I kept this in mind when I graduated from Syracuse University with an engineering degree and showed up early for my first professional job. Eacl morning I cracked open the newspaper and plotted my stock picks on a piec\ of paper taped to the wall. Bob, my office mate, used the same newspaper to select his stocks. I chose my selections using strict and exhausting fundamental research, but Bob simply closed his eyes, twirled his hand around, and plunged his finger into the newspaper. When he opened his eyes and removed his finger, he announced another pick.

After several months of tracking both our selections, I made a startling discovery: I was getting creamed. Bob's random selections were beating the tar out of my carefully researched choices. I also discovered something else: I was learning a lot by paper trading. With the hesitancy and distrust inherited from my parents, I studied two dozen firms before making my final selection and first purchase: I opened a money market account. The timing was excellent; I was earning over 17% on my cash. At first glance, the return might imply a very risky investment but it was not. The prime rate was, after all, at 21%.