Don't worry about whether PHP is cool or not. It sounds like your comfortable with it and know how to get started so just do that now. With most applications, your users aren't even going to know what tech you're using or possibly even what PHP is.
Don't read any more articles yet. Put your prototype together with the tools you're familiar with. (I'm into Ruby, don't really like PHP and this is still my advice to you).
Thanks. I really just needed someone to tell me this, sad as it is. I'm sure you may be able to relate to how sometimes you need someone to tell you what you already know before you really dig in. Anyway, thank you. I think I'll resist the lure of the shiny new thing and use what I know.
Don't read any more articles yet. Put your prototype together with the tools you're familiar with. (I'm into Ruby, don't really like PHP and this is still my advice to you).