Forget the layer palette!
To quickly select a layer visible on the canvas:
Command+Option+right-click (Mac)
Control+Alt+right-click (Win)

Would you like to buy gold for $1.43?
Don't be fooled by the crappy title, it's a gem. I have several of
them laying around the house and to say that it has helped me is an
understatement.

If you want to make quality independent films with a low-budget, guess what?
You're going to need a lot of friends!
You'll need friends that will help accomplish your vision.


Pick it up at your local library or buy it at any respectable second hand bookstores.

Preview the book here:
How To Win Friends and Influence People

 This is for the dreamers, for the people that are prepared to ditch what they're doing and focus on their dream of making a movie.
It's a tough road but a very rewarding one.
I've been on this road for more than 7 years, and it all started with a dream.
If you haven't made a movie but are thinking of it, do yourself a favor and read it.
I haven't met a filmmaker who has not read it.

STORY: The story of a man who wanted to make a movie without a crew, millions, and without digital cinema. The making of EL MARIACHI by Robert Rodriguez.
Very recommended to any artist.

Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player

I'm a freelancer, I have a family of three, so I am making a living surviving to do exactly two things:

1. provide for my family
2. fulfill my latest filmmaking dream (THE HEART of TREVIÑO)

Anyway, my point is I cannot afford the cool $100+ dollar keyboard specifically made for Avid.
A long time ago I put stickers on mine and that's the way it is, I learned the shortcuts and now I'm even sticker-less.
If you just bought Avid, or just bought the Avid upgrade then your box came with stickers, if you don't have the stickers you can buy them really cheap here:
B&H or eBay