[snipped liberally]

>I also think that Java will be pervaisve in the market place also.

Sun is making Java fans nervous with their recent actions.

>How do you get experience in a different language when you can't get hired to use that langague without having experience?

A good question. For me I have been very lucky to overcome this in three ways:
- a new need at work on a project relevant to my work requires/suggests a new technology so they send me to training and let me get experience with it;
- take a huge pay cut for the chance to gain experience with a new technology;
- I study a new technology and work with it as much as I an at home.

Not great answers because your question presents a really tough dilemma. I have unsuccessfully faced this many, many times.

I suppose that if one studies a technology enough to gain certification then that would help one get over that hurdle.