Right before the holidays, I received a very nice present - a message notifying me that the blogger at  Ink Chromatography had nominated this blog for a Liebster Blog Award.  Ink Chromatography is a lovely blog written by Steph in Providence, RI. The title refers to a technique used to separate different colored dyes in an ink mixture, resulting in a band of colors that resembles tie-dye. Steph has a knack for picking interesting science stories and writing about them in a way that is engaging and illuminating. I thank her very much for the honor of this nomination and recommend that you visit her blog now!Liebster is a German word that means “dearest." The Liebster Award celebrates up-and-coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The aim is to spread the word about exceptional blogs that deserve more readership, by having each recipient of the Liebster Award highlight five blogs that he or she feels stands out in a crowd.The rules are as follows:

1. Show thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from some of the most supportive people on the internet—other writers and artists.
5. And best of all – have fun and spread the karma.

These are my five nominations!

• TauroScatology - opinionated science, in the best way possible.  The most recent post is a long-read on hockey and concussions combining love of the sport with knowledge of brain anatomy and compassion for the players.
• AnimalWise - "A celebration of animal intelligence in its many forms." Full of respect and admiration for the myriad abilities of our fellow animals, both weird and wonderful.
• How Animals Do It  - exactly what it sounds like. Everything you wanted to know about animal sex but were too afraid to ask.
• Curious Terrain - news, stories, and analysis of issues related to soil, food, agriculture, and environmental science. You haven't really understood soil until you've read this blog.
• Pipettes and Paintbrushes - musings on the intersection of science and art, as well as some thoughts on academic life.

Thank you again to Ink Chromatography. Blogging can be a lonely business, especially when it feels like your words are tumbling about the internet and not reaching anyone. To all my fellow bloggers, you are appreciated. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to more from all of you in the new year.