My vote is for Java.  It's easy to start using and there's a huge amount 
of code out there to let you start building real projects.  I cut my 
teeth writing cheesy applets, but it was a great learning experience.

J. Eric Gilliland wrote:

>So, here is a question.  Keep in mind that I am a
>non-programmer who does not work in the field at all.  If I
>was going to learn one language, simply to play around with
>and for my own edification, which language should I learn?
>
>Just curious.
>
>Eric Gilliland
>
>=====
>J. Eric Gilliland
>patzeric@yahoo.com
>And gentlemen in England now a-bed
>Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
>And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
>That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
>                                  Henry V Act 4 Scene 3
>
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