A history teacher of mine once explained that we like to think of history in Oz terms: easy, clear, and logical. In fact, history is more often the Kansas version of events: complicated, muddled, and based on emotion. Like in The Wizard of Oz, the land over the rainbow looks pretty and appeals to us more; there are good guys and bad guys and rousing moments of sentiment and song. But we live in Kansas, the real world, and life here is messy. I taught history to middle schoolers in East Harlem for three years, and I tried my best to present them with the Kansas view of history. This often meant going above and beyond the textbook, which told Oz-like stories, myths which many of my students had learned as pure fact. And there are plenty that you think are true too!! Click through for 7 American history myths and misconceptions - debunked! -By Brian Gresco

MORE ON BABBLE

Women are desperate to get married...and 16 more myths men believe

10 celebs who are related to presidents - Tom

There's nothing like listening to the National Anthem to get your patriotism flowing for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. If you're like me, you'd probably much rather hear it sung than sing it yourself. (Have you ever tried singing our nation's tune? Those high notes can be hard to hit!) Whether for the Super Bowl or the president's inauguration, and live or lip-synced, the Star-Spangled Banner is always an epic song to be heard - especially when they roll out that giant flag and strike up the band. Often, goose bumps are unavoidable! Click through for 10 of the best National Anthem performances - ever. Click through for the 7 best Star Spangled Banner performances ever! -By Kacy Faulconer

MORE ON BABBLE

10 famous moms caught breastfeeding in public

15 celebrities who aren't afraid to go makeup-free

15 celebrity pairs who could pass as twins!

Memorial Day is part of a long-weekend holiday created to celebrate the men and women who died serving in the United States military. Somehow, it has morphed into an unofficial celebration of summer - complete with cookouts, pool openings, and amazing sales to help us start our summer off under budget. This is a great weekend for bargain hunters no matter what you're shopping for. You'll find plenty of yard sales, blowouts, knock-down discounts, and Memorial Day sales to satisfy the deal chaser in you. Click through for 7 snag-worthy items to help you save big! -By Heather Sokol

MORE ON BABBLE
10 "money-saving" tips that actually leave you broke
8 tips to help you get out of debt ... that actually work
7 ways to avoid becoming a victim of online shopping fraud

moneyOwning a home has long been part of the American Dream. For many, that dream means sacrificing for up to 30 years to ensure the mortgage payment is made on time each and every month. Many financial experts highly recommend paying off a mortgage loan before planning to retire to keep monthly living costs as low as possible.

Here are 5 tips for alleviating mortgage debts earlier:

1. Set Up Automatic Payments

If your lender allows it, you can set up your mortgage payments to coincide with your payroll dates. Many lenders will let you pay weekly or bi-weekly based on when you get your check. The good part of this method is there are some weeks where you are paid three times in a month which would mean extra payments are going towards your loan.

Related: 10 "money-saving" tips that actually leave you broke

2. Send a Little Extra

When you make your monthly loan payment, write the check out for more than what is required. For example, if your loan note is $735

dogsIf you're looking for the best pet-friendly restaurants, vets, and apartments, the new app "Where My Dogs At" is here for you. It's kind of a Yelp for dogs, and their people. The app also helps people find a myriad of other dog-related services: dog walkers, groomers, dog parks, pet supply stores, you name it.

The app has many of the features of other social networking tools, although instead of checking in, you "mark your territory." Businesses and locations are rated on a scale of zero to five paws.

Like Facebook, Where My Dogs At can also be used to share photos and meet other dog-minded people.

The app is free and available in both iPhone and droid formats. Co-founder Jonathan Kolker told the LA Times that he plans to monetize the app by offering geo-targeted ads, and offering an upgraded version people would pay for.

Kolker said he already plans to update the current app with sections for pet-friendly hotels and pet-related events.

Related: 12 reasons why dogs are

Before you book your summer vacation, check out what these hotels with the best kids' clubs have to offer. While you are relaxing on the beach, the kids can take surf or snorkeling lessons in the water. These top-rated kids' clubs are filled with fun and educational activities for children of all ages. All are safe and guaranteed to show you kids an amazingly fun time, whether in the sun, indoors, or whatever venue you choose. You are both sure to have a vacation to remember. Click through for 7 of the best hotel kids' clubs in the world! -By Jamie Morrison Curtis

MORE ON BABBLE

The 25 most luxurious hotel pools on the planet

The 10 strangest hotels you'll ever stay at

12 must-haves for traveling with kids