> That led me from QBASIC -> Visual Basic -> PHP, of which I'm currently most proficient. I wish he had told me "C" or "C++"; my life would've taken a much different route.

I started with QBASIC as well. I was 12 years old in Japan in the late 90's, and I distinctly remember searching through stores for a C++ book in English. Never found one, and haven't used the language to this day - although I have worked with C.

I occasionally fantasize about what it would have been like to tackle such a comparatively complex language earlier in my journey. However, who knows how things would have turned out. C++ is by all appearances quite an intimidating beast even for diligent adults. Not inconceivable that it could have discouraged a kid who was approaching it solo.

QBASIC is fun. As a result, my earliest memories of programming are incredibly positive. That alone is worth quite a bit, and has had a significant impact on my life.