And away we go!

All traders, brokers, bankers, and market enthusiasts watch CNBC. Though I believe too much punditry can confuse and prejudice even the most savvy Wall Street junkie, it is a great network. From 'Morning Call' to Jimmy Cramer's 'Mad Money' to my personal favorite show for the hard core trader, 'Fast Money' (Dylan Ratigan is a tyrant of a host- Love him) it's a terrific source of information and entertainment. This is why I entered the Million Dollar Challenge on cnbc.com.

It's guilt free portfolio management at its best because you're trading fake dough. No need for pesky encumbrances like diversification, cash management, or even fear. CNBC gives you $1,000,000 to invest in any security on the AMEX, NYSE, or the NASDAQ, as long as the company has a market cap of +$500,000,000 (no small or microcaps please). It also bars you from options, comodities, currencies and derivatives trading, though to be honest 90% of the folks playing have no business in these types of securities, fake money or not.

My current "holdings"; CAT (Caterpiller to the newer folks) 335 shares, , and UNP (Union Pacific) 1000 shares, and Freeport McMoRan (FCX) 500 shares. Lot's of industrial extraction. My Sierra Club friends would have a coronary! Currently I'm in the top 30%. Not bad I guess. My portfolio certainly doesn't pass the diversification sniff test. CAT, FCX, and UNP are so closely linked that a sharp spike in oil prices could (and probably will) sink me faster than the Lusitania. I'm hedging against this risk with a nice dose of GSF (Global Santa Fe) which provides oil equipment and services. It's not enough to provide adequate cover by any stretch, but that's my plan. Who cares? The game ends May 14th. Fiduciary responsibilty be damned!

I'm lucky this week. The ISM factory index (Institute for Supply Management) came out this week and it rose to 54.7% in April from 50.9% in March, the private trade group reported Tuesday. It's the highest since 54.7% in May '06. Most economists were looking for the number to stay steady, so this casts some doubt on the earlier consensus that the US economy was going to slow a great deal more. The next report will be key. Plus we all wait on pins and needles for the FOMC meeting next week (May 9th). The majority of fedwatchers see overnight lending rate holding at 5.25%.

My luck held further as the price of crude dipped on this strong economic news. I was a bit suprised seeing as how that banana republic buffoon, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, made good on his threat to nationalize the Orinoco oil Belt. The leftist dictator has now put the extraction of his country's only real source of income into the incompetant hands of PDVSA, the Venezuelan state owned oil company. "Open investment will never return," he said late Monday to thousands of cheering workers dressed in the signature red of his self-styled leftist revolution at a rally for workers rights. Viva Chavez! Viva Starvacion!

Time to hit the gym. Since this is my second posting, we'll start with a solid base. We'll get more creative over time which should help both the uber busy market pros who are pressed for time and the hometraders who have to do household chores, pick up kids from soccer and get dinner in the oven. I'll even make sure you all are properly fed.

On the following exercises, you will want to lift about 75% of the maximum weight you can safely lift 6 times. So, for example, if you are able to bench press 180 lbs 6 times safely, during this workout you will want to aim for 135lbs. I highly suggest asking for assistance from a personal trainer at your gym if you're just starting out. They will help you do the exercises safely and perhaps even offer thier services. Better yet, get a workout partner. This will keep you both motivated to hit the gym consistently, and provide a means of competition! In future posts we'll be providing links to help you find a great gym in your area. If joining a gym is not in the cards right now, more "home friendly" workouts will also be provided. Plus, some great outdoor activities and workout routines so you can get out into this gorgeous spring weather.

Flat Bench Press (w/barbell): 3x10
Squat(w/barbell): 3x10
Shoulder Press(w/dumbell): 3x10
Calf Raises: 3x10
Curls(w/barbell): 3x10
Lat Pulldowns: 3x10

Cardio: 25-35 minutes at 60% speed on the treadmill or 75% speed on the eliptical.

This should give you a nice over all body pump. Make notes on the weight you are able to lift, how many times, etc. and keep track! You'll see steady improvement over time with effort and organization-just like when you trade.

Food:

Here is a great beginner's shopping list for the type of food you should be picking up at your grocery. Later I will come up with weekly menus, but for now just stock up on these goodies. Just having them in your fridge is a great first step to better eating habits for the kind of fuel you'll need to think and feel better. You don't have to shop at Whole Foods (WFMI on the NASDAQ) to get this stuff, although they are great. Especially if you want to buy orgnanic, which can't hurt.

Protein:
Turkey (ground or sliced), eggs, chicken breast (skinless), fish (tuna packed in water), salmon, tilapia, whey protein powder, jerky, lean beef

Fats: Unsalted or lightly salted nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts), lowfat swiss cheese, skim milk, olive oil, peanut butter (natural, low sugar/low salt if possible), lite cream cheese

Carbs (breads): Whole wheat/multigrain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, sweet potatoes, redskin potatoes, Triscuits, high fiber breakfast cereal, oatmeal.

Fruits and Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, 2 or 3 bags frozen/stirfry veggies, apples, bananas, pears, V-8 juice (low sodium)

Beverages: Water (lots!), OJ, V8 juice, coffee, green tea, and diet soda (if you gotta have that fizz like I do).

Fill up your shopping cart with these items and you are halfway to your goal of eating better at home and at work. I guarantee you'll have more energy while tackling the market, the gym, and your life.

Till next time, buy low, sell high, break a sweat every day and eat your veggies!