$500 to invest, where should I put it besides Savings or CD(s)?

sell short on netflix for the next month and buy to cover at 60. they been dropping so much!
i got in at 90 and gonna buy to cover at 60. of course selling short is always risky but netflix has been declining a lot.
i made about $ a few weeks ago on barnes and noble when they almost double to 26bux. sold short and cover at 19 on 25$ but rare opportunities.

im sorry i am only interested in short term investments mostly, especially with the way economy is going, is hard for our dollar to increase in value over the next 10 yrs so i'll never get into bonds because after inflation there isn't really much compare to a good cd.

No Load index funds are a good starting point. You can open an account at Fidelity, E*Trade, etc for no fees and get their advice. Suggest putting it into a ROTH IRA if eligible. You can withdraw the principal at any time with no penalties.

Earnings grow tax free until you retire.

I have a scottrade account and wouldn't recommend it unless you have a local branch. E*Trade and Fidelity FTW. would also consider Schwab or TDAmeritrade.