I like the stars. It’s the illusion of permanence, I think. I mean, they’re always flaring up and caving in and going out. But from here, I can pretend…I can pretend that things last. Neil Gaiman – The Sandman:  Brief Lives   Early 1970’s:  I was in elementary school at the time.  Monday – Friday I looked forward to the end of the day.  Nearby Ray Huffman was tearing down old houses and turning them into cheap apartments.  I watched as the construction workers went home.  They left behind treasures.  Discarded soda bottles could be turned in at the grocery stores for a dime a piece.  On a good day I’d find…