advice for the ignorant, but photographically-inclined

Okay all you tech geeks and aspiring photo journalists, a question: I'm planning to get a digital camera for my birthday in September (and by get, I mean ask my parents for...), but I don't know anything about digital cameras. What should I get, and why? (Feel free to e-mail me, if you have much to say, or things I should look at, or something extra-naughty to pass along.) Thanks!