This must be the month for notable anniversaries. Ten years ago today the first pitch was thrown at Safeco Field, the new home for the Seattle Mariners. I had only attended one Mariners game in the Kingdome, but it definitely didn't fell like a ballpark. Most years I've been to at least one game at Safeco, and it feels right, with the open air and great views all around. Even when high against the upper railing behind home plate (nose bleed territory) we could still see everything that was going on.

Mariners fans are used to Ichiro Suzuki getting hits, and it seems he does so every game. Of course he doesn't, but one doesn't get 200 hits every season without putting together some impressive streaks. Ichiro just ended a 27 game hitting streak last night, the second-longest streak in the Major leagues this season.

Sam Maloof passed away last week, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. To those who appreciated his furniture, he was best known for his rocking chairs. To those who were further interested in his methods for building furniture, he was famous for his freehand technique on the bandsaw, sculpting with the tool. Fine Woodworking also set up a tribute page.