Matthew Ryan Dybedahl


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Vikings suck by Matt Dybedahl

This is all very true.

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Wow, the Vikings are a horrible team this year. It’s time for the Leslie Frazier era to be over. It’s hard to imagine how bad the offense is but the truth is they stink. The offensive line is one of the biggest problems. Christian Ponder has no time to throw the ball. He receives the ball during the snap and by the time he looks up the defense is already in the backfield. This is a major problem. Adrian Peterson has also been struggling because of the offensive line. Besides his 78 yard scamper to begin the season he hasn’t done anything. The line isn’t opening up holes like they had in years past. This also could be due to not having Jerome Felton in the lineup. Although he will be back next week. This should help some.

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Matthew Dybedahl writes about El Burrito

Your stomach starts to growl and rumble loud enough for your co-workers to snear. Embarrassing? Yes, but you have that lunch time feeling and a hankering for some authentic Mexican-style cooking. There’s no shame in that. Luckily, right down the road in the Del Sol district of St. Paul resides El Burrito Mercado; which in English translates to “The Burrito Market.” El Burrito Mercado is not only just a restaurant but also a grocery store, deli and bakery. The cafeteria-style restaurant inside El Burrito Mercado which is aptly named El Café Express serves delicious authentic Mexican-s food and they do it quickly. The food is prepared in front of you and there are over 20 different options ranging from Beef soup to nachos or as their name suggests- a variety of burritos. They also have different topping options in a subway-style setting and salsas ranging from mild to hot. If you’re the frugal type they offer daily specials and a discounted menu for high school and college students. The cost of an entrée ranges from 7-15 dollars albeit the portion size is enough to push your belt back a few holes. It truly is an authentic experience, from the décor, the food and smells, right down to having popular soda sold in glass bottles with Spanish writing on them.

If you don’t speak fluent Spanish the menu and ordering can be intimidating at first, as it is all in Spanish, however the workers are very friendly and willing to explain what the different entrees are.

On my visit to El Burrito Mercado I was fortunate enough to choose the Tacos De Alambre meal, which includes your choice of meat (Mine was barbacoa). Overall the meal was great; it had the right amount of spiciness and tons of cheese. The meat was fresh and cooked just right. I topped my meal off with a glass-bottled Coke which complemented my meal like a fine wine does for a steak. $11.30 was the overall cost of my meal including tax. It was worth every penny and well worth the trip.

When that lunch time feeling hits, don’t settle for Taco Bell or Chipotle and regret it later. Go to El Burrito Mercado and have yourself an authentic Mexican experience.

 

 

 

Matt Dybedahl


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Biking and how it is good for you by Matthew Dybedahl

I am a former runner. I say former because my foot won’t allow me to run as much as I would like to. However I’ve found a way to get in a little exercise and that is by biking. I’ve found that over the past few months I really enjoy biking. It takes me back to a time when I was younger. The cool breeze flowing through my hair as I pedal down the street. The smells of fresh air and cut grass burn the nostrils. It feels good. It really brings me back to a time that was much simpler. I remember buying my first bike. When I was about nine or ten years old my neighbor liked the look of my parents yard and how it was always perfect. For some reason my neighbor thought I would be able to carry on the family tradition and he hired me to take care of his lawn. Every week I would mow their grass, pick weeds, etc. Every Friday I would get paid and every Friday I stuck money away to save for a specific bike that I wanted. A Schwinn Hydromatic. It was metallic green in color and boy did it look awesome. The local bike store didn’t even carry this bike, so it had to be specially ordered for me. This was great because I knew that nobody else in the neighborhood would have anything like it. After that Summer I was finally able to purchase the bike. As a kid there was nothing more thrilling that being able to get that bike…and with my own money. It was the epitome of freedom as a ten year old. Being able to go anywhere I wanted.

That’s why I enjoy biking. It makes me feel like a kid again. And although being a kid isn’t always the greatest feeling in the world those thirty minutes I bike everyday puts a smile on my face.


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Running and why I, Matthew Ryan Dybedahl enjoy it.

Throughout my life I’ve never thought of myself as being athletic and my brain was right- I’m far from being the next Michael Jordan.  Even though I’m not gifted athletically I did find an athletic pass time that I thoroughly enjoy and that is running.

When I started running I hated it. It was hard and I could barely run a minute without becoming winded. I stuck with it though. After running every few days and then every other day and eventually every day I became addicted. With running I enjoy every aspect of it. On a summer day I love the hot Minnesota sun beating down on my warm skin and the sounds of nature all around. I even enjoy the distinct smell of my neighbor’s freshly cut grass. During winter I enjoy the cold breeze that slightly burns your lungs. I enjoy the blissful sound of silence and the snow the covers every inch of the ground.  To be continued…


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Matthew Ryan Dybedahl and thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings

This is a quick article I wrote after the Minnesota Vikings loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s a look at which players the Viking should buy or sell going into the rest of the season and next year. The article is posted below and the link to the original article can be found by clicking here.

Over the past few years the Vikings have been horrific during nationally televised game and Thursday proved to be no different. The fans at Mall of America Field were treated to a disaster as the Vikings lost 36-17. The Vikings came out very flat in the first quarter and could not sustain any drives. By the end of the quarter the Vikings defense was gassed and the Buccaneers already led by ten. The Vikings could never recover from the deficit and would continue to get blown out by the Buccaneers. The loss sends their record to 5-3 but at this junction in the season most fans would not have imagined the Vikings would have already surpassed their win total from last year. It’s not time to celebrate quite yet though. The Vikings have a tough road ahead with a very back loaded schedule which includes playing division rivals the Bears and Packers twice. With the tough schedule the Vikings could easily finish the season at 7-9 which would put them in line for a nice draft pick in 2013. Here are a few things to buy or sell heading into the rest of the season.
Buy: Adrian Peterson and his return from injury/New contract
Adrian Peterson is not human. No one can stop him. Not even a full year removed from his ACL injury Peterson is running with vengeance. Through eight games All Day has racked up 775 yards from scrimmage to go along with four touchdowns. Not too shabby for someone who just had their knee surgically repaired ten months ago. His agility, speed, and cuts all seem to be there but Peterson has said his knee is not 100 percent healthy and it will be scary when it is. When Peterson finally decides to hang up the cleats he will be remembered as the best running back to ever play in the National Football League.
Buy: Percy Harvin and paying the man.
Give the man a new contract. He has out played his rookie contract and has earned a big pay day. He deserves it more than anyone on the roster right now. He’s a jack of all trades and will do anything Musgrave asks him to. Whether it’s returning kicks, lining up in the backfield, or catching his famous WR screen Harvin can do it all. Realistically Harvin should be a MVP candidate this year with all that he has done for the team.
Sell: Christian Ponder, quarterback of the future.
I’m not quite ready yet to start chanting for Joe Webb or Mcleod Bethel-Thompson but Ponder has been fairly unimpressive during the first half of the season. He’s a very smart young man but he seems to be struggling with the speed and mental aspect of the game. Under center he seems to be anxious and jittery. You need to take into account this is his first full season as starting quarterback but at this junction you would have hoped he would be more comfortable in the pocket. Ponder can’t seem to get his timing down right with his wide receivers and has gifted wrapped many easy interceptions. He has shown flashes where his play has been outstanding and that is why I’m willing to give him another season under center before throwing him to the Wolves.
Buy: Harrison Smith, Safety o f the Future:
In years past the Vikings coverage unit has lacked a physical safety who could provide adequate coverage and lay down a big hit. Enter Harrison Smith. The Rookie from Notre Dame has begun to fill that void very nicely. Smith is a physical player and loves to make wide receivers pay when they enter his territory. He even has the fines to prove it. Smith has made many big hits that have prevented catches and the highlight of his season came last week when he returned an interception for a touchdown. If Smith continues to grow as a player and can continue to play at a high level we will be seeing him in purple for many years to come.
Sell: Jerome Simpson and the ability  to be a #1 WR
Many Vikings fans thought Jerome Simpson would be the answer to all of the passing woes. After missing four games due to injury and suspension Simpson has been relatively quiet. He hasn’t been the deep threat fans were hoping for although he has caused a few pass interference penalties which ultimately ended in the Vikings scoring. Simpson is athletically gifted and has the ability to make a big play but his inconsistency is what has plagued him his entire career. Simpson is definitely not a number one wide receiver but could be very effective as a number two or three guy. Going into the offseason one of the top priorities should be signing or drafting a wide receiver who can stretch the field and compliment Percy Harvin.


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Matthew Ryan Dybedahl’s thoughts on the Vikings

This year the Minnesota Vikings have surprised many people. After assembling one of the worst Vikings teams in history last year Leslie Frazier is starting to get his squad to improve. His players are buying into the system and the defense looks stout. Christian Ponder has played alright for a second year quarterback. Once and awhile he looks flustered in the pocket but that will only get better with time. He needs to make better decisions with the football if the Vikings want to seriously contend for a title. Harrison Smith the rookie out of Notre Dame has also looked very good. It has been a long time since the vikings have had a hard hitting and ball hawking safety. Harrison also showed off his speed yesterday taking back a interception for a touchdown.


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Matthew Ryan Dybedahl and National Suicide Awareness day

About a week ago it was National Suicide Awareness day, for most people the day went by unnoticed but for those changed by suicide or depression it can be a day full of many emotions. I often find myself wondering why depression and anxiety have such a negative connotation against them? In fact depression is actually a chemical imbalance in your brain and those who suffer from depression cannot instantly become better. Depression is a disease just as much as chicken pox is a disease. I urge anyone who is suffering from depression or considering suicide to please ask for help. Asking for help is the hardest part but it’s the first step to becoming the person you can be. You just have to remember that it will get better. You can also call 1800-suicide for someone to talk to.


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“Rembrandt in America” by matthew ryan dybedahl

Today I went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and saw the Rembrandt In America exhibit. It was really interesting to see all of his different paintings and the paintings of artists who studied under him. It was amazing how well preserved all of the paintings were considering their age. The exhibit also did a great job of showing the history of his life. It was also interesting to compare the differences between what was considered an authentic Rembrandt and what wasn’t. After we finished the tour we continued to walk through the Minneapolis Institute of Art. If you have a free saturday I highly recommend coming to the museum. It’s free to get in and they have many different types of art forms and artifacts from many different time frames.


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If you’re looking for a great basketball website

If you’re like me and love basketball there are few writers and websites that I check out on a daily basis to gain some basketball insight. One of those websites that I’ve been going to most recently is Rush’n Hoops. It’s a website dedicated to Russian born players in the NBA and across the globe. I particularly like the website because two new Timberwolves players are of Russian decent. Those players are Alexey Shved and Andrei Kirilenko. I particularly like Rush’n Hoops because they always have translations for interviews that Alexey Shved has done. Overall great website for basketball fanatics.