Extra Credit Prompt:
PAUL IS DEAD
Few of you are aware that Paul McCartney died in 1966 (or '67) in an automobile accident, or as the Beatles' "A Day in a Life" states: He blew his mind out in a car. He didn't notice that the light had changed. The Paul is Dead hoax has been a subject of interest for Beatles fans for more than thirty years.

But who then, is that McCartney imposter? That would be one William Campbell, the winner of a Tiger Beat look-a-like contest, who has been masquerading as the deceased Beatle ever since. Privy to Paul's millions and his fame, William married Linda and subsequently released a string of hit records with the post-Beatles band Wings. Way to go, William!

The picture posted is Paul's sleeve on the gatefold of Sgt. Pepper. Paul's arm badge says O.P.D. or "Officially Pronounced Dead" by Canadian law. It's just one of many "clues" that the Beatles left on their album covers to let the public know what had really happened. There is some compelling evidence, particularly the "28 IF" license plate on the VW on Abbey Road; the fact that Paul walks out of step with the other Beatles, wears no shoes (a Hindu sign of death), and smokes his cigarette with his right hand (Paul was left handed). And these are just the clues from Abbey Road! But let's review the evidence: Paul would only have been 27. The implication is that Paul would have been 28 IF he had lived. Bare feet symbolize nothing in the Hindu religion, and there are several alternate photos in which Paul is wearing shoes. Paul plays the bass left handed, but for everything else he uses his right, and so all that compelling evidence is circumstantial.

Your extra credit assignment is to research the compelling evidence of Paul's death. And I mean the compelling evidence. There is plenty of really silly evidence, but there are also some interesting clues embedded within the lyrics as well as in the photos and album covers. Use your best ability to manipulate Google or another search engine and in your journal list the evidence and explain it. Also, explain how the myth began and was perpetuated. Have fun with this. It's a great research project, even if you're not a Beatles fan.

The links on the left are three samples of Beatles clips, two backwards. More compelling evidence. The first, from the white album, is Ringo saying "number 9." The second is that clip backwards and the chilling: "turn me on, dead man." And the third is just gibberish with very clearly in the end, the words "miss him, miss him." Freaky!