Hello from NYC

Hi all, i will like to start of saying thank you to everyone willing to share knowledge.

I consider my self a novice java programmer. I originally was self taught but after i finished 6 years in the United States Marine Corps i started a computer science degree program.

I love to learn/read anything to do with programming. I would like to get more into developing but i really dont know where to start. All the projects i have done are either from a book i picked up or from classes. If any one could give me direction on how to start projects/jump into a project or just tips on what to do after "learning" java(i.e. link good threads/articles to read/topics to research). Thank you in advance.