I'm looking for an interpreted language that will connect to SQL Server (other free databases would work as well, I own SQL Server), execute strings containing code, process XML, and has some decent string manipulation. I'd like to use it both to generate web pages as well as desktop applications. Features facilitating code generation, integration with a web server, object oriented, and cross platform would be a plus
Does anyone have any recommendations?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic