Ryan Allen Endorses: Michael J. Sytsma

With the gap since the last Ryan Allen Endorsement I needed to ensure that I had a big endorsement to make up for lost time. Something bigger than any product; bigger than any service; even bigger than any company. But what, what could live up to the expectations I have set forth in this bigger-than-big endorsement? For weeks–months, even–the question has kept me away from my writing pad, causing the delay–and expectations–to grow even longer and higher. Surely with an endorsement of this magnitude your mind does not find it: it finds your mind. And that is exactly how it happened for me in this case.

When it finally hit me I realized that I had an endorsement that could reinvigorate the franchise even if I had gone two, five, or ten years without posting; one that instantly welcomes the return of the endorsements; and one that exceeds even the highest expectations. Ryan Allen Endorses: Michael J. Sytsma.

The first time I really, truly met Mike we were at a Built to Spill concert. It was a lot of fun hanging out with him and Adam. This was the night that a classic video was made that demonstrates Adam’s amazing ability to snore.

After this we exchanged the odd e-mail, and I met Mike another one or two times over the next 8 months. Through a series of events Mike ended up with an an intention to move to, and an opportunity for work in, Ottawa. And he turned out to be such a cool guy that when he asked me if he could stay with me for a bit when he initially moved up I had to say yes.

Mike’s cool, and not just because he smokes. He’s a guy who can deliver a line like “it’ll be cool” better than the dog from Little Britain. This guy could be sitting in a chair while you told him that everyone he loved is dead, his cat was driving his car and got into an accident, and he owes $10 000 to the Russian mafia and all he would do is take a puff of his cigarette and say “that sucks”. If you were lucky he might even be wearing his spy hat at the time.

He’s an extremely talented graphic designer, who is still far from reaching his full potential. I had the pleasure of seeing his portfolio when he was job hunting and it is incredibly impressive. He is a man with a “body of work” that includes acting and even producing his own theatre. He has an unbelievable artistic talent that I couldn’t match even if my artistic skills were multiplied by 100.

When I left Ottawa he made a cool fake obituary for me. When we were living together he would come home and join in on a game of Super Mario Bros. 3. He convinced me that the Big Lebowski was a must see. And he grows a great beard.

I often highlight the fact that Mike drives a Benz to prove his superiority, though he’s cooler than most even when he takes the bus. In fact, he’s cool enough to admit that he’d like to take the bus to work instead of drive–if only the workers weren’t on strike. When I went to look at a couple of cars last weekend, Mike insisted that we take the Benz so that the dealers would take us seriously.

On top of all of that, Mike is a guy who can listen, who can provide advice from his life experience, who can joke about London Ontario, who can drink a beer for you, who will go bowling, or to Wendy’s, or to Puzzles. He isn’t easily swayed, and is a hell of a guy to have around on Tuesdays. I would certainly call on Mike for help in any situation that I can imagine.

Michael J. Sytsma: for what it’s worth, you have my full endorsement.