All, The Forth-Python pull was heading to a conclusion just like "Tastes Great" vs. "Less Filling" or Ford-Chevy. However, friendly folks at comp.lang.forth pointed me to Amazon.com and _Mindstorms: Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas_ by Seymour Papert. The book is by Logo's inventor and, according to the reviews, addresses the larger goal I most want to achieve.
I now want to read the book. Period. However, my kids both love Legos which uses a Logo implementation for their robotics toys. I could probably capture both the 10 yr old AND the 7 yr old if we can spring for the $200 Lego Mindstorm set. Sort of blows away my specification of "free," but... In my earlier browsing, I eliminated Logo early on, thinking we would hit its capability ceiling too quickly and then backtrack in order to make a transition to a "REAL" language. uh... I've been browsing on Logo tonight and, even without the Lego robots, I may go that route. Shoot, I thought Logo was just moving hokey sprites in increasingly complex patterns until I saw the book list at: http://el.media.mit.edu/logo-foundation/products/books.html Hmm... When all is said and done, maybe the choice is kind of like physical exercise. I can spend weeks choosing the most effective work out and diet combination. But, until I cut back on biggie size grease brugers with double shakes and get off of the couch every now and then, the choice of workout is moot. In fact, one I use is better than the "best" that I don't use. Gentle folk of comp.lang.python, I heartily thank you all for your input. I think I'm taking the boys through the door marked "Logo." We may be back this way, though. We will likely need MORE in the nebulous future. I am impressed with the outpouring of support here! Thanks to all! -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
