“We could not conceive of the day’s events as being related in any way to the war. We were being crushed by a sheer force-an intense and one-sided force-that had nothing to do with the war. Neither did we as fellow Japanese encourage one another or console one another. We behaved submissively and said nothing. No one came to tend the injured, no one came to tell us where or how to pass the night. We were simply on our own.”
Yoko Ōta, “Hiroshima, City of Doom”
The Singapore Times Exclusive: BOBBY JR.’S PROMISE TO ME ON THE 15 ACRE GARDEN OF THE SINGAPORE SHANGRI-LA
After our late refreshments at The Raffles we drove to the Singapore Shangri-La nestled in a quiet residential area. Bobby Jr. lived in a suite there and was well known to all the hotel’s staff.
What a huge lobby with orchids everywhere and an impressive garden off the lobby with small waterfalls, tropical foliage and pools with fish. There is a 15-acre exterior garden home to 110 varieties of flora and fauna including Bobby’s favourite the durian fruit tree. We had our dinner in a private air-conditioned tent in this garden.
Bobby Jr. had a Durian Martini to start and some Evian water for me. Bobby Jr. dined on a beef noodle type of dish while I had a few strips of grilled beef, two small rice balls and boiled carrots. Bobby spent all dinner on his phone replete with talk about the “movement of money”.
After my dessert of a dozen blueberries Bobby Jr. placed his mobile phone on the table and me too. “Rory you are no white poof ball. I sense a very intelligent dog. A tough dog despite your puppydom. My mother Madame Fong is a ruthless businesswoman. None of this nonsense about you being sent to Cambodia to sniff out landmines with rats or to be eaten in China as a hot dog pot. You are to be the bait for a very big fish who has something coming to him. I promise that you will not be hurt.” He looked at me right between the eyes and said clearly, “Did you hear me. I give you the word of Bobby Fong Jr. you will not be harmed. In the next few days we are going to make you the most famous West Highland Terrier in Southeast Asia and after that you will be travelling with me and my mother on the Eastern Oriental Express. Enough business for the day. Let’s go to my suite and watch “Coronation Street”.
“According to Boris the same kind of thing went on in all Paris hotels, or at least in all the big, expensive ones. But I imagine that the customers in Hôtel X were especially easy to swindle for they were mostly Americans, with a sprinkling of English-no French- and seemed to know nothing whatever about good food. They would stuff themselves with disgusting American ‘cereals’ and eat marmalade at tea, and drink vermouth after dinner, and order a poulet à la reine at a hundred francs then souse it in Worcester sauce. One customer, from Pittsburgh, dined every night in his bedroom on grape-nuts, scrambled eggs and cocoa. Perhaps it hardly matters whether such people are swindled or not.”
George Orwell, “Down and Out in Paris and London”, 1933.
“The waiter’s outlook is quite different. He too is proud in a way of his skill, but his skill is chiefly in being servile. His work gives him the mentality, not of a workman, but of a snob. He lives perpetually in sight of rich people, stands at their tables, listens to their conversation, sucks up to them with smiles and discreet little jokes. He has the pleasure of spending money by proxy. Moreover, there is always the chance that he may become rich himself, for, though most waiters die poor they have long runs of luck occasionally. At some cafés on the Grand Boulevard there is so much money to be made that the waiters actually pay the patron for their employment. The result is that between constantly seeing money, and hoping to get it, the waiter comes to identify himself to some extent with his employers. He will take great pains to serve a meal in style, because he feels he is participating in the meal himself.”
George Orwell, “Down and Out in Paris and London”, 1933.
Fogolar produces some superb Ontario wines. I was off the Ontario Riesling rails for quite some time until Fogolar Riesling set me back on track.
Warm fermented for 28 days in stainless steel and aged in French oak for two years.
The Fogolar Cabernet Francs must not be ignored including the Fogolar Picone Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Franc.
Aroma: Powerful black cherry with secondary notes of blackberry and some faint dark chocolate and cigar.
Palate: Deep black cherry streak with rhubarb and pepper with an ultra long at times a delightful indescribable finish. Acidity yes but a quick fade thank goodness.
Personality: I am an exceptional Niagara Cabernet Franc with high purity and somewhat of a delightful but bizarro finish similar to some of my Fogolar Riesling brothers. That slight touch of bizarre puts me ahead of the pack.
Food Match: Best suited to food over sipping. Pasta a la Norma.
Cellarbility: Consume before 2027-year end.
Price: $23.80 (Manager clearance price).
RKS ONTARIO WINE RATING: 94/100.Natalie MacLean 92.
(Fogolar Wines 2022 Picone Vineyard Cabernet Franc, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Fogolar Wines, 750 mL, 12.5%).
Tasted 11May2026.
The Singapore Times Exclusive: THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: YANKEE GRINGOS AT RAFFLES SINGAPORE WILLING TO PAY $44USD FOR A SINGAPORE SLING
We drove to Raffles Singapore for a “pre-dinner cocktail”. The parking valet had that look of fear in his eye like the one Bobby Jr. received from the maître D at The Crooked Crab where we had our lunch.
Bobby took me to witness a “sorry sight” as he described it. We wended our way to a bar that served Singapore Slings a cocktail supposedly created at the Raffles Singapore by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915. There were at least 50 people waiting outside The Long Bar for a seat of shame. Almost all Americans speaking loudly with “extreme confidence” Bobby Jr. remarked adding, “Give those folks a couple of Slings and one of our Viet pickpockets has a field day. No self-respecting Singaporean would ever have a drink there.” We go to the Courtyard Bar, Bobby enjoying a Durian Sling for a third the price of a Singapore Sling upstairs. To my surprise I had a cube of frozen yogurt, strawberries, mango and dragon fruit he had preordered a couple of hours ago. Boy in this steaming heat what a delight! Why is Bobby Jr. treating Rory his prisoner so well? Puzzling!
The Raffles waiter said no charge to Bobby Jr. saying to me our last stop for the day was Shangri-la Singapore where he had “big news for me”.
We did have a cruise around Raffles Singapore lobby. Beautiful colonial! Bobby noted he could never stay here as so many Brits were here and the stink of beans and toast each morning in the breakfast room made him gag.
Spoof News Services: 11May2026: Toronto: Toronto Mayor Molivia Dao announced today that on Canada Day the Billy Bishop Airport runway would be closed for a series of kids’ charity events.
Dao stated, “Kids are our most important assets. We love kids here in Toronto. Kids require millions of dollars for kids’ well being. There is nothing more important than shutting down main arteries in our kid friendly city to benefit Toronto’s kids. Just note with pride we shut down the Don Valley Expressway a main North South artery for the Toronto Marathon so professional marathoners can win cash prizes to support their kids in Kenya. Huge soccer and baseball matches were but slightly delayed so what’s the grief if charities benefit including kids’ charities. I said this weekend would be a test of Torontonian’s mobility for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. I am proud to say that test was a miserable failure and we are proud of that. Visitors to the city will spread the word Toronto is unforgettable and what a boon for tourism to this city!”
Dao explained that the following kids’ charities essential to the fundamental health and wellbeing of kids will benefit from scheduled events on the airport runway;
Spokespersons for Bike Lanes for All and Roads for None, The Anti Adult League, The Greta Loonyberg Foundation and the Secaucus Christian Ladies League announced their support for the airport events.
Dao noted the annual Toronto Kids Charity Ball would be held at Toronto’s main rail station, Union Station, and would completely close the rail terminal for the evening.
Main City Council Opposition leader Radish Madford scratched his head when asked for his reaction stating, “You gotta be kidding!”
The Singapore Times Exclusive: THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: KAMPONG GLAM, LITTLE INDIA AND CHINATOWN REFLECTIVE OF ETHNICITY IN SINGAPORE
As a bright white West Highland Terrier perhaps I should dare to say there are very few Caucasians visible in Singapore despite the fact of its British colonial heritage.
Ethnic Chinese comprise 75.5 % of the population, Malays 15.1% and Indians 7.6% with Eurasians at 1.8%.
Toronto has a more commercial and vibrant “traditional” Chinatown than Singapore’s although one might say Singapore in its totality is a sort of Chinatown. I was impressed by the Thian Hock Keng Temple built between 1839 and 1842 by early Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore seeking a better life. It was constructed using traditional Chinese methods serving as a place of worship for the Hokkien community. A prime example of southern Chinese temple architecture it featured intricate carvings, colourful tiles, detailed sculptures and imposing columns with its roof adorned with mythical creatures and scenes from Chinese folklore. The interior is decorated with delicate porcelain figurines and the temple’s vibrant colors and artistic elements make it a visually striking place. Often called the Temple of Heavenly Bliss it is not only a religious site it continues to be a place of active worship and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Singapore’s Chinese community.
Kampong Glam, the Muslim quarter and Malay enclave that originated as a fishing village at the mouth of the Rohor River. The golden domed Sultan Mosque stands out. There are many Indonesian tourists here. The main street is very commercial and lined with restaurants including two Greek restaurants! There are many traditional shophouses restored and serving as home for shops and restaurants.
Little India strikes me as jam packed and crowded with a particular food smell to it. Bobby Jr. loves the Durian juice here!
Bobby Jr. added his team of pickpockets operated in these three areas and one needed pickpockets with extraordinary skill to lift gold jewellery the Indonesian women were wearing.
While Bobby Jr. chugged down a mega Durian juice he was thoughtful to keep me hydrated with lots of Evian in a portable Gulpy. He is a thoughtful man far different than his mother the dragon lady Madame Fong. He has not mistreated me in any way.
Next stop, The Raffles Hotel garden bar for an afternoon cocktail.
THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: KAMPONG GLAM, LITTLE INDIA AND CHINATOWN REFLECTIVE OF ETHNICITY IN SINGAPORE
The Singapore Times Exclusive: THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: KAMPONG GLAM, LITTLE INDIA AND CHINATOWN REFLECTIVE OF ETHNICITY IN SINGAPORE
As a bright white West Highland Terrier perhaps I should dare to say there are very few Caucasians visible in Singapore despite the fact of its British colonial heritage.
Ethnic Chinese comprise 75.5 % of the population, Malays 15.1% and Indians 7.6% with Eurasians at 1.8%.
Toronto has a more commercial and vibrant “traditional” Chinatown than Singapore’s although one might say Singapore in its totality is a sort of Chinatown. I was impressed by the Thian Hock Keng Temple built between 1839 and 1842 by early Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore seeking a better life. It was constructed using traditional Chinese methods serving as a place of worship for the Hokkien community. A prime example of southern Chinese temple architecture it featured intricate carvings, colourful tiles, detailed sculptures and imposing columns with its roof adorned with mythical creatures and scenes from Chinese folklore. The interior is decorated with delicate porcelain figurines and the temple’s vibrant colors and artistic elements make it a visually striking place. Often called the Temple of Heavenly Bliss it is not only a religious site it continues to be a place of active worship and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Singapore’s Chinese community.es
Kampong Glam, the Muslim quarter and Malay enclave that originated as a fishing village at the mouth of the Rohor River. The golden domed Sultan Mosque stands out. There are many Indonesian tourists here. The main street is very commercial and lined with restaurants including two Greek restaurants! There are many traditional shophouses restored and serving as home for shops and restaurants.
Little India strikes me as jam packed and crowded with a particular food smell to it. Bobby Jr. loves the Durian juice here!
Bobby Jr. added his team of pickpockets operated in these three areas and one needed pickpockets with extraordinary skill to lift gold jewellery the Indonesian women were wearing.
While Bobby Jr. chugged down a mega Durian juice he was thoughtful to keep me hydrated with lots of Evian in a portable Gulpy. He is a thoughtful man far different than his mother the dragon lady Madame Fong. He has not mistreated me in any way.
Next stop, The Raffles Hotel garden bar for an afternoon cocktail.
The Singapore Times Exclusive: THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: KAMPONG GLAM, LITTLE INDIA AND CHINATOWN REFLECTIVE OF ETHNICITY IN SINGAPORE
As a bright white West Highland Terrier perhaps I should dare to say there are very few Caucasians visible in Singapore despite the fact of its British colonial heritage.
Ethnic Chinese comprise 75.5 % of the population, Malays 15.1% and Indians 7.6% with Eurasians at 1.8%.
Toronto has a more commercial and vibrant “traditional” Chinatown than Singapore’s although one might say Singapore in its totality is a sort of Chinatown. I was impressed by the Thian Hock Keng Temple built between 1839 and 1842 by early Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore seeking a better life. It was constructed using traditional Chinese methods serving as a place of worship for the Hokkien community. A prime example of southern Chinese temple architecture it featured intricate carvings, colourful tiles, detailed sculptures and imposing columns with its roof adorned with mythical creatures and scenes from Chinese folklore. The interior is decorated with delicate porcelain figurines and the temple’s vibrant colors and artistic elements make it a visually striking place. Often called the Temple of Heavenly Bliss it is not only a religious site it continues to be a place of active worship and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Singapore’s Chinese community.es
Kampong Glam, the Muslim quarter and Malay enclave that originated as a fishing village at the mouth of the Rohor River. The golden domed Sultan Mosque stands out. There are many Indonesian tourists here. The main street is very commercial and lined with restaurants including two Greek restaurants! There are many traditional shophouses restored and serving as home for shops and restaurants.
Little India strikes me as jam packed and crowded with a particular food smell to it. Bobby Jr. loves the Durian juice here!
Bobby Jr. added his team of pickpockets operated in these three areas and one needed pickpockets with extraordinary skill to lift gold jewellery the Indonesian women were wearing.
While Bobby Jr. chugged down a mega Durian juice he was thoughtful to keep me hydrated with lots of Evian in a portable Gulpy. He is a thoughtful man far different than his mother the dragon lady Madame Fong. He has not mistreated me in any way.
Next stop, The Raffles Hotel garden bar for an afternoon cocktail.
The Singapore Times Exclusive: THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: FEAR AND LOATHING IN SINGAPORE
Finally, we arrived for our late lunch at “The Crooked Crab” one of several restaurants Bobby Jr. quipped, “We own here in Singapore”.
They evidently knew Bobby Jr. and I could smell fear on them upon their greeting of us. West Highland Terriers have an incredible sense of smell not only of things but emotions. We were asked to wait for two minutes while a private room was prepared for our lunch.
I took the opportunity to observe a tour group at a nearby table wearing Tilley jungle hats with a University of Salmon Arm emblem affixed to the side of their hats. A Canadian flag too! Awfully bad manners old boy to eat hatted in a restaurant. Are these people really Canadians?
They were squabbling far too loudly with the waiter complaining why the Coca-Cola was too sweet, there were no bread and rolls or knives and forks and where were the two gluten free meals. One belligerent fellow was shouting, “I want a beer with lunch. I paid a fortune for this tour and you say only soft drinks and water are included and that I must pay for a beer!”
I overheard one woman in the group, the wife of a man looking like a member of a Quebec motorcycle gang, “Rock Machine”, complaining why there were no Tim Horton’s in Singapore such only showing how backward Singapore was.
Wait, I saw a Canadian flag! Should I bolt for freedom? Not a good idea my gut told me. This group was loathsome attributable to their arrogance and ignorance. This was Bobby Jr.’s territory and staff. These Canadian tourists were but flies in the milk. Bobby Jr. said there were two of his Viet pickpockets hovering around the tourist buses. Wallet removal was dessert on their menu!
I followed Bobby Jr. to our private room for late lunch. Singapore Chicken and rice for me with a bowl of 12 Monkey’s tea from Cambodia, one of Bobby Jr.’s favourites. Bobby had spicy Singaporean Crab which he fired up further by laying a huge snowfall of Cambodian Kampot pepper on top. Madame Fong had given Bobby Jr. a card indicating prohibited foods for Westies recommending rice, chopped meat and vegetables. But that spiced crab looked fantastic. Just what a prisoner needs!
Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India were next.
The Singapore Times Exclusive: THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: THE SUPERSPREADERS FROM WUHAN INFECT SINGAPORE CASINO
I was under the impression we were on our way to lunch and quite frankly I was ravenous, but we had a stop at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa Hotel and Casino. Bobby Jr. told me the Superspreaders from Wuhan had some laundering to do. I wasn’t aware casinos had laundry facilities, so I was puzzled by his comment.
As Bobby Jr. explained it the cash he picked on a regular basis from “our business endeavours” was dirty money and had to be cleaned. Not infectious dirt as we know it but hot money that needed to be cooled down and legitimized. Cash it in into chips, play a few games and then cash the chips out and you have clean and receipted money.
The Wuhan Superspreaders were not spreading COVID in the casino but hot cash. Converting it into clean cash was akin to a vaccinating it.
The Wuhan Superspreaders were illegals “under the management’ of Bobby Jr. and taken from the ranks of “his” construction workers; they were well compensated for their casino appearances.
Twelve of them posed as a tour group from Wuhan in the PRC. A “tour leader” with a flag in hand would lead them into the casino. The flag had Wuhan in highly visible large letters on it, the Superspreaders all wore masks and a few were coughing horribly. Needless to say employees of the casino ordinarily extraordinarily diligent about the implementation of anti money laundering procedures were too terrified to adhere to them preferring to dispense of chips as rapidly as possible. Rightly or wrongly Wuhan’s reputation as ground zero for COVID had certain advantages for Bobby Jr.
An hour later Bobby had his laundered cash and off we sped for lunch.
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