Good beginner photography books/sites technique and inspiration?

[slackerinabox]

I'd like to get to know my way around a dslr - just as a hobby, and as the dad of a 3 year old and 4 month old. I'm taking a class once the kiddos are a little older (the wife's taking it with me), but would just like to goof around and experiment until then. I took video production classes in college and have a rudimentary understanding of light/ fstops/shutter speeds but the finer details have fallen to the cobwebs in my brain. Recommend any guides/sites?

I'd also like to learn to appreciate the work of and learn from the work of fine photographers, but don't know a single name. Cinematographers I like include Dante Spinotti, of course Conrad Hall, Wally Pfister -darker, moodier stuff and I'm a city boy who doesn't get moved by nature photography, or americana for the matter. I like portrait stuff too, annie leibovitz's is of course great but I'd like to expand my horizons a bit. Suggestions? What's a photo related magazine that everyone loves?

Thank you!

 

[Belegost]

I have found a lot of good information at http://digital-photography-school.com/

 

[Imp]

This was the most interesting find. Made by Canon.. obviously to sell their cameras, but useful basic info on it:

http://www.canonoutsideofauto.ca/

 

[JohnnyRebel]

Suggested books:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/books.htm