what are those programs you guys use to screw around on alpha?
This project im working on is kicking my ass.
There's a neat program called INVedit that allows modification to your inventory, making more of stuff and adding many of other blocks as an example. It's on the minecraft forums in the Mapping and Modding section.
Not sure if that answered your question, but it's neat to have around (it's like /game/ and creative had babies!)