Thought it would be time for a little fun.  Over the next 7 years your only allowed to own 1 stock what would that stock be and why?

My selection would be Markel (MKL).  This company is my idea company of how a business should be ran.  They will not write unprofitable insurance just to gain market share.  The working enviorment they have created seems more like a rollback to the 70's where employees were actually loyal.  In my eyes this is partly b/c employees have the power to make things happen and are not bogged down by politics.  As far as management goes, they are some of the brightest in my view with a great sense of humor.  Most importantly when they make mistakes they own up to them, they don't sugercoat the ugly.  Management is very focused in what they want and does not acquire companies just for the sake of acquiring them.  Last but not least they are shareholder friendly!

I'll take Yum Brands. With YUM, you get a good defensive play for the economic slowdown in the US and a fabulous growth play in China. In addition, let's not forget the respectable 2% dividend yield. It's a buy on every dip below $35. Alternativley, write the $35 puts when it's trading above $35.

If you've ever been to Beijing, there's two restaurant chains that dominate the market: McDonalds and KFC. The Chinese love them for their American style menus and atmosphere, and the westerners flock to them for the clean bathrooms and hygenic food preparation.