How do you find out about books?

How does one discover a new book? By browsing the library bookshelf? Word-of-ear? The Internet?
“Most people just don’t read,” says Devin Karl. “I just watch movies. It’s easier to find a good movie than a good book; and it takes less time.”
There seems to be truth to Karl’s statement. How often is there televised advertising for books compared to the multiple - and sometimes overwhelming - amounts of commercials for movies? Which is easier to do, turn on the television (24/7 access) and view a few ads for different movies, then either rent or download the movies? –or making the time to visit the library during their open hours, browsing through entire sections of books, and picking up book after book, reading the brief intro of the book on the back and deciphering whether to check out the book or not?
Also, according to SEDL Reading Resources, the average person reads 212 words-per-minute. With the average book being about 60,000 words long, it would take the average person almost five hours to read an entire book from cover to cover; not a task easily done in one setting. However, even the longer movies such as either the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings only reach about three hours; two hours shorter than it would take to read the average book.
“I find books though people referring me to them – or people just handing me a book,” explains Robin Walker. “Reading’s great because I can escape reality - and because books can be as long as they want and movies can't. Plus it takes more brainpower.”
It seems that one of the downfalls of books being “time-consuming” can also be what empowers books and keeps them from becoming obsolete. This seems to vary on personal preference. As for reading taking more “brainpower,” there is truth to this. We encourage new parents to read to their children to expand their vocabularies, to assist them in gaining competence with their reading skills and phonics, and to nourish a growing imagination. We read as we grow older to gain more information about our past, present, and future; whether that be reading a book or a blog, newspaper, or an instant message (IM).
It is obvious that books are under-advertised and are not as accessible as a movie, but these factors do not deter people from reading. Books are still popular and in existence; even popular enough to become movies.







Sources (MLA Format):

"Books and Publishers." Bookcraft 2.0. 2006. 16 Mar. 2008 .

Karl, Devin. Personal Interview. 18 Mar. 2008.

"Phonics Rules." SDEL Reading Resources. 2008. SDEL. 18 Mar. 2008 .

Walker, Robin. Personal Interview. 17 Mar, 2008.

In Cambridge, Minn., there are two major 24/7 gyms that dominate the area: Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness. Both gyms provide affordable payment plans

Anytime Fitness:
According to Anytime Fitness’s Club Manager Lee Molitor, Anytime is “non-intimidating for all fitness levels… It has a fast growing, positive reputation, and is very welcoming to everyone.”
The initial enrollment fee for Anytime cost between $29-$99. Members can either sign up for a month-to-month payment plan or an 18-month no-contract deal.
“Our membership dues can be as low as $9 per month,” explains Andrea Brown, to co-owner of Anytime. “The average membership is about a dollar a day.”
If a client has insurance with BCBS, Health Partners, Definity Health, Medica, UCare, Humanna, and Silver Sneakers (through Medica), their gym fees can be discounted $20 a month. Also, exclusive to seniors only, some of these insurance plans will cover the cost entirely.
Currently, Cambridge’s Anytime Fitness offers three trainers that are available during the daytime hours. The hourly rate for a one-on-one session with a trainer is between $35-$65. The price depends on the trainer’s background, specialty, and the type of training the client decides to hire them for.
For additional information on Anytime Fitness, contact the gym either by phone, e-mail, or just drop in during Anytime’s staffed hours.

Phone: (763) 662-2348
E-mail: cambridge@anytimefitness.com
Address: 1009 Highway 95 E Cambridge, MN 55008

Staffed hours at Anytime Fitness:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
11am-7pm 11am-7pm 11am-7pm 11am-7pm 9am-5pm By Appointment None

Snap Fitness
“Snap Fitness offers a gym that’s fast, convenient, and affordable,” explains Heidi Lietha, the owner of Cambridge’s Snap Fitness. “It’s our motto.”
The initial enrollment fee at Snap can rage from $25 to $100. Snap does not require members to make any long-term commitments. Clients can choose from three month-to-month payment plans: single, couple, and family membership.
The single membership is designated for one person, the couple membership is designed for both a person and their significant other, and the family membership is typically exclusive to parents/couples and anyone in their household under 18.

Single membership: $36.95/month
Couple Membership: $49.95/month
Family Membership: $54.95/month

Also, if a member carries insurance with BlueCross, Blue Shield, Medica, or Health Partners, the monthly fee can be reduced.
“I only pay $29.17 a month for my family membership,” explains Mary Curtis, a long-time member of Snap Fitness. “Its because I have insurance with Health Partners.”
There are two trainers available during the daytime hours at Snap. The prices range for one-on-one training ranges from $30-$60 dollars an hour. This rate depends on the type of training the client desires and the amount of time they schedule with the trainer.
For additional information on Snap Fitness, contact the gym either by phone, e-mail, or just drop in during Snap’s staffed hours.

Phone: (763) 552-SNAP (7627)
E-mail: cambridge@snapfitness.com
Address: 1829 2ND AVE SE Cambridge, MN 55008

Staffed hours at Snap Fitness:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
10am-7pm 12pm-7pm 10am-7pm 12pm-7pm 10am-4pm 10am-2pm None

Second Draft

In Cambridge, Minn., there are two major 24/7 gyms that dominate the area: Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness. Both gyms provide affordable payment plans

Anytime Fitness:
According to Anytime Fitness’s Club Manager Lee Molitor, Anytime is “non-intimidating for all fitness levels… It has a fast growing, positive reputation, and is very welcoming to everyone.”
The initial enrollment fee for Anytime cost between $29-$99. Members can either sign up for a month-to-month payment plan or an 18-month no-contract deal.
“Our membership dues can be as low as $9 per month,” explains Andrea Brown, to co-owner of Anytime. “The average membership is about a dollar a day.”
If a client has insurance with BCBS, Health Partners, Definity Health, Medica, UCare, Humanna, and Silver Sneakers (through Medica), their gym fees can be discounted $20 a month. Also, exclusive to seniors only, some of these insurance plans will cover the cost entirely.
Currently, Cambridge’s Anytime Fitness offers three trainers that are available during the daytime hours. The hourly rate for a one-on-one session with a trainer is between $35-$65. The price depends on the trainer’s background, specialty, and the type of training the client decides to hire them for.
For additional information on Anytime Fitness, contact the gym either by phone, e-mail, or just drop in during Anytime’s staffed hours.

Phone: (763) 662-2348
E-mail: cambridge@anytimefitness.com
Address: 1009 Highway 95 E Cambridge, MN 55008

Staffed hours at Anytime Fitness:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
11am-7pm 11am-7pm 11am-7pm 11am-7pm 9am-5pm Appointment None

Snap Fitness
“Snap Fitness offers a gym that’s fast, convenient, and affordable,” explains Heidi Lietha, the owner of Cambridge’s Snap Fitness. “It’s our motto.”
The initial enrollment fee at Snap can rage from $25 to $100. Snap does not require members to make any long-term commitments. Clients can choose from three month-to-month payment plans: single, couple, and family membership.
The single membership is designated for one person, the couple membership is designed for both a person and their significant other, and the family membership is typically exclusive to parents/couples and anyone in their household under 18.

Single membership: $36.95/month
Couple Membership: $49.95/month
Family Membership: $54.95/month

Also, if a member carries insurance with BlueCross, Blue Shield, Medica, or Health Partners, the monthly fee can be reduced.
“I only pay $29.17 a month for my family membership,” explains Mary Curtis, a long-time member of Snap Fitness. “Its because I have insurance with Health Partners.”
There are two trainers available during the daytime hours at Snap. The prices range for one-on-one training ranges from $30-$60 dollars an hour. This rate depends on the type of training the client desires and the amount of time they schedule with the trainer.
For additional information on Snap Fitness, contact the gym either by phone, e-mail, or just drop in during Snap’s staffed hours.

Phone: (763) 552-SNAP (7627)
E-mail: cambridge@snapfitness.com
Address: 1829 2ND AVE SE Cambridge, MN 55008

Staffed hours at Snap Fitness:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
10am-7pm 12pm-7pm 10am-7pm 12pm-7pm 10am-4pm 10am-2pm None

Article (First Draft)

In Cambridge, Minn., there are two major 24/7 gyms that dominate the area: Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness. Both gyms provide affordable payment plans, a variety of exercise machines, and extras (personal trainers and online resources).
“Gyms aren’t a one-size-fit all,” says Joe Fadden, a gym attendee. “One gym may be perfect for me, but another gym might be perfect for someone else. It has to fit both my physical and financial needs.”

(Anytime Fitness information still pending)

“Snap Fitness offers a gym that’s fast, convenient, and affordable,” explains Heidi Lietha, the owner of Cambridge’s Snap Fitness. “It’s our motto.”
The initial enrollment fee at Snap can rage from $25 to $100. But, Snap does not require for members to sign a time-allotted contract. Members pay a month-to-month fee.
There are three different types of month-to-month programs that members can join: single, couple, and family membership.

Single membership (one person only): $36.95/month
Couple Membership (for two married persons): $49.95/month
Family Membership (entire family): $54.95/month

Also, if a member carries insurance with BlueCross, BlueShield, Medica, or Health Partners, the monthly fee can be reduced.
“I only pay 29.17 a month for my family membership,” explains Mary Curtis, a long-time member of Snap Fitness. “Its because I have insurance with Health Partners.”
There are two trainers available during the daytime hours at Snap. The prices range for one-on-one training ranges from $30-$60 dollars an hour.
When asked about the possible weaknesses that Snap Fitness has, Lietha admitted that by not requiring members to sign a time-based contract, it may not give members the motivation they need to continue their membership at Snap.
For additional information on Snap Fitness, contact the gym either by phone or just drop in during Snap’s staffed hours.

Phone: (763) 552-7627
Address: 1829 2ND AVE SE Cambridge, MN 55008