After a lengthy application process, Memphis City Schools is the lucky recipient of a $90 million gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The grant is to be used primarily to improve teacher performance. Over the course of seven years, teachers will be evaluated based on classroom performance as well as student's test scores. The most highly rated teachers will be moved to the most underperforming schools. Furthermore, teachers will receive a substantial increase in salary based on performance.

While there are certainly a number of problems plaguing the Memphis City Schools, we can only hope that this $90 million windfall can make a real difference in the education of our youth.

The Zippin Pippin was the first roller coaster I ever rode. I can't remember how old I was at the time, but I was still young enough that my dad had to check my height to make sure I could ride. I think he and I rode it three times that day. I was hooked.

Over the years, I have since ridden my fair share of other roller coasters. For me, none of them ever compared to the Pippin -- it was my first roller coaster love.

I read with sadness today that in the midst of the Libertyland demolition, a portion of the Zippin Pippin had been removed to see if the coaster was salvageable. Apparently, the outlook is not good -- much of the wood on the ride has rotted and it seems unlikely that it can or will be saved.

Nothing lasts forever. Of that I am well award. Nevertheless, when the Zippin Pippin comes down, I will undoubtedly mourn for that little piece of my past.

I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Nevertheless, Christmas is coming and some folks are ready to get into the holiday spirit. On Friday, the Memphis Zoo has just the thing to make that happen.

Zoo Lights will kick off on November 20, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. If you have never gone to Zoo Lights, it is the city's largest light display and features more than one million bulbs. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a flurry of snow and the sound of Christmas carols. From there, you'll walk through a wonderland of lights. Unfortunately, most of the animals are sleeping at night, but the lights provide plenty of entertainment on their own.

If you would like a sneak preview, check out these photos from last year's Zoo Lights.

Now that the weather has finally turned cool, crisp, and fall-like, the trees are beginning to explode in vibrant colors. Have you taken any pictures of the incredible reds, oranges, and yellows that autumn brings? Would you like to share those photos with About.com readers?

If so, please send me your photos in an email. Let me know how you want the photos credited and where the photos were taken. Thanks! I can't wait to see your pictures.