Patrick and Monica

Novell, Inc. [NOVL] Stock Certificate

Back in the day (think IPX/SPX and token ring networks), Novell was a force to be reckoned with. Before Microsoft got their act together in the server industry, Novell was the solution of choice for a large number of businesses. Novell has successfully transformed itself over the years and continues to produce impressive products. Recently, they moved into the Linux market segment by purchasing SuSE Linux. With the current version of their server product, they are migrating their customer base into the Linux server world by porting their proprietary software to their Linux platform.

Cisco Systems, Inc. [CSCO] Stock Certificate

Cisco is like The Force if the Internet were the Star Wars universe ... it surrounds us and penetrates us ... it binds the galaxy together. From the backbone to the last mile, Cisco products dominate the networking industry.

Apple, Inc. [AAPL] Stock Certificate

Apple's stock is booming these days thanks to the uberhyped iPhone.

I was fairly disappointed with this stock certificate. While it has an excellent design and color scheme, it has a few things about it that aren't quite right. First off is it's size. They chose the strange format of 8.5 by 11 inches instead of the familiar 8 x 12 inch paper size. The second thing "wrong" with the stock is that it feels like it was printed on a common laser printer using common paper. Most stock certificates feel almost like a crisp dollar bill -- they almost feel engraved.

Hmm... an Apple product having excellent visual appeal, yet failing to fully deliver the whole package... sound familiar?

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. [RGR] Stock Certificate

Ruger is is one of the biggest firearms manufacturers out there. The Ruger brand is a sign of quality, safety, and accuracy. Ruger long guns and handguns are often used for competition target shooting.

Coach, Inc. [COH] Stock Certificate

Santa brought Monica this Stock Certificate. It was framed by OneShare in a mahogany frame with a plaque that reads "Forget Ralph and Tiffany. We know you love us, and we love you too. -- Coach."