Special Sub-Topic: People Who Buck The Odds Click Here To Play: People Who Buck The Odds

One of the best-known examples of 'bucking the odds' involves the legendary defense of the Alamo in Texas against superior numbers. Who was NOT present at the Alamo?

William F. Cody. The small force was wiped out- including these three legendary figures. 'Buffalo Bill,' however, wasn't there.

Another case of 'bucking the odds'- albeit unintentionally- involved General George Custer's 'last stand' against overpowering forces of the Sioux nation led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Where did this occur?

Montana. The Black Hills, Little Big Horn, etc. Reno and Benteen weren't there in time to help.

An older example of 'bucking the odds' involved the defensive stand taken by the Ancient Greeks and King Leonidas at Thermopylae. Who comprised the opposing force?

Persia. Beware of traitors!

Tennyson's description of the 'Charge of the Light Brigade' at Balaclava during the Crimean War is one of the most famous example of 'bucking the odds' by confronting superior numbers. When did the charge take place?

1850's. 'Into the valley of death rode the six hundred ...'

Pickett's Charge,' another case of 'bucking the odds' by going against superior numbers, occurred during the American Civil War. During what battle did it occur?

Gettysburg. The battle that turned the tide.

One can 'buck the odds' in other ways- such as by going against the imposing forces of nature. Mel Fisher bucked the odds by finding a treasure ship that had gone down several hundred years earlier- and had never been found. It took years- and lives- for Fisher's team to make the discovery. What kind of ship was the Atocha?

Spanish. Filled with treasure.

The discovery of Troy 'bucked the odds' by setting out to prove that the legend of Troy was not merely legend. His quest is made even more incredible by the fact that the discoverer relied largely on Homer's Iliad for guidance. Who was this discoverer?

Heinrich Schliemann. Carter explored the 'Valley of the Kings.'

Several books have been written lately about Ernest Shackleton, who 'bucked the odds' with his exploration. What area did he explore?

Antarctic. That must have been one hell of an adventure.

Sir Edmund Hillary 'bucked the odds' by conquering what Mountain?

Everest. All are major mountains.

William Beebe and Otis Barton 'bucked the odds' with their exlorations. What area did they explore?

Underwater. The Beebe-Barton bathysphere probed the depths of the oceans.