Perl or python?

I can't decide which one I want to use ....

I need a new scripting language that I can use for general purpose coding, C/C++ is for my bigger projects, and PHP just wont cut it any more. And let's not speak about Java, it's a horrible language (just don't like it, no reason needed)

I think the best thing to do is to buy 2 books, one on Perl and one on Python, and try them both.

Anyone have any thoughts about any of them that would help me in my decision? ; )

You could probably learn the entire Python language in the time it would take you to learn the first couple of pages of Perl idioms and handy shorthands. Which leads me to say, if you're going to learn both, learn Python first. And never learn Perl unless you're already a good programmer.