Looking for experienced Java programmer! Thread

I'm looking to learn Java programming for general apps and creating games. I've tried reading Java programming books, and i've learned alot but i believe it would be a better approach to have someone who already knows what they're doing show me the ropes.. If you're an experience java programmer, I would appreciate the help immensely.. Please contact me via email, PM or AIM (my AIM handle is dr.mcfappin). thank you!