Deer-hunting officer

Thumbs up to officials in Muscle Shoals for upholding the termination of former policeman Greg Scoggins. Scoggins was arrested and accused of shooting and killing a deer on Tennessee Valley Authority property while on duty. He certainly has a right to appeal his dismissal, but part of his argument is that other police officers in Muscle Shoals have done bad things without being fired. That is akin to a speeder complaining to police that other speeders did not get a ticket.

Russian adoptions

Thumbs down to political leaders in Russia for rushing through a law in less than 10 days to ban Americans from adopting Russian children. The ban is in retaliation for a new U.S. law calling for sanctions on Russians identified as human-rights violators. The ban has left many hopeful couples in limbo as to whether their adoptions will be approved. Children who need a good home and who could have a wonderful opportunity in the United States should not be punished because the two governments are feuding.

Shoals music plays Moulton

Thumbs up to organizers of the 2013 Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival in Moulton for choosing so many talented musical acts with Muscle Shoals connections to perform at the event. The 13 bands include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, who performed in November on "The Late Show with David Letterman." The event will be April 12-14. Last year's festival drew about 14,000 visitors, officials said.

UNA film honors

Thumbs up the film and digital media program at the University of North Alabama for being named the top film school by Reelshow International. Reelshow hosts films from students and recent graduates for free. The UNA program, which is only five years old, ranked higher than film programs from Canada, India, United Kingdom, New Zealand and programs across the United States. That is quite an honor.