What web development method is carrying the swing

[Supernova]

After being bummy for the last 6 years or so and floating through life going to immerse myself in a few things while I am unemployed.

First thing first, my friend wants me to build a website for him, something I haven't done in about 5 years.

So somebody tell me whats about now. What language is most relevant to get back into this... from scratch.

[J. Edgar]

XHTML/XML for forms

JavaScript/Flash for site intros

SQL for database integration

RSS for live updates

AJAX for efficient data capaturing

HTML5 for flush layout and tablet/device compatibility (iPad)

If you use the above tools, you can pretty much make a professional site.