You I do fairly regularly. Have done exceptionally well on several stocls and pretty poorly on a couple others. Ford was/is a great one for me, along with a couple nat gas companies. I've picked up a couple REITs recently and am enjoying the high dividends from them. The fact that they have increased several percentage points is a great thing as well. Do your homework and dont invest with scared money is the best advice I've been given, and can pass along.
Google has a free portfolio program, google finance, that allows you to track a real, or trial portfolio. Great way to get your toes wet.