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TIDBITS® GASPS OVER THE GREAT MARATHON FIASCO

by Janet Spencer

The first modern-day Olympic Games were held in 1896. In 1904, the Olympics were still new, which might explain some of the snafus. Come along with Tidbits as we remember the Great 1904 Olympics Marathon Fiasco!

NO GOOD VERY BAD RACE

• The 1904 Olympics were originally supposed to be held in Chicago, until someone pointed out that the World’s Fair was being held in St. Louis that year, and suggested combining both events. The first problem was because the World’s Fair sponsored many of their own sporting events and it was hard to tell them apart from the Olympic games

• The biggest problems arose with the marathon. It was 24 miles long (38.6 km) because marathons had not yet been standardized at 26 miles (41.8 km). During these 24 perilous miles, everything went wrong.

• One major issue was that the head honcho of the games, James Sullivan, decided that in the interest of science, it would be best to withhold water from competitors. He felt this would offer valuable insights concerning dehydration in human athletes. This turned out to be a bad idea, especially because the race started at 3:00 p.m. on August 30, in the heat of the day, when it was 92°F (33.3° C) and humidity hovering at 90%. (cont)

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OLYMPIC FIASCO

(cont)

• Then there were issues with the competitors.

• The top-rated runners included Arthur Newton, the only one returning from the 1900 Olympics. Runners John Lordon, Sam Mellor, Michael Spring, and Thomas Hicks (all Americans) had previously run in the Boston Marathon. But the majority of the field was composed of assorted oddball characters. All in all, there were 32 contestants representing 7 nations.

• American runner Fred Lorz worked days as a bricklayer and didn’t have time to train. He qualified for the Olympics by running (but not necessarily winning) a five-mile race sponsored bythe Amateur Athletic Union

• Two men from the Tswana tribe of South Africa were recruited to participate in the South African World’s Fair Exhibit. They decided they might as well run in the Olympic marathon as long as they were there, becoming the first black Africans to participate in the Olympics. Both had served as long-distance message runners during the recent Boer War. One of them ran the entire Olympic marathon barefoot.

• Felix Carvajala was a mailman in Cuba who once ran the length of the island, a distance of 780 miles (1,250 km). He took a boat to New Orleans on the way to the games. He lost all his money in a card game before he even left town, and had to hitchhike to St. Louis. He arrived at the starting line while still wearing the outfit he had left Cuba in: long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and heavy shoes. Someone took pity on him and cut the long pants into shorts before the race started.

• On August 30, at 3:03 p.m., the president of the World Fair fired the starting pistol. The men were off! (cont)

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OLYMPIC FIASCO

(cont)

• Now problems with the poorly planned race route showed themselves. The course followed roads that were ankle-deep in dust and brutally hilly. Where the dust had been washed away, jagged rocks made each footfall perilous. Race organizers had not thought to block off the route, so the runners were constantly dodging crosstown traffic, train cars, trolleys, dog walkers, and delivery wagons. Race monitors, coaches, team support members, and doctors also drove alongside the runners. Every car kicked up road dust. All the runners were soon racked with coughing spells.

• There was only one place where athletes could officially secure fresh water, exactly half way through the race. Soon the runners began dropping out.

• John Lordan, who won the Boston Marathon the previous year, became violently ill after 10 miles (16 km) and dropped out.

• Sam Mellor, who won the Boston Marathon in 1902, was also overcome by dust and dropped out in spite of leading at the halfway point.

• William Garcia nearly died 16 miles (25.7 km) into the race, collapsing with his mouth, lungs, and esophagus choked with dust. Only speedy medical care saved his life.

• Len Tau, one of the South African participants, was chased off course by vicious dogs.

• Felix Carvajal, the Cuban mailman, kept stopping to chat with onlookers. At one point, he was so hungry that he snatched peaches from spectators, and later paused to pick green apples from an orchard next to the race route. Subsequently suffering from stomach cramps, he laid down for a nap.

• Bricklayer Fred Lorz, suffering from stomach cramps, hitched a ride in a car that went by, having suffered enough. (cont)

OLYMPIC FIASCO

(cont).

• At the ten-mile (16 km) mark, Thomas Hicks begged his crew for water, which was refused. Only a damp sponge was offered. Ten miles later, he was about to collapse when his handlers fed him a weak tincture of strychnine, which acts as a stimulant in small doses This was before performance-enhancing drug use in athletes was outlawed.

• The car that Fred Lorz was riding in broke down after carrying him 11 miles (17.7 km). By then, he was near the finish line. He decided to finish the race on foot, and was subsequently the first to cross the finish line.

• Word that the race had been won flashed through the area. Thomas Hicks, now ashen, limp, and hallucinating, nearly gave up.

• Just as Lorz was posing for photos and about to receive the gold medal, someone called out that he had cheated. He admitted to the fraud, insisting it had been “just a joke.” He was disqualified. It was 15 minutes before the real winner crossed the finish line.

• Thomas Hicks revived when he heard that the race was still open and that he was now in the lead. His handlers gave him a second dose of strychnine, splashed his dusty body with water, and forced some brandy down his gullet while refusing him the tea that he begged for. By the time he approached the finish line, he was barely able to shuffle. His team members grabbed him under the armpits and hauled him across the finish line. There, he collapsed. It took the help of four doctors working on him for a full hour before he was able to stand and walk off.

• Cuban mailman Felix Carvajal finished in fourth place in spite of his bad apple nap.

• The South African entrants finished 9th and 12th in spite of the run-in with bad dogs.

• Only 14 out of 32 contestants – 44% – finished the race. It was the worst finish rate in Olympic history

Rich in Flavor, Light on the Wallet: Meet

Mujadara

Are you ready for a culinary journey to the Middle East? Buckle up, buttercup, and bring your taste buds, because today, we're making Mujadara (moo-zhaDAH-rah), a simple, satisfying dish of lentils, rice and caramelized onions that prove frugal can also be fabulous. Mujadara has been enjoyed across Lebanon, Jordan and Syria for centuries, and for good reason. It's hearty, flavorful and budget-friendly. Traditionally known as a "poor man's meal," don't let the name fool you as with most "peasant food," this dish is so comforting and delicious, it'll make you feel like royalty. Think of it as the Middle Eastern equivalent of mac and cheese: cozy, familiar and always a hit.

At its core, Mujadara is a lesson in culinary alchemy. A handful of pantry staples lentils, rice, onions and spices transform into something far greater than the sum of their parts. The secret? Those deeply caramelized onions. They add a richness that takes this humble dish to the next level.

For this version, I've opted for brown rice over white to boost the nutritional value, though white basmati works too. Just check the recipe notes for adjustments. The lentils provide protein, the rice offers fiber, and the onions bring an irresistible depth of flavor and sweetness that ties it all together. Mujadara is best served with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce, a scattering of fresh herbs and, if you like

a bit of heat, a spoonful of your favorite spicy sauce. You can enjoy it hot, warm or at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)

Yield: 4 generous servings

Total Time: 45 minutes

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons Kosher salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

5 cups water

1 cup brown basmati rice, rinsed and drained

1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup sliced green onions, divided 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, divided

Plain yogurt, for serving (or tahini sauce for a vegan option)

In a large saucepan, combine garlic, bay leaves, cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and black pepper with water. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to mediumlow, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, add lentils and stir. Return to a simmer, cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender (about 20-23 minutes).

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and crisp at the edges (about 20-30 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with remaining salt.

When the lentils and rice are done,

drain excess water if needed, remove bay leaves and mash garlic cloves against the pot's side. Add 3/4 of the green onions and cilantro, fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving dish, top with caramelized onions and garnish with remaining green onions and herbs. Serve with yogurt or tahini sauce.

Diva Tips - Rice Swap: If you use white basmati rice, cook the lentils first for 10 minutes before adding the rice to ensure both cook evenly.

Whether you're looking for a nutritious meatless meal or just want to expand your global recipe repertoire, Mujadara is a must-try. Simple, satisfying and steeped in tradition, it's proof that the best meals don't have to be complicated or expensive.

***

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, partyplanning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Mujadara proves lentils, rice and caramelized onions are a match made in culinary heaven.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.JasonCoblentz.com

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Sports Stories OPERATION FLAGSHIP

• In the 1980s, the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders) were a winning team, having recently become NFL champs. The waiting list to get season tickets was 25 years long. Every game was a sellout. Needless to say, scoring free tickets to one of their games would be a windfall.

• During the 1985 season, a new cable station dedicated to sports geared up for their first season. Called the Flagship International Sports Television, it was shortened to FIST. To celebrate, FIST advertised they were giving away 3,000 tickets to the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Redskins game on December 15. Winners would be entered into a raffle to win a free trip to Super Bowl XX.

• Winners were asked to call to confirm that they would be attending the game at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. They were instructed to bring a friend, arrive early, and come to the convention center connected to the stadium to receive their tickets and participate in pre-game celebrations

• About 200 people showed up on game day. Arriving at the convention center, they were greeted at the door by an excited team of Redskin cheerleaders who gave everyone big enthusiastic hugs. The Redskin mascot entertained everyone. The whole place was decorated. Everyone got balloons. Videos from the Redskins' first Super Bowl win played on convention center screens. The atmosphere was festive.

• As soon as they arrived, the individual ticket winners were asked to check in to confirm their identities. Once verified, they were issued color-coded name tags and were ushered into a separate room in small groups. Their wives and girlfriends remained behind, being treated to brunch and entertainment. (Continued page #7)

My dog has cancer. What next?

DEAR PAW'S COR-

NER: My Golden Retriever, "Jasmine," was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. I'm devastated. She seemed to tire easily, so I took her to the vet for a checkup, where they said her lymph nodes were enlarged. They did a biopsy to confirm that it was cancer. My question is, what now? The vet said she needs more tests, but I'm not sure what happens after.

Grace T., Hartford, Connecticut

DEAR GRACE: I'm glad you took Jasmine right to the vet, because even though the diagnosis is a serious one, she can start getting treatment that much sooner.

According to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, lymphoma is sadly common in Golden Retrievers and other dog breeds. However, it can be treated, with chemotherapy as the primary therapy Surgery might be recommended depending on the type of cancer.

Now that lymphoma has been confirmed through the biopsy, the next step is to determine how far the cancer has spread through Jasmine's body. Several tests are done: blood tests, urinalysis, a bone marrow test, X-rays and sonograms. Some veterinary offices are equipped for these tests, but you may be referred to specialist care for more advanced testing. These tests are essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan for your dog.

If the vet has not yet followed up with next steps since the diagnosis was made, call and ask for more details and their recommendation. Most vets provide this information along with the diagnosis, so it's worrisome that you don't have a path forward. You can always select a different vet if you aren't confident in the current one. Has your pet been treated for cancer? Tell me about the experience at ask@pawscorner.com.

OPERATION FLAGSHIP (cont)

• In their separate room behind closed doors, an emcee congratulated the winners, welcomed them to the game, and promised "a special surprise." The FIST cameras were rolling.

• At the mention of the "special surprise," a set of doors to a connecting room flung open, and the room flooded with a fully armed SWAT team. Every "winner" was handcuffed and led out a rear door to a police bus waiting in the adjoining garage. As soon as the room was cleared, the next set of lucky winners was ushered in, and the whole thing began again.

• All of the lucky winners were fugitives from justice. The entire thing was a setup, and the tickets were the bait on the hook. All 3,000 "free tickets" had been sent to a fugitive's last known address. Of those, 167 responded, 119 showed up, and 101 arrests were made.

• There never had been a sports station, and its acronym of FIST also happened to be the acronym for the Fugitive Investigative Strike Team. The letters they received in the mail were signed by "FIST" president I.M. Detnaw, which is "WANTED" spelled backward. The business manager was Marcus Cran, which is NARC spelled backward. When the "winners" phoned the hotline to indicate that they would be attending, the "hold" music played "I Fought the Law."

• All the cheerleaders were undercover cops who were patting down the recipients as they arrived. The color-coded name tags indicated how dangerous they were. A total of 166 police were involved, posing as ushers, cheerleaders, caterers, mascots, and janitors.

• The entire setup had cost only $22,000 (equal to about $63,500 today). Operation Flagship has been hailed as one of the largest and most successful mass arrests of fugitives by U.S. law enforcement in history. As they were led away, one of the criminals asked, "You mean I don't get to go to the game?"

* Protect your broom by storing it handle side down. You can purchase wall clips at your local hardware store, and then it'll be off the floor, ready when you are!

* The Vision Council offers tips to minimize digital eye strain: Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

* Make your stainlesssteel sink sparkle by buffing it with a few drops of mineral oil and a soft rag, after a good cleaning, of course.

* Use a strip of hook and loop tape to secure game controllers to their consoles. This way, you'll never have to go looking for one when you're ready to play.

* "Fill your sink with soapy hot water as you are cooking dinner. Your dirty pans and bowls can go right in the sink to soak.After dinner, they will be easy to wash." E.D. in South Carolina

* "If a pocket or two on an over-the-door shoe rack has busted, it's not done being useful. You can cut remaining pockets to fit inside your bathroom cabinet. Secure at the top with screws. Place cups in a few pockets to hold cotton swabs or balls, etc." W.L. in Washington