What's going on with this lightswitch (two wires to bottom connect, not connected on top)
The electrical "loop" from switch to switch is actually common when the black wire (on a white neutral wiring setup) is used to power several switches in a box (lights, fan).

It prevents connecting each one separately via a marette (pressure wire connector).  Some will argue that it's a better way to connect them since there is no risk that any wire is badly seated in the marrete.  

It's also much easier to replace switches individually this way.