Question

How would one start learning and speeding through python training... and networking

Answer 1

Resource:
1.python docs.
2.Dive into python(free open source book)
3.python interactive shell
4.Use introspection (dir and help )
5.Solve lot of problems like project euler,codechef,codegolf in python.
6.Subscribe to Python mailing list
7.Hang in IRC
8.Try answering stackoverflow and other forum questions and learn from in it regarding python.
9.Read python based blogs(create google alert)
10.Watch Python based FOSS projects.
11.Try developing code and share with others for reviews.

Answer 2

you forgot OCW MIT Intro to Com Sci

Answer 3

You are gonna love this -> http://oreilly.com/python/index.html & http://oreilly.com/catalog/0636920010159/

Answer 4

Mark Lutz "Learning Python" is nice to start with it's not too boring and it contains a history of the language. I study Python from the beginning using that book, but think one should know what is OOP to start with this book.