Does anyone know a good website / video channel / book / DvD set whatever that is a good starting point for learning?

A few people have recommended Alfreds Beginning Drumset Method ( book ) and a few recommended Cobus Method ( dvds ).

For now I've just been using youtube and playing lots and lots. I can hold a beat fairly well, I know some basic rudiments, grooves, fills, flams, polyrhythms, and pardiddles.

I can read sheet music ( from singing ) but haven't figured it out for drums ( couldn't figure tabs out either.. )

All help appreciated!

Carmine Appice: Ultimate Realistic Rock - Book

or Rod Morgenstein: Drumset Musician - Book

I've taught out of both those books and they both get you playing drums, fast.

Which would you recommend? Im learning towards metal as my main style. New and old.

Pfft.... metal!?!?!? Stick Controll - George Lawrence

But get Realistic rock. Lots of verity and coordination in rock stuff. Maybe pick up Double Bass encyclopedia after you get half way through the book?

Well see. Thanks a lot!

Also I've been using 2BN New York Pros. Any recommendations for new sticks? These are starting to splinter..

Vic Firth Danny Carry's. But the 2B is a decent big stick if that's the way you like it. You could also try Regal Tip. They use more of a concrete than a lacquer.

I tried 7As and I couldn't keep a grip. Figured I'd start out with heavier sticks for muscle sakes. I heard Vics break easy?

Vic uses the highest grade of dowels available for their sticks. The weight of the stick will be the greatest contribution to it's durability. The Danny Carey is a formidable stick. Thick to put up with volume, top heavy to play fast. It's a great aggressive stick. Maybe Promark 747's if you want to avoid Vics but the Vic Firth is the highest grade of stick.