>For a VFP guy, what in your opinion is the best "route" to take as a 2nd language/skill? .NET, PHP-MySQL, Java?

it really depends on what type of application you are developing. I'm doing mainly desktop applications, a bit of web stuff, and most of my customers run Windows. That makes .NET a good choice for me, because I can use .NET to extend my existing application. I wouldn't know how to use Java components from a VFP or FoxPro DOS app. Nor does PHP really help me with desktop apps.

But your situation might be different.