gmercer

Ok someone needs to come up with one for "how to hire a web designer". :)

I'd suggest learning Flex. For the longterm, I think this is the true winner.

If you are absolutely determined to learn Javascript - I agree with others read the articles by Crockford and watch the Yahoo UI videos - Read the code for dojo. Alex is one sharp javascript guy. - For ajax frameworks look at DWR

Good luck... and have fun !!