I am new and am pleased to make your acquaintance!

Hello all. I didn't see anywhere else to put this, so please forgive my intrusion on this section of the forums, but it is my favorite section, so, where better to post? I'm 26 and until recently didn't have a significant enough bankroll to seriously look at trading as an investment strategy. I've been relegated mostly to mutual funds and GIC's which I've lost money on, until now. I've been reading this forum for a short time. Probably the last month or so. I've been very interested in what you guys have to say.

I am quite new to all of this and am lacking on most general and basic knowledge regarding the stock markets of the world. I am trying to learn quickly as I think investing my money is an important aspect of financial health. I plan on investing most of my money in a dividend paying conservative portfolio. However, I do want to buy and sell in some volatile stock in order to make some good gains with my play money while the bulk of my assest are relatively stable.

This is why I am here.

Do any of you have any serious advice for a beginner? Could any of you share with me the online resources/chart making programs or websites/forum communities and books that might help me learn more about trading?

Also, I am especially interested in sites like this one where hot tips, news and stock picks are posted which if acted upon quickly can yield good gains. Of course, I would only do so after some personal research on my own part, but it never hurts to have someone shine the spotlight on a stock you've never heard of before.

Again, sorry for posting this here. I appreciate all of your time in reading this and greatly appreciate any/all advice you have to offer me. Thank you very very much.