Meet Brian and Doug Yates

Brian Yates, Spanish Faculty, B.A., Yale University, M.A., Villanova University:

What did you do before you became an instructor at RRCC?

While teaching English at the Universidad de Loja in Ecuador I hosted a weekly radio called “Tiempo fuera,” (“Time Out” in English). The show showcased rock bands from English-speaking countries. For one hour each week, we talked about the formation and musical progression of a band and played several selections in the process. The highlight was a three-hour show on Pink Floyd.

Favorite “brother” story:

On a backpacking trip through Europe, my older brother and I attempted to alter our Eurorail passes to score another train ride. We were immediately busted. Despite our attempt at “Mais, je ne comprenais pas,” (But, I don’t understand!) our passports were sequestered and were told that we must pay the fine immediately in cash or be thrown off the train. I ran off the train to use an ATM at the next stop, a one-horse town on the French-Italian border. The ATM did not work, so I ran back to the train, boarded our car, and blurted out in English to a stunned audience, “Does anyone have $100 in cash? My brother and I are going to get booted off the train. I promise we’ll pay you back.” Fortunately a nice American tourist lent us the money and we reimbursed her when we got home. I don’t recommend messing with French train porters.

What kind of music is on your iPod/MP3 these days?

I have essentially dedicated my iPod to music for tub-time with my toddler.

What are you reading now or have you read lately?

My new status as a father has dramatically reduced my ability to read much more than a few pages at night before falling asleep. Nonetheless, I recently finished The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan. Oh, and I can recite P.D. Eastman’s classic, Go, Dog, Go, by heart:

Go, dogs, go. Go on skates or go by bike…

Favorite quote:

“Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” –Yogi Berra

Would you have guessed?

Brian plays flamenco guitar and threw discus/shot put in college.

Doug Yates, English Faculty, B.A. Lehigh University, M.A., University of Nottingham:

What did you do before you became an instructor at RRCC?

I worked for a tech start-up for a year right as the ‘revolution’ in this industry was peaking. The work was lousy, but to witness the spectacle of the corporate world turned on its head by smart young upstarts was a treat indeed. Foosball tables in the office, no dress code, even the odd beer on the job. All true! Yet, deep down I think everyone knew that it couldn’t last.

Favorite “brother” story:

Brian and I were sitting in a café next to the Centre Pompidou in Paris, trying to act subtle while imbibing out of large glasses. Hey, they were on the menu! We then heard the dulcet tones of an organ grinder from the other side of the plaza. We followed the sounds like rats chasing the Pied Piper, and what we saw, we later realized, had been one of the most memorable experiences in our lives. Working the grinder was none other than the irrepressible Claude Réboul: Renaissance Man, Smoker, Genius. I bought a CD from him as he rolled a cigarette in the French style: bag of shag, papers, the licking of the finished product. When I asked him to sign it for me like a silly American, he muttered to me with a thick accent through lips already pursed around the cig, “zaz it! Now go away, or I will not play for you a zecond time.” Earth moving!

What kind of music is on your iPod/MP3 these days?

I am willing to stand behind everything on my iPod in terms of its musical worth. If only I could find the damn thing. It’s a small one, and I have no idea where it is at the moment. Perhaps I should think of a few titles that may embarrass you. The stylings of Bud E. Luv come to mind. As does the maddeningly catchy tunes “Flatbeat” by Mr. Oizo and “I wanna 1-2-1 with you” by Solid Gold Chartbusters, the latter of which deftly incorporates the original Nokia cell phone ring tone as its foundational sample. I also just ripped Lady Gaga’s The Fame. Gotta hand it to the woman, she knows how to pen a good pop tune.

What are you reading now or have you read lately?

I have several books going at once, a practice that I don’t normally engage in except for times of considerable stress (like the end of the academic year). Anyway, here’s what’s on the nightstand: Groothuis, Truth Decay, Greeley, Ascent into Hell, Wallace, Consider the Lobster, Schopenhauer, The Wisdom of Life.

Favorite quote:

“When you’re one of the few to land on your feet, what do you do to make ends meet?” (Pink Floyd lyrics)

Would you have guessed...?

I used to play football. I was an offensive lineman and weighed just under 300 pounds. I sported what is now referred to as a ‘mullet,’ though I contend that the derogative word was not around during those years I could be seen sporting the coif.

Doug also enjoys playing the scottish bagpipes for events. You can sometimes catch him playing at events around campus.