A few people have been asking me for some direction on starting to learn Ruby or programming in general, so I've compiled some links to get started.

Ruby:

Ruby in Twenty Minutes

Why's (Poignant) Guide to Ruby

Try Ruby in your browser

Programming Ruby (online book) this is good to own for reference too

Other Ruby resources

Rails:
(the framework for creating web applications in Ruby)

Installing locally (along with RubyGems)

Setting up your development environment on OS X 10.5

Creating a weblog in 15 minutes with Rails 2 (this links to a .mov)

RailsGuides - Getting Started

Lots of screencasts on different rails topics

News:

Reddt:Ruby

Ruby Inside

Rails Inside

In general, I've always said the best way to tackle a new programming language or framework is to have a very clearly defined goal you're working towards.  Something that has been eating away at your soul and has to be conquered -- the LESS you can live without figuring it out, the better.  So get ready to pull some hair out and scream some WTF!?'s at your computer like a maniac (if you didn't already do so) on your way to figuring this all out.  But trust me it's worth it!  

Good luck all!

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