Trying to start with Ruby, and Rails, seperately

< ^ > P N |<>|^_>< --- | ~ ...Help

Hi,

I'm looking to start learning Ruby, and Rails, but one at a time.  I am 
seeking opinions on how I should start... what resources I should be 
using, what programs, what the best set up for learning is... and then 
how I should proceed.  Any help is greatly apprecaited.

Thanks!

-e