If you're looking for more conversations and advice about java i'd recommend the forums at
http://forum.java.sun.com which i used to use and mostly just read through all the new posts. By reading a few requests for advice and trying to answer them i learnt quite a lot. The regulars have quite a sense of humour and are ruthless when people ask them for homework help, its quite funny. Of course, we're always here on tfp to help too
