And you're asking here? Dear gods, I thought you had some semblance of common sense? =O You're doomed!
I would avoid manufactoring stock in the US, for... I dunno, a lifetime, but some tech stocks especially communications are hot, but randomly so. As far as having money to 'throw away' I'd aim towards modest interest rate CD's or diversified investment funds. Betting on stocks is for the young of blood and heart with plenty of capitol to backup failure.
If you're looking for safe bets it's simple, aim for the most diversified fund you can find that is foretasted to outperform inflation for the next 5 years. Otherwise tuck it away in a matress or interest bering savings acount and do your research. NEVER bet on something anyone tells you anything about, if you want to be an investor in a stock, try to be a principle in a stock looking for investors willing to takes a risk but with sound foundations, and first and foremost don't be afraid to lose your money.