Today in History: October 18 Quiz

[C] Symphonic Poem "Prometheus" | This piece by Franz Liszt, a passionate tribute to the mythological figure, fired up classical music fans right from its premiere.

[B] The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million | Originally nicknamed "Seward's Folly" because people thought it was foolish to buy a frozen wasteland, the deal turned out to be a brilliant move, filled with gold and oil.

[D] Charles Babbage | Known as the "father of the computer," he passed away not knowing his visionary designs for the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine would lay the groundwork for our entire digital world.

[A] M. Baudry | This pioneering flight demonstrated the potential of airships for long-distance travel and helped to advance the field of aviation.

[C] Charles Strite | When the first slice of toast automatically "popped up," he probably knew he had created a small but revolutionary device that would change breakfast forever.

[D] British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) | This iconic British institution was founded with the mission to connect the world through sound and vision, a role it continues to fill today.

[B] Thomas Edison | The prolific "Wizard of Menlo Park" died on this day, leaving the world a much brighter place thanks to his countless inventions, including the practical lightbulb.

[C] The first commercial transistor radio | This portable device by Texas Instruments was a game-changer, allowing people to take their music and news with them for the very first time.

[A] Jesse Owens | This legendary track and field athlete was named the all-time great by "Track & Field" magazine, a tribute to his historic achievements and his triumph over prejudice at the 1936 Olympics.

[B] James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins | This trio won the Nobel Prize for their discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, unraveling one of life's most fundamental mysteries.

[A] The Indiana Pacers vs. The San Antonio Spurs | This game wasn't just the start of the ABA season; it was the beginning of a classic rivalry between two of basketball's most prominent teams.

[C] Nate Thurmond | This NBA player etched his name in history by recording the league's first official quadruple-double, an extremely rare feat that solidified his status as a defensive force.

[D] William Lipscomb | This chemist earned the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work on the structure of boranes, contributing to a deeper understanding of molecular chemistry.

[D] New York Yankees | The Yankees showcased their dynasty-era dominance by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the World Series in a decisive 8-4 victory.

[B] Tom Brady | The legendary quarterback set an incredible NFL record by throwing five touchdown passes in a single quarter, a jaw-dropping display of offensive power.