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Comments

1. #101
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:09 pm, melinda said:

   I’ve always wanted to be a great Actress, so on this post acheivement day I am deeply grateful to the academy and to God almighty for granting me this Oscar. I worked hard on this film, and I also would like to thank my fellow cast and crew. Thanks!

   … Where was Kanye West to say , “I really don’t think you deserve this, but imma let you finish…. “

2. #102
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:11 pm, hadsil said:

   I deserve:

   The World Series MVP award, Best Actor Oscar, and Mr. Olympia.

3. #103
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:12 pm, melinda said:

   I think that’s a great idea for a YouTube video, in hindsight…

   Will someone create “Kanye West Interrupts Barack Obama” ? LOL

4. #104
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:18 pm, AlohaGuy said:

   Will someone create “Kanye West Interrupts Barack Obama” ? LOL

   Well in this case Beyonce is more deserving…

5. #105
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:32 pm, Some Guy said:

   Pre-Achievement Unlocked!!

   Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

6. #106
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:40 pm, Laree said:

   On December 10th, 2009 at 12:30 pm, JonB said:

   No shock at all that he canceled so much of his trip and turned down the invitation from the king.

   He got his bling, and that’s all that matters to him.

   The King wasn’t Japanese or Saudi Arabian. Sorry King Your Just Not Diverse Enough To Bow To. “That’s Just Not The Kind Of Photo Op Our Nobel Prize Winner, Is Looking For” Obama: But Thanks For Playing.

7. #107
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:52 pm, Dan Lee said:

   I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to get a Grammy Award.. I think they should give it that now though, my mantle has a space on it..

8. #108
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:53 pm, babiesgrandma said:

   My “slight” accomplishment was getting to work this a.m. without an accident – this white global warming was slicker than owl-stuff. I think I have suffered enough for my award…

9. #109
   On December 10th, 2009 at 1:57 pm, purealchemy said:

   This may have already been mentioned.
   He did the same thing to the Sarkozy’s and when Gordon Brown came here.
   I thought he was supposed to be mending our broken relations with other countries.

   Barack Obama’s trip to Oslo to pick up his Nobel peace award is in danger of being overshadowed by a row over the cancellation of a series of events normally attended by the prizewinner.

   Norwegians are incensed over what they view as his shabby response to the prize by cutting short his visit.

   The White House has cancelled many of the events peace prize laureates traditionally submit to, including a dinner with the Norwegian Nobel committee, a press conference, a television interview, appearances at a children’s event promoting peace and a music concert, as well as a visit to an exhibition in his honour at the Nobel peace centre.

   He has also turned down a lunch invitation from the King of Norway.

   According to a poll published by the daily tabloid VG, 44% of Norwegians believe it was rude of Obama to cancel his scheduled lunch with King Harald, with only 34% saying they believe it was acceptable.

   “Of all the things he is cancelling, I think the worst is cancelling the lunch with the king,” said Siv Jensen, the leader of the largest party in opposition, the populist Progress party. “This is a central part of our government system. He should respect the monarchy,” she told VG

10. #110
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:02 pm, FirstSkirt said:

    I am pretty confident that I’m going to do something really important in the future, so I deserve my “Future Accomplishment Award”. Thank you.

11. #111
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:07 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 1:18 pm, AlohaGuy said:
    Will someone create “Kanye West Interrupts Barack Obama” ? LOL
    Well in this case Beyonce is more deserving…

    Beyonce is well bing bing!

12. #112
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:08 pm, babiesgrandma said:

    Didn’t have the stomach to watch his speech this a.m. Does anyone know – did he give a “shout-out” to anyone?

13. #113
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:11 pm, purealchemy said:

    Sorry, b-cat, for the duplication. I saw it on Drudge also.

    On December 10th, 2009 at 12:30 pm, JonB said:
    No shock at all that he canceled so much of his trip and turned down the invitation from the king.

    He got his bling, and that’s all that matters to him.

    You see, if he accepted all those invites it would cut into his daily ritual of keepin’ those pecs glistening.
    I’m REALLY tempted to say something overtly racist but I will restrain myself.

14. #114
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:16 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    That picture is classic. If I didn’t know better, I’d say his mom took it.

    “Barry, hold up your awards. A little higher. Now smile! (click) We’ll send copies to all the relatives!”

15. #115
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:24 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Obama needs to receive a book on manners for Christmas. His ego even eclipses the Federal deficit.

16. #116
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:25 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:16 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    That picture is classic. If I didn’t know better, I’d say his mom took it.

    ….or Biden.

17. #117
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:26 pm, Speakup said:

    In honor of President Barack Obama’s acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think we should declare today Happy National Post-Achievement Day.

    In honor of President Barack Obama’s acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think we should declare today Happy National NO-Achievement Day.

18. #118
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:27 pm, purealchemy said:

    Manners have been redefined by this White House. They plan on reshaping America on all levels. The old manners are too “white”.

19. #119
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:42 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

    I put on my shoes today, does that qualify?

20. #120
    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:44 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 2:42 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:
    I put on my shoes today, does that qualify?

    Only if you got them on the right feet this time.

21. #121
    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:02 pm, oldcollegeguy1980 said:

    “My accomplishments are slight of hand”

    Just like my Birth Certificate

    “I wish my father Frank Marshall Davis could have been here to see you Europeans bowing before me”

    “Long Live Stalin and Marx

    Death to the Infidel”

    That about covers it

22. #122
    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:04 pm, emjem24 said:

    It’s nice how mediocrity and “showing up” is “awarded.” Then again, this moron doesn’t realize he’s just another precious Chia pet of the moment to Europeans. The joke’s on him.

    Europeans can say how “understanding” and “reasonable” they are but when their failed, socialist policies boomerang on them and then on us, it’s not a good recipe for surivival. It’s kind of amazing that Europeans can’t get over themselves long enough to realize that their racism and need for low wage labor and permissive immigration practices have allowed themselves to be overtaken and outproduced.

    Minorities are nothing but precious pets to Europeans. Just more cover for bad policy and decision-making.

23. #123
    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:07 pm, spaceycakes said:

    cicerokid said:
    Rumor is he has been pre-selected to win his second prize in 2010.

    cicerokid said:
    I deserve a Peabody for my last post.

    LOL. I think I might have to put those on my facebook page.

24. #124
    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:37 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

    cicerokid said:
    I deserve a Peabody for my last post.

    Here you go!

25. #125
    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:44 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

    Danceswithdachshunds said: I put on my shoes today, does that qualify?

    Rogue Cheddar said: Only if you got them on the right feet this time.

    What can I do, I only have two left feet?

26. #126
    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:49 pm, nail49 said:

    What can I do, I only have two left feet?

    DWD: Two lefts don’t make a right!

27. #127
    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:56 pm, marsouin said:

    If he had any amount of dignity and honor, Obama would have declined and suggested other names truly deserving of the award. Instead, we get a shallow opportunist. Dear World, I’m ashamed of my President and the actions he inflicts on humanity. may his regime be a short one.

28. #128
    On December 10th, 2009 at 4:03 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 3:49 pm, nail49 said:

    Two lefts don’t make a right!

    Correct.
    But three lefts do make a right…

29. #129
    On December 10th, 2009 at 4:21 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:53 am, jangar said:
    Norwegians are incensed over what they view as his shabby response to the prize by cutting short his visit.
    Well Norway, feel free to keep him. He’s all yours.

    I think Obama would feel out of place being the only black person in the whole country. Why do you think he is in such a hurry to get out of there? Is is biggoted against white blonds.

30. #130
    On December 10th, 2009 at 4:54 pm, purealchemy said:

    Hey, happy!

    Still hunkered down in the storm cellar?

31. #131
    On December 10th, 2009 at 5:56 pm, CO2 Producer said:

    I beat the Medal of Honor video game, so they actually awarded me one. Heck yeah, I took it! They originally offered me a Purple Heart for sore thumbs I acquired from a particularly intense battle, but that wasn’t good enough.

    I won the Powerball jackpot, too, even though I picked the wrong numbers. Heck yeah, I took it! Spent it all on my mom’s new offshore oil rig.

    But they took my Nobel Prize for Science away when I opened a soda can, so I coughed on a chrysanthemum. In your face, oxygen suckers!

32. #132
    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:03 pm, MtsEdge said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:53 am, jangar said:
    Norwegians are incensed over what they view as his shabby response to the prize by cutting short his visit.
    Well Norway, feel free to keep him. He’s all yours.

    #855140On December 10th, 2009 at 9:54 am, jangar said:
    He has also turned down a lunch invitation from the King of Norway.
    Oops…no bowbow here!

    I agree, those fools got what they deserved. Don’t they know, Obama don’t bow to no white man!

33. #133
    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:05 pm, 24Klady said:

    The Norwegians cannot complain about his shoddy behavior toward their monarch. After all, were they not the ones that handed him that little unearned dust gathering trophy?

34. #134
    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:09 pm, shooter said:

    I won the “Presidential Achievement Award”!!!

    Kind of oxymoronic, huh?.?!

35. #135
    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:15 pm, MtsEdge said:

    P.S. The Crowder video was pretty good. I’ve shared it w/a number of folks since Michelle first exposed us to it several weeks ago.

    Note to trolls: In the vid, he says “curb” AIDS in Africa, not “CURE”.

36. #136
    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:28 pm, zorro said:

    my accomplishments are slight.

    As are his efforts to uphold and defend our Constitution.

37. #137
    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:33 pm, purealchemy said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:05 pm, 24Klady said:
    The Norwegians cannot complain about his shoddy behavior toward their monarch. After all, were they not the ones that handed him that little unearned dust gathering trophy?

    Wakeup call for the Norwegians!
    Don’t you think they are feeling pretty stupid right now????

38. #138
    On December 10th, 2009 at 6:52 pm, old trooper said:

    +10 Zorro!

39. #139
    On December 10th, 2009 at 7:37 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

    jangar said: He has also turned down a lunch invitation from the King of Norway.
    Oops…no bowbow here!

    Well of course, what are Norwegians good for after you get your Nobel Peas Prize?

40. #140
    On December 10th, 2009 at 7:48 pm, purealchemy said:

    Oh, dear folks,

    the Norwegians are good for a whole lot of stuff.

    They are very refined.

41. #141
    On December 10th, 2009 at 7:58 pm, purealchemy said:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N56rTtXPhls&feature=related

    All you here who complain about the trolls would do well to observe that origin.

42. #142
    On December 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pm, swede said:

    the Norwegians are good for a whole lot of stuff.

    Norwegians have accomplished nothing of significance since Leif Ericson in, what, 1,000 A.D.? Swedes, on the other hand have greatly improved life on the planet.

43. #143
    On December 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm, Kingfish said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pm, swede said:

    Norwegians have accomplished nothing of significance since Leif Ericson in, what, 1,000 A.D.? Swedes, on the other hand have greatly improved life on the planet.

    Come on now swede….don’t try and tell me that the Twice a Year Sales event at IKEA means nothing to you

    Your post sounds like sour grapes.

44. #144
    On December 10th, 2009 at 8:57 pm, purealchemy said:

    KINGFISH!

    YOU LIE!

    You are so busted!

    I just caught you here while you are at the same time emailing me at home.

45. #145
    On December 10th, 2009 at 8:58 pm, swede said:

    Kingfish – Swedish models and Volvos. Nuf said.

46. #146
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:01 pm, purealchemy said:

    SSSQQQUUUUUEEEEE!

    My uber-hero Kingfish has FINALLY arrived!

47. #147
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:02 pm, Kingfish said:

    Oh, and swede….you forgot ABBA, Swedish Erotica and Swedish Fish for the betterment of Mankind. ‘nuf said

48. #148
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:05 pm, purealchemy said:

    THis it tooo goood!

49. #149
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:06 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 4:54 pm, purealchemy said:
    Hey, happy!

    Still hunkered down in the storm cellar?

    Hey Pure…haven’t stepped outside for 3 days! No need to. Glenn Beck said to stock up in a fruit cellar like grandma had, and that is what we have done. We can survive with what we have for at least 3 months, long enough for spring to arrive.

50. #150
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:10 pm, swede said:

    pure – Sit down. Breathe slowly.

    Kingfish – Are you…a Nordski? The things you present were perpetrated by the Norwegians to defame Sweden.

51. #151
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:10 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Norwegians have accomplished nothing of significance since Leif Ericson in, what, 1,000 A.D.? Swedes, on the other hand have greatly improved life on the planet.

    Hey Swede, them are fighing words! Care to step outside? Ever hear of lutefisk? Pickled herring? White sauce?

52. #152
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:12 pm, purealchemy said:

    Hey, happy,

    Are we like best DAR WASP girlfriends forever?

    Glenn Beck made Baabaa Waawaa Top Ten list of Most Fascinating People, as did Sarah Palin. I give her credit for that.

    I picked a bunch of apples that were supposed to keep for the winter in my fridge but they went soft so I cooked them.

53. #153
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm, Kingfish said:

    Happy you could do well not to mention lutefisk (aqquired taste and all). Swede, I have to cross off the swedish erotica because the Norwegians gave use Vidkun Quisling after all. Low blow.

54. #154
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:17 pm, purealchemy said:

    *gasp*

55. #155
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:19 pm, swede said:

    Happy – Ah, our resident Minnesotan. Olie and Svenland. Reluctantly, I must concede the pickled herring, but likely it wsa lifted from the sweedes.

56. #156
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:21 pm, bjc said:

    *Aren’t Norwegians just descendants of the snow injuns, or is it the other way around?

57. #157
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:23 pm, Kingfish said:

    Swede: How can you tell the difference between a Norwegian viking and a swedish one?

58. #158
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:23 pm, purealchemy said:

    Cardamon.

59. #159
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:24 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:12 pm, purealchemy said:
    Hey, happy,

    Are we like best DAR WASP girlfriends forever?

    Glenn Beck made Baabaa Waawaa Top Ten list of Most Fascinating People, as did Sarah Palin. I give her credit for that.

    You betcha!!

    I also agree with Michelle Obama being the most fascinating person of the year. I am completely fascinated with how she is able to get her mouth closed with all those teeth!!

60. #160
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:25 pm, purealchemy said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:10 pm, swede said:
    pure – Sit down. Breathe slowly.

    Kingfish – Are you…a Nordski? The things you present were perpetrated by the Norwegians to defame Sweden.

    swede, if I were you, I’d be ………

61. #161
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:25 pm, zyzzyg said:

    “Whatever mistakes we have made, the plain fact is this: the United States of America has helped underwrite global security for more than six decades with the blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms. The service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform has promoted peace and prosperity from Germany to Korea, and enabled democracy to take hold in places like the Balkans. We have borne this burden not because we seek to impose our will. We have done so out of enlightened self-interest – because we seek a better future for our children and grandchildren, and we believe that their lives will be better if other peoples’ children and grandchildren can live in freedom and prosperity.”

    BRILLIANT!

    That is what the USA is all about.

62. #162
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:26 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm, Kingfish said:
    Happy you could do well not to mention lutefisk (aqquired taste and all).

    You’re right, Kingfish. Even I don’t like it!! But then, I am not 100% Norwegian. I am a true Mutt…part English, part Norwegian, part German, part Dutch, part Native American, etc.

63. #163
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:28 pm, purealchemy said:

    You betcha!!

    I also agree with Michelle Obama being the most fascinating person of the year. I am completely fascinated with how she is able to get her mouth closed with all those teeth!!

    Her teeth are the least of her worries.

64. #164
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:30 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:25 pm, zyzzyg said:

    Um…saying something and actually meaning it are two different things.

65. #165
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:31 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Her teeth are the least of her worries.

    You’re right. She also has that butt…

    But enough about her husband.

66. #166
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:37 pm, purealchemy said:

    No kidding about that butt.

    WHY does she wear those horizontal stripes???

67. #167
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:40 pm, Kingfish said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:37 pm, purealchemy said:

    WHY does she wear those horizontal stripes???

    Just showing her street cred as an escaped prisoner from Arapaho County…

68. #168
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pm, swede said:

    Swede: How can you tell the difference between a Norwegian viking and a swedish one?

    Their hats. Norskis had the helmets with the horns. Swedes had much more practical head gear.

69. #169
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pm, purealchemy said:

    Kingfish,

    You just sent me flowers at work.

70. #170
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:43 pm, Kingfish said:

    Swede: nice try but no

71. #171
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:55 pm, jangar said:

    These liberals have more personality deffects and quirks than any group in history

    Fixed.

72. #172
    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:58 pm, happyscrapper said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:37 pm, purealchemy said:
    No kidding about that butt.

    WHY does she wear those horizontal stripes???

    Because she has the same advisors as her husband. Bad advice all around.

    I have to get off the computer now…my husband needs it to do some work. That spoilsport!!

73. #173
    On December 10th, 2009 at 10:18 pm, jangar said:

    WHY does she wear those horizontal stripes???

    Slimming effect.

    Or leftover fabric from someone’s curtains.

74. #174
    On December 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm, jangar said:

    Slimming effect.

    I meant reverse slimming effect. Sorry.

75. #175
    On December 11th, 2009 at 12:19 am, Dread Pirate Roberts VIII said:

    Kid cracks me up. Good fun.

76. #176
    On December 11th, 2009 at 1:47 am, Kini said:

    So much for Pathos

77. #177
    On December 11th, 2009 at 3:43 am, ssnark said:

    On December 11th, 2009 at 1:47 am, Kini said:

    So much for Pathos

    What, I thought this was Bathos! A dramatic attempt at pathos that becomes a comedy. Darn those Geeks, I mean, Greeks.

78. #178
    On December 11th, 2009 at 4:11 am, MirCat said:

    You see, it’s not Obama that was awarded the Peace Prize. It was awarded to Hope. Obama simply accepted the award because Hope has no hands of it’s own.

    Yeah, I just threw-up a little writing that.

    - The Cat

    P.S. It’s like Time’s person of the Year. It’s You!

79. #179
    On December 11th, 2009 at 8:20 am, Dennis D said:

    Any man with a shred of integrity or self respect would have rejected an award they know they did not earn.

80. #180
    On December 11th, 2009 at 8:33 am, BOB said:

    Can I be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame?

81. #181
    On December 11th, 2009 at 8:49 am, jangar said:

    BOB said:

    Can I be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame?

    What…for air guitar? Suuure!

82. #182
    On December 11th, 2009 at 9:19 am, BOB said:

    On December 11th, 2009 at 8:49 am, jangar said:
    BOB said:

    Can I be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame?
    What…for air guitar? Suuure!

    Air guitar is OK..but, I’m 66 now and plan to begin singing and playing the guitar when I turn 70. I then plan on becoming a worldwide phenomenon bigger than Elvis and The Rolling Stones combined. Even bigger than William Hung!!

    But, I’d like my Hall of Fame award now please. lol

83. #183
    On December 11th, 2009 at 9:52 am, purealchemy said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:10 pm, swede said:
    pure – Sit down. Breathe slowly

    Yes, Mr. Gibbs.

84. #184
    On December 11th, 2009 at 11:21 am, purealchemy said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:23 pm, Kingfish said:

    Swede: How can you tell the difference between a Norwegian viking and a swedish one

    swede, care to try again? I know the correct answer, or at least the one KF was looking for.

85. #185
    On December 11th, 2009 at 4:20 pm, zyzzyg said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 9:30 pm, happyscrapper said: #855620

    Um…saying something and actually meaning it are two different things.

    Agreed.

    What did you say and did you mean it?

86. #186
    On December 11th, 2009 at 7:49 pm, purealchemy said:

    On December 10th, 2009 at 7:37 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

    Well of course, what are Norwegians good for after you get your Nobel Peas Prize

    On December 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pm, swede said:

    Norwegians have accomplished nothing of significance since Leif Ericson in, what, 1,000 A.D.? Swedes, on the other hand have greatly improved life on the planet

    Woe to both of you. I have done some homework and found out that Norway is at the pinnacle of wealth in the world.
    They are blessed with natural resources to rival the Middle East. Also ranked as the best country to live in the world. Okay, by the UN, but still, it’s hard not to be impressed.

87. #187
    On December 12th, 2009 at 9:07 am, jangar said:

    Norway is at the pinnacle of wealth in the world.
    They are blessed with natural resources to rival the Middle East.

    Exactly WHAT would that be?

88. #188
    On December 12th, 2009 at 10:53 am, purealchemy said:

    After the Second World War, the country experienced rapid economic growth, the first two decades due to the Norwegian shipping and merchant marine and domestic industrialization, from the early 1970s a result of large oil deposits discovered in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea. Today it ranks as the wealthiest country in the world,[8][9][10] with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation. In August 2009 the nation’s sovereign wealth fund announced that it owned approximately 1% of all the stocks in the world, presumably referring to publicly traded stocks. Norway is the world’s seventh largest oil exporter[11] and the petroleum industry accounts for around a quarter of its GDP.[12] Following the ongoing financial crisis of 2007-2009, bankers have deemed the Norwegian krone to be one of the most solid currencies in the world.[13]

    Norway also has rich resources of gas fields, hydropower, fish, forests and minerals. The country was the second largest exporter of seafood (in value, after the People’s Republic of China) in 2006.[14] Other main industries include shipping, food processing, shipbuilding, metals, chemicals, mining, fishing and pulp and paper products. Norway maintains a Scandinavian welfare model with universal healthcare, subsidised higher education and a comprehensive social security system. Norway was ranked highest of all countries in human development from 2001 to 2007,[15] and then again in 2009[16], and is by the UN ranked as best country to live in[17][18]. It was also rated the most peaceful country in the world in a 2007 survey by Global Peace Index.[19]

    -Wiki

89. #189
    On December 12th, 2009 at 10:57 am, purealchemy said:

    Economy – overview:
    The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources – petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals – and is highly dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world’s third-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has slipped to seventh-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994; nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state revenue from the petroleum sector in a sovereign wealth fund. After lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell to 2.6% in 2008 as a result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

    – C.I.A.