I'd definately recommend learning Java, especially over VB (I'm not sure why anyone even bothers with VB anymore)

A great book is O'reilly and Associates Learning java, you should pick this up sometime (www.canadacomputerbooks.com is a good place to get it from)

Also visit http://java.sun.com and take a look around there

When you're done that, check out www.javajunkies.org and you'll be on your way.

Hope that helps