Well, it's nearly time for the Hunting season to begin.  Not really (Michigan still has about 2 or 3 months of cold/snowy weather), but it's certainly not too early to start preparations. For me, diet and technique are key to a successful Score season.
  I've honed my Hunting abilities over the years, and have augmented them with information I've gleamed from the original Retrogaming Times and the articles and forum posts from this great website.  I'd like to share some of my advice, in the hopes that it can be further chipped, molded, and built upon.  It all came out in a bit chunk, so it may seem a bit rambley.  Please bear with me:
   Diet:  You have to be early and ready.  This means a good breakfast, whether that be that morning, the night before, or a couple nights before.  Daily vitamin supplements are also key, along with a carrot or two for supreme eyesight.  There's nothing like the ability to spot items in a garage sale drive by, and carrots are the key to that.  Every now and then I also enjoy a good chili.  I personally make Goldstar with a few additions (cajun spices and more chili powder), but if I have some extra funds I'll visit a reputable Coney Island (Leo's, or Mr. Mike's) and take in a bowl or two.  An energy bar would be great, but stay away from anything with an excessive amount of fiber.  Trust me on this one, getting off the beaten path for a Number One is one thing, but having to stop for a Number Two is something else.  And when you are on the hunt, bring plenty of water.   
   Technique:  Basically you need a plan.  Are you going to hit garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, or a combination of both?  Which ones, and by what route will you take? These are all valid questions that must be addressed before leaving.  Also think about money.  If you plan on hitting a lot of garage sales, it pays to carry a variety of money on your person in various denominations.  Nothing sucks more than finding a great haul for $5 and the person telling you they can't break a $20, which translates as either buy more crap you don't want, or give up your loot to the fool watching the exchange from behind the greasy George Formans.  That actually brings to mind the other part of technique:  the other folks on the Hunt.  My theory is that there are three groups of people who get tons of good  loot, and you should both familiarize yourself with each group, along with the individuals themselves.  You should know and classify your competition, and learn their general look and exactly what to do when you spot one:
   The first group are the Plunderers.  These folk basically hit every garage sale/thrift store/flea market within reach, with no regard for the look of the place or reputation for items.  The Plunderers are systematic and devastating; buying all good and interesting items in their path.  If you see a Plunderer at work, I advise you take a quick inventory of the situation (pertaining to items) and exit rapidly.  You need to get to the next place before they do.  Plunderers can often be spotted driving either fuel efficient vehicles or pick-up trucks with caps on the back to put their phat loot in.
   The second group I like to call Raiders.  A Raider has a very specific game plan, and is a creature of habit.  They will generally hit the same places, at the same times, during the same days.  What makes these folk dangerous is their focus.  They will know their territory so well that they can often walk very quickly through a store and take a accurate inventory without stopping.  While you will not likely be able to outrun one, you can beat a Raider by just going back a different day.  It sounds too easy, but it will work.  Raiders can be easily spotted by their quick walk (almost a walking-run) and their confident look.
   The last group are Tourists.  These folk leisurely walk about garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets, often appearing to be casually taking in the sights.  They never start early, never go on the prime days (such as Wednesday for garage sales), and will, at any time, quit and go to lunch.  Nevertheless, you need to watch these ones.  Why?  Many Tourists have a large amount of luck, almost to the point that I will postulate that many of them are latent psychics.  They can be spotted by their out-for-a-stroll-on-Sunday look, and can be seen pulling complete Vextrexs' and CDXs' out of giant cardboard boxes filled with shoes.  The only consolation here is that if they hit one too many bad sales or empty stores, they will give up.

Well, that's it for now.  I'm off to bed, but first a bit of unfinished business:  I've discovered that many old games can be played on PC using Virtual PC 2007.  Mechwarrior 3, here come!

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