I don't know if I'd describe myself as a "serious pilot", as mentioned by IO540, but I'm a former UK airline pilot who now flies charter, ferry flights and anything else that comes my way here in the US. I usually use airnav for the preflight info, then call FSS (1-800 WX BRIEF) for a briefing while standing infront of an chart of the USA so I can follow the areas visually if possible. This has stood me in good stead so far, both flying locally, in the midwest and ferrying small aircraft from one side of the USA to the other.
If I know for sure there are no TFRs on my route, I might just use the computer, but otherwise, I like to talk to a briefer, so that we can both get confused by the TFR times and areas
To go back to the original question, 0-8, you might find this website useful too, or just a cure for insomnia.
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...4/14tab_02.tpl
Depending on how soon you are coming over here, is it worth buying an FAR/AIM to glance through? The AIM does have some useful info in it. Have fun flying over here