Integer(gets), works well if you enter any integer apart from 0, which
complains about "0\n" not being a valid integer. As expected,
Integer(gets.chomp) works for all integers, including 0.

Is it just me, or is this a tad bit weird? If it is not weird, then I
assume that I am weird for thinking it is weird so could somebody please
enlighten me on the source of my weirdness? 

All this is happening on Ruby 1.8.6 running on an Etch/Lenny/Sid combo,
which I assume has nothing to do with the issue at hand.

Lorenzo