I'm not a big fan of the PHP manual myself. I am a learner by example, and they just put the most cursory examples and explinations in there.However, the benefit of the online manual is the user comments board. I've found that helpful on more than one occasion.
And in IRC, the PHP channel on #EFNET has been invaluable to me.
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Shalazar
http://www.charisma-carpenter.com