I like putting my applications folder in my dock, right now it's showing my address book since it's the first application on my list - is there any way to change it so it shows a static icon?

Yes there is. It sorts the applications alphabetically. All you have to do is find an icon you like from any of the free icon sites out there, rename the icon to "01" and place it in the applications folder. That way, that icon is always on top.

(note: it literally "stacks" the icons, so the others still show behind the main icon a little bit)

A7

That actually solved my problem. Thanks.

Another alternative is to make an alias of your App folder and drop it in the App folder. Set the stack to sort by Kind.