surprised and ecstatic!

The nobel committee has redeemed itself with the wise choice of placing "good judgement and deeper understanding over mathematical rigor and convention" awarding Ostrom and Williamson.

"...surprised and deeply humbled"

I was surprised and deeply intrigued by the award committee's algorithm for anointing nominees as nobel laureates. I recouped in a couple of minutes on realization that this was the 'peace' prize and often awarded with motives rather than candidate's credentials. That is, the committee's expectations about future work by the awardee and how much the recognition could further such efforts. History of nobel peace is replete with evidence for such criteria: the Gore-IPCC award for being climate change cassandras in 2007, Arafat et al in 1994 and Kissinger in 1973 comes to mind.
Obama does score huge points for the strategic intent criteria. He has inherited a host of problems as he stepped into office, has a hysteric fan base within the US (and outside) willing to dream along or be swayed by his `charm and speech', has laid out a series of peace plans he intends to meet deadlines on, and someone who would want to merit (or seem like) high honors. His acceptance statements seems to be indicative: does not "view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments," but rather "call for action".

Alright, kudos Obama.