Regarding John's situation:  Well since lot of you already gave good advice, I only have few words.  I started with Virtual Trading and learned a lot even though it is slow.  I learned to keep losses short and used trailing stops for the ones giving profits.  I also called for help by using different brokers.  I learned by doing all paper money (not real money) for a while.  Finally, I stopped loosing and started making profits and got into real market (still very cautious).  Following are my recommendations to start with (I am sure there is a lot more):

Review pre market gainers/losers (before market opens0 and market trend (dow, nadaq, S&P, oil etc.).

Only trade money with 2-5% risk during learning, then trade more once you are confident.

Charts:  Always draw channels & look at mac D etc.  Use the mechanicals. 

Have a plan for your exit & entry points) and keep an eye on those charts or use automatic system (to keep emotions out).

Minimize your losses (stop loss)

Listen to Matt & Steve's wrap up everyday.

Use the strategies that work best for you.

I hope this helps :)