I use perl, python, sh, javascript for scripting, but sometimes find myself writing scripts in java (when you code in it all day it tends to stick in the mind).
Luckily there is a script interpreter for java called beanshell
(FAQ)
so my scripts actually will run.
Many of the ACM competitors from English speaking countries compete weekly at TopCoder.
College students and professionals alike compete against each other to solve 3-problem sets within 75 minutes (choice of C++ or Java or C#).
Under 18 are allowed to compete as well, but not eligible for prizes.
Check out topcoder. They host frequent online Java programming competitions.
Someone has won $100,000 through their collegiate tournament.
I use perl, python, sh, javascript for scripting, but sometimes find myself writing scripts in java (when you code in it all day it tends to stick in the mind).
Luckily there is a script interpreter for java called beanshell (FAQ) so my scripts actually will run.