Lambda the Ultimate

Yield Prolog lets you embed Prolog programs directly in Python or C# (or JavaScript, coming soon) by using the yield keyword.

Not particularly academic so hope this isn't too off-topic, but thought this article in the non-geek media (salon.com) might interest some here:

Why Johnny can't code

'BASIC used to be on every computer a child touched -- but today there's no easy way for kids to get hooked on programming.'

I have to say that, much as I love more modern higher-level languages (why else would I be here), BASIC was what I grew up on, and really was ideal for picking up a first understanding of what programming is all about. With its global variables, GOTOs and all. It gets the computer obeying your command and following your logic with the absolute minimum learning curve. You don't have to learn any more abstractions than are absolutely necessary in order to feel that power (wow, it actually does what I tell it to, step by step!) and get yourself hooked.