush, exploring rainforest-like jungles through national park land. The island resort features 99 rooms, including apartment-style rooms with their own kitchens.

Scuba Dive

There are helmet dive tours that can take you underwater for an up close and personal view of the marine life without getting your hair wet. There is also the sea-walker adventure on Green island, where guests tour the ocean floor by walking an artificial platform.

Soar Above

If you’ve ever wanted to go on a helicopter ride, the Great Barrier Reef is the place to do it. Some cruises even offer a discounted helicopter ride that launches from a pad on the ship, so check with your travel agent before booking your trip.


About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Samuel Phineas Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Samuel Phineas Upham on his Facebook page.

How to Move to Hong Kong Smoothly

January 17, 2014 by  
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Posted By Samuel Phineas Upham

Hong Kong is a multi-cultural city that is attracting new talent from all over the world. Whether you are relocating for business or a change in life style, there are things you need to know about moving there. With these tips, your move will go smoothly and you will be prepared for your first few days in the city.

Importing House Goods

Most household goods can move in and out of Hong Kong with relative ease. Whether the items are used or new, goods are free from tariff charges, import taxes or duties. The necessities you need for your home, like your clothes and your basic furnishings, are items you don’t need to plan for.

What to Give to Customs

Local customs officials will search your belongings thoroughly, but do not require your presence for that search. If you supply them with a few documents, their work flow will be faster:

  • Present a detailed list of what was packed.
  • Keep your bill of landing and present that to customs.
  • Be sure to have your passport handy if you are present at a search. A photocopy of your documents will do in the event that you’re not present.
  • If you have any restricted items, be prepared to display the appropriate license to bring them into the country.

Importing Your Car

Your car will be charged a registration fee upon entry into the country, and it must be a right-hand drive vehicle to be street legal. Your car must also pass emissions testing before you will be allowed to drive it.


About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.

7 Amazing Facts about Hong Kong Disneyland

January 10, 2014 by  
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Submitted By Samuel Phineas Upham

In conjunction with the Disney corporation and the Hong Kong government, there is a Disneyland in the center of one of the world’s most happening tourist spots. With more than 100 attractions, including lands like Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, Hong Kong Disneyland has become an important stop for aficionados from the world over.

Cast Members

Hong Kong Disneyland requires over 7,000 cast members to keep the park running, which makes the park one of the city’s largest entertainment employers. Cast members will train for almost a full week out of each year to make sure guests have an unforgettable experience.

Largest Screens

Hong Kong Disneyland features the world’s largest seamless projection screen, measuring in at 150 feet in length and 28 feet in height.

Fauna

There are 200 unique species of trees, and 400 individual species of shrubs that dot the landscape of Disneyland.

The Themes of Luck and Prosperity

There are 2,238 crystal lotuses in the restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel. The number sounds very similar to a Cantonese phrase that means “easily generate wealth.” Keeping with this theme of prosperity, the ballroom at the Disneyland resort is 888 square meters because the number is considered “wealthy.”

Murals

Murals from the Disney film Mulan can be found in the Plaza Inn restaurant. The murals were painted by actual Disney artists.

Adventureland

Disneyland in Hong Kong has the world’s largest version of Adventureland. Hop on the river cruise and take a tour!

Orbitron Universe Model

The model of the universe in Hong Kong’s Tomorrowland is based on celestial models from the 15th to 19th century. At night, fiber optics glow and change colors to create an elaborate and moving model of the universe.


About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.

Hacks for the London Underground

January 7, 2014 by  
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Posted By Samuel Phineas Upham

If you’re in London for any prolonged time, you’ll want to make sure you get cozy with the railways. They are the most efficient method of getting around the city, but there are some hacks to get around even faster. Grab an Oyster railway card and set out on an adventure!

Know Your Exits

Grab an application called “London Underground Free” before you set out. The reason is to help you navigate the underground faster, and go where you actually want to go. Anyone who has experienced the disorientation of the New York subway system can understand the value in knowing where to go to come out on the side of the street you actually want to visit.

Using Escalators

If you’re not walking, stay to the right. Daily commuters have places to be and you’re lollygagging in their lane. IF you don’t want an angry Brit behind you, step to the right and let them pass.

Bring Water

The subway tubes can heat up during the summer months, and if you’re stuck down there without water you will regret it. London’s underground service is quite reliable, but a quick swig of water will keep your refreshed.

Where to Sit

To build off of knowing your exits, position yourself in places where people are less likely to get on or off the train. If you know exits are toward the front of the train, you’ll find more space and quiet in the rear.

“Mind the Gap”

You will see “Mind the Gap” or small diamond shapes on the platform. This is where the doors of the train will usually line up. If you want to get on quickly, be near those spots.

Also watch Phin Upham Presents London


About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.