Part of my work as a college professor involved doing research at a history archive in Russia. An armed military guard was stationed there to defend against terrorist attack, though he often lounged near the doorway and ignored incoming researchers. One day, however, he stood at attention, machine gun ready. "Documents," he called out, and I fumbled through my things for my archival pass. "Passport," he barked, and I handed him my American passport. He scowled while looking at my identification. Finally he asked, "Who is singing on the radio?" I listened for a moment and replied, "The Everly Brothers." The soldier grinned, moved his rifle aside and let me enter, sure now that I was truly an American scholar.

　　作为一名大学教授，我的工作职责的一部分包括在俄罗斯的一家历史档案馆做研究。 在那，有一名荷枪实弹的军队卫兵驻扎，防止恐怖袭击。不过，他经常在靠近门口过道的地方随便溜达，对进来的研究员视而不见。 但是，有一天,（当我进门的时候），那卫兵来了个标准的立正，手里如临大敌般拿起枪把我拦住。“请出示证明文书”，他喊道。我连忙手忙脚乱地在我的东西里找我的档案馆通行证。 “护照”，卫兵厉声喝道。我把美国护照递给了他。卫兵眉头紧锁地看着我的身份证件。 最后，他问，“收音机里谁在唱歌？” 我听了一会然后回答，“艾佛利兄弟”。 卫兵裂觜笑了，把拦在我面前的步枪拿开，让我进入。毫无疑问，他可以确认我真的是一名美国学者了。