Everyone... Google's CodeJam is back! If you want to be a part of this challenging programming contest, register quickly. Registration ends on the 5th September!

http://www.google.com/codejam/

I've participated in it 3 times. And each time, I reach the final 500. But the problems become so hard to solve (atleast for me!) that I am unable to reach the next level, or the final 50. Maybe this year I'll qualify. Lets hope for the best!

Tip: Use Java as your programming language. It really helps to use a clear cut language with features like garbage collection.

On to magic now. I've seen many people ask how to practice on various boards and forums. And almost all of them get the same reply "practice anytime you get time". I was also new to magic at some time, so I know how it feels!

Let me tell you how I practice. I practice whenever I get time, literally. I have to travel a lot everyday to reach my coachings - almost 1 hour everyday. So when I'm going there, or coming back, I take out my pack of cards and start practicing any sleight I want, push off DL, biddle count, elmsley count, etc. My friends (who go with me) have become accustomed to me carrying a pack of cards everywhere, or I should say... Woh sab pak chuke hain (or, they have become "cooked")!

But while practicing, I make sure that I don't do things that "expose" magic - like palming. When I'm waiting for someone and I don't have anything else to do, I again do that same.

And the best practice is, in my opinion, doing magic for people. If you do that regularly, you learn a lot more than performing for that mirror or webcam.

So go out there and do magic, and remember to register for CodeJam!