Thanks everyone.  The info you've all provided is helping out so much.  My wfie is loving it - and 
is happy that there are friendly people east of the Wasatch Mountains.  ;)

Also, I need some book recommendations.

I'm doing a project at school (Senior Project).  We're writing an app for linux.  It will need a 
gui and be able to display images and do some minor image manipulations.  

I've been looking into using C++ (most familiar) or python (not familiar...but impressed.)  

Can anyone give me good recommendations on books about linux app programming and or gui programming 
in linux?  

Thanks, 
Matt