Robert Farris Jr.

Most people find motivation and inspiration from Actors, Musicians, and overall those in the media spotlight. Its human nature to mimic behavior and attitudes seen on the big screen and our PC's at home.

Its in our nature to act like those who are affluent, strong willed, and overall "swaggy." Our perception on what is important or who is motivational is sometimes seen through lenses that we cannot relate to nor comprehend.

When we step outside our homes sometimes a different persona takes over and we perform like those in whom we admire. Some of us act arrogant like Kanye, "tough" like Tupac , and sometimes devonair like Clooney. How ever we behave in public its sad that sometimes its never like ourselves at home.

Our Admiration is praised towards individuals we don't know and most likely will never meet.

And its only when its TOO Late we realize that our greatest influences and motivations NEVER came from our favorite Ball Players, musicians or those we worship on the BIG Screen... but from those in our very own homes.

This week our GOOD Friend and employee of ours lost his Father.

His name is ROBERT Farris Jr. Father to our very own CARL Farris and to those who do not know him, he is the one always answering your phone calls, answering your emails, conversing with instore customers and overall making sure that YOUR experience here at RIF is never forgotten.

Robert Farris was born in a SMALL town in INDIANA and later proudly served his country for 3 years stationed in GERMANY as a paramedic.

After his short tenure in Europe he moved to Los Angeles and attended UCLA to complete his BS in Psychology.

Later married and proudly raised two children one of which is the ONE and ONLY Carl.

Mr. Farris an eclectic man collecting, watches, cars, and even comic books. The passion and love for his hobbies never over shadowed his responsibility as a Father and ALWAYS made sure there was a hot plate on the table for his family.

Though gone, Robert Farris will never be forgotten and his motivational attitude, influence and integrity lives on through CARL.

RIF prays for the Farris Family through this setback.

 MR. Farris, save us a seat up there... I'm sure you'll be waiting ready to tell us what happens next to Peter Parker.

with love and respect, RIF.

WE WILL BE CLOSED THIS SATURDAY 7/28/12 

RIF will be in attendance in the CELEBRATION of the LIFE of ROBERT FARRIS Jr.

NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS WILL RESUME SUNDAY 7/29/12

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Toblerone.

At times a pleasant face or good company can reduce the stress of daily routine and can turn an awkward day at work into laughs and smiles.  Friends and Family is that secret potion of happiness and relief when your day has taken the wrong turn. A familiar face, brightens the mood and certain personalities though tiresome, can bring a smile your face.

The Gentry is one of those people. A southern raised gentleman with an accent thicker than "crocodile Dun Dee", brightens the room and brings a laugh out of the seriousness of the day.  Born and raised with a strict Christian background in North Carolina he is not only courteous and gracious but knowledgeable in Jesus, The Bible and sneaker affairs.

Here he is sporting one of his latest pickup AJ 9 Carolina with a matching ensemble.

Most of the Time talking about over paid NBA players and Quality on the latest Nike Air Jordan, its Gentry's personal stories growing UP that make us Tentative as grade-schooler preparing for his first test.

He not only coaches Junior High schoolers in both Swimming and Basketball,  prepping them to be the next big stars... but has an un-disclosed Night Job. 

Non the less he came the shop to share with us his lastest PICKUP. After months of hard work he bought a NEW automobile cash. Hard work does pay off. Congratulations Gentry.

He calls his Car, "Toblerone" ALL Swiss, ALL Chocolate.

A nice change from the SUV's normally seen on the streets.

Carl wanted to experience swiss goodness.

See you soon CARL.

Gentry Pulling AWAY.

Overall the RIDE was CARL Approved.

Making our way back to the shop another familiar face came to share his newest PICKUP (it was pickup day) . The Homie Jimmy picked up his new BIKE.

We're not motorcycle savvy here at RIF but in shoe terms,  This would be as equivalent as a pair of Paris Dunk Sb's amoung all the other dunks.

Jimmy Calls her "Spicoli" Always a FAST TIME,  Always Reckless.

Each Ducati individually numbered and there is NOTHING in the streets faster than this bike street legal. SMH

You know we need an "Andre' the BUM" Cameo.

Jimmy taking the term #wildboyz to the brink.

As the Day progressed into the NIGHT the idea of speed and cars took its toll.

Before Dropping Ed off at home, we decided to have a Good Ol Fashion RACE down the 1 way of 3rd Street in Little Tokyo (please don't try this at home)

Good Night RIF, you've been good to us today.

You know before any RACE you need to get ready and turn up that motivational track.

Manny Preparing his TIRES spinning out while others inhale the deadly tire Dust and Ed hiding in his seat from the embarrassment of those around.

Good Job Manny.

After Manny was spinning out and acting like it was the Last race scene in Fast and Furious 5. They realized that they have caught un-wanted attention and decided to CRUISE around Downtown LA until they felt the safe was clear.

Casually driving through the flower district you can pick up those much needed roses needed to mend last nights fight with the wifey.

Los Angeles Summer nights. >

Who says we don't have TREES in Downtown LA. Wood and Metal.

Fire Escape.

Manny's Gym

Though homeless ness in Los Angeles has decreased 3% since last year. Downtown LA streets are still home to hundreds of transients and Homeless. 

Its nice to see missions in LA helping those in NEED. #GPHGP

Missions here in LA stop accepting daily occupants after 6PM.

A young skater took a wrong turn. 

After our full tour around DOWNTOWN it was TIME to start what the night was set out to be.

Both Murad and Manny on the starting line.

Both take off with pedal to the medal while obnoxious blaring music is bumped onto LA streets.

Murad reckless going 90 on the 1 way. SMH

"FUCK they caught us"- Murad 

"Mo%$^ Fuc%rrrrr" - Ed

I Guess it was our LUCK. Safe and SOUND and back at the building with the Fire Escape.

As we were walking to the rendezvous point we see this BIG MAN staring at us, surely we were going to get Mugged or beaten. 

Murad securly wraps his fingers around his pepper spray in one had while clenching his fist with the other.

As we close this strange face, we noticed it was no other than "teddy bear" Manny.

 Manny waiting patiently with a smile on his face after winning the RACE with Murad.

"Thanks for the FUTURA P-Rods ...Murad"-Manny

The Finishline.

"I coulda' had you.. how'd you do it?" - Murad

"I live my life a quarter mile at a time...nothing else matters"- Manny

Next Time, Manny and Murad have a foot race.  

#blessedlife

TITO.

Being a "SneakerHEAD", is sometimes used when describing an individual that is into or sports a specific type or brand of sneaker.  The term sometimes has a negative connotation but its roots are based not necessarily on the shoes but the admiration of the athletes who wore/wear these sneakers.

Footwear has always been a staple in ALL types of athletic events. From track

shoes to ballet shoes they are an intricate part of an athletes ensemble. Many that watch

from the sidelines do not have a keen understanding of the importance of specific design

aesthetics and simply don't care. Most admire the look and a possible piece of footwear that they can match with a shirt in their closet. 

 But when thinking about these products its not just the colors that are important but the design aesthetics that goes into the manufactured product. Today, marketing and promotion play an important roll in product sales but the longevity that Nike has created in the sport shoe industry

 is based on their color, feel, design and public appeal ALL have to simlutaneaouly blend to make an impact.

 Nike Running and basketball shoes more specifically as of LATE has made a big splash in the industry 

making headway past our beloved Dunks and Retro runner.

Nike has always designed against the grain and has created sneakers that is not only aesthetically appealing but functionally ahead of its time.

The NIKE ROSHE has crossed the boundaries from all those interested in Nike Basketball, Nike Running, Nike SB and all of the ABOVE

 THE NIKE ROSHE has changed the GAME in our opinion combing Comfort/Style/ingenuity adding a price point hard to resist. We see individuals that have never owned anything other than VANS wear a pair of these, and is coincidentally the only PAIR of shoes that EVERYONE at RIF OWNs.

IF you haven't tried on a PAIR beware, you may never want to wear anything else. 

You can't forget NIKE's fore father, without the NIKE "AIR" System we would never have

The Free, Lunar, Or 360 or anything comfortable from NIKE.

Carl really doesn't care.

"Give me my SB's Jonts- Carl

Others also Sacrifice comfort with Classic Footwear.

 Vans W(taps) Chukka

Good Choice.

A pleasure to meet you bro.

Going back to the idea of our Forefathers and Nike Air.

 Our Good Friend TITO Per-Jean sporting Nike Air Jordan 5 in the Olive colorway with the matching shorts, shirt and Hat.

And the Bag was for his "niece" neverming that... Tito Jean, we never Judge here at RIF. #support

Another one of Nike's Designs that incorporates classic design with a sense of comfort. SPIZIKE

 Nevermind the security tag it comes free with the purchase.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, The NIKE Tennis Classic, though as comfortable as walking bear foot on burning ROCKS, the marketing and promotion of this sneaker has the driving price equivalent to 10 pairs of NIKE ROSHE's...go figure, STILL an awesome shoe.

Not SO Awesome, J. LIN's contract. Signing to the Houston Rockets for 25M/ 3 years.

Now thats an uncomfortable situation for Houston.

Regardless of the Label you give yourself or the sneakers you wear make sure they represent you and your purchase wasn't driven because of hype/ marketing ^^^ or what a stranger thinks of them...Ohh and make sure their COMFY, you only have 2 feet.

Stay Tuned, NEXT week, Carl walks through broken GLASS

Muscles.

Summer is in full stride and living in Southern California that not only means breaking out those fresh sneakers that you've been saving all winter but to STUNT to the fullest. So. Cal is the summer capitol of flossing and letting those around you know that your looking good, dressed to impress, eating alright (BBQ's),  and cruising right. These are all a must when living in southern CALI. Here at RIF that is no exception. Though most of us that WORK at RIF have mundane automobiles and are not in the best of shape some even having no means of transportation (Ed), we try our best to fill the summer ideal.

These summer PERKs are some of the benefits of living in this fine section of the world.

The day After the 4th of JULY, Good morning Little Tokyo.

The rush or tourism and hip locals aren't rampant at this time, but will soon be.

Good MORNING ALL

- Manny (waking up hungover from the stockroom)

What do we have here? A pleasant surprise from one of our Friends, whenever he has the opportunity to make it to SO CAL, he makes it to Bottega Louie in DTLA and makes sure to DROP off some of our favorite treats. 

Some call it DONATOS we call them Donuts. Thanks again for the goodies, E.

Such a delicious treat and at $3 a piece they better be delicious...make sure next time you stop by Bottega Louie treat yourself before the summer ends.

What E, wore today.

What E's homie wore today, DEAD but not Forgotten. 

Freddy KRUGERS.

Summer 2012 is in FULL Throttle how could we forget about the SUMMER Olympics?

Murad is taking FULL advantage of the Cali Weather with his TANTUM Bucket HAT.  If your not sporting one by now, your doing summer all WRONG.

Carl Always Treating Customers to the best SERVICE this industry has to Offer.

Take 2, CARL handle business.

"Yes this is the AIR Geezy Max 2.."- Carl

Looking RIGHT, the homie Gentry came to the shop AFTER his 3 hour workout session and you already know what he's at the shop for, more SNEAKERS.

"MUSCLES" Gentry showing us the illegal GOODS...do you have tickets?

 AF1 summer STEEZ, Always a pleasure to see you "MUSCLES' until next week.

The homie G-MONEY came down with Murad's Potential new RIDE. After weeks of us making fun of his Baby MOMMAS Convertible he decided to look into something more MASCULINE.

Nice Choice Young Murad.

Black and WHITE we call this CARL.

Speaking of Black and White, here is one of our FAVORITE summer shoes, TOO bad it was too small for any of us.

AF1 Fragment.

Looking Good, Eating, and RIDING right is not the only PRIORITY for the CALI summer TIME.

Trippy STICK Murad has other plans.

We have what you need.

ASAP Jonli Came thru with THAT 4th of JULY Swag. 

Not only do we support the USA like ASAP Jonli but the Customers that come from ABROAD.

What they wore today, nice to meet you two.

Ed also supports the LOCAL senior citizens of LITTLE TOKYO.

As the DAY was winding DOWN and foot traffic started to idle. RIF's Favorite couple cam through to ENGERGIZE our spirits with some delectable Mexican cuisine.

HARD and SOFT TACOS.

CHIPS and SALSA. OHH WEE.

Thank you again MR. and MS. Paine!

 We not only appreciate you but thank you for SAVING us from  the mundane Japanese food LITTLE TOKS has to offer.

What our Favorite couple wore today.

You know we had to bless them with a RIF sweater and STEAL on a pair of AM90 Infrared.

Pleasure to SEE you two again, see you two SOON! 

IT was just unfortunate that SUPER Intern Conner had to watch the rest of the guys eat because Manny didn't want to SHARE. SMH. 

Does someone want to BRING food for SUPER INTERN CONNOR?

"Please" - Connor

As we were closing the SHOP Manny's 4th of JULY spirit was still in FULL indulgence and still had a small trick up his sleeve.

Manny took us for a little voyage through the LITTLE Tokyo Parking LOT and we didn't know where he was taking us.

OK MANNY we get it, you have a BEEMER, he calls him WILL SMITH...independence day.

ITS RIF of nothing.

Manny decided to speed/ DRIFT to the TOP of the parking LOT word to Vin Diesel.

At the TOP of the parking LOT he pulls out the SURPRISE.

CHINESE made, Mexican sold ILLGAL Fireworks.

Thanks Manny we gonna burn this bitch down, and go to JAIL. Appreciate you.

 Manny in the PAIL moonlight.

Manny having a difficult time lighting the pyrotechnics, but his determination guides him through this firework adversity.

OK Manny...COOL.

GOD Bless AMERICA. DTLA!

 Hope you enjoyed the SHOW Little TOKYO.  

While taking this photo. Manny was already in his CAR speeding off, while security was rushing to top of the parking LOT.

Manny Speeding OFF.

Thanks Manny for DRIVING OFF, while I was taking Pictures for the blog.

Next TIME, We shoot fireworks inside of MANNY's Car and see if thats funny.