I don't have a specific app idea in mind for which I want to learn programming. Mostly, I like consumer web apps, and which may require integration with facebook, twitter APIs.

I'm not looking to build a full blown app myself - rather a quick prototype to test it out with users and if there's traction, then it would make sense for me to team up with engineers and build it out.

Regarding Javascript - as you say, I too have heard that it's not that simple. Some folks were suggesting to start with PHP. I though of checking with HN community on what they recommend.