Thumbs up to a real milestone: the fact that cancer deaths in the U.S. have dropped for the second year in a row. That is seen as solid evidence that the trend not only is real but also is becoming more pronounced.

Thumbs up, in more medical news, to a report by researchers at the Berkeley Pit in Butte that the toxic water in the former mine -- actually, the bacteria that manage to live in it -- might well have promise for treating a variety of human diseases. How cool if that evil stuff turns out to be good stuff in the end.

Thumbs down to an ignominious way to go. In Missoula last week, the body of a would-be burglar was found stuck inside a roof duct of a hobby store. Missoula County Deputy Coroner Brad Giffin said the death was caused by positional asphyxiation, apparently an occupational hazard in such endeavors.

Thumbs up to a consultant for downtown Helena who recommended better signage to help visitors find their way to the central business district. A particularly interesting comment: He said that when entering Helena from all the major highways, "It looks more like a casino town than an art town."