Conspiracy theory? Hoax? A bizarre twist on the "Paul is dead" phenomenon?

No. John Lennon was assassinated on December 8, 1980, while walking into the carriage entrance of the Dakota Building. He was shot by a disturbed young man who will not be named here. Lennon was cremated on December 10, 1980, and his ashes were given to Yoko Ono.

But John Lennon's legacy continues to grow, as does that of the Beatles. His music is as popular today as it was on December 8, 1980, and he remains a symbol of peace, hope, and political activism for millions of people.

Occasionally, however, the universe blinks, a brief interruption of reality during which electrons and distant stars alike appear and disappear into the quantum realm of possibility.

Look closely. It's on the corner – a small club in Greenwich Village – its neon sign reading MERCY STREET CAFÉ. Lennon is there, playing "Watching the Wheels" on his Ovation, and only one person can see him – a depressed young woman named Amy Parisi. But keep looking. Maybe you can see him, too. Come in, take a seat, and listen. Amy has a story to tell about John Lennon and the Mercy Street Café.

Just imagine.