Having lived in the city of Hamtramck off and on over the years, I thought I knew pretty much everything that mattered in regards to what Hamtramck had to offer. Boy, was I wrong. When the Hamtramck DDA contracted Lightshine to produce a promotional segment for Detroit Metro Airport video kiosks, my eyes were opened to any number of new establishments that have popped up on the scene since I last took a good look around. The city is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and clubs rising up to stand side by side with the classic staples that we’ve known and loved for years. Believe me, it’s impossible to showcase every cool thing you’ll find in Hamtramck in a two minute video, but here’s a look at just a few of the things this town has going on:
by on Oct 5th, 2010. Comment 
Saw the new Karate Kid movie a couple weeks ago and I have to say I wasn’t that impressed. It wasn’t really bad, but it didn’t really inspire me the way I remember being inspired by the first version. (Is it particularly telling that I was old enough to watch movies when the first version was released?) In any case, what is pretty inspiring is master Gary Douglas at Tri-State TaeKwon-Do.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we sat down for this Spotlite Profile interview. Maybe a lot of talk about physical fitness and mental toughness – the fight mentality. And while there’s no doubt that Gary Douglas could kick my butt, what I discovered was a humble, low-key guy who puts the well-being of his students above self-promotion – or anything else for that matter. Like I said, inspiring. Check it out:
Spotlite Profile – Tri-State TaeKwon-Do from David Bark on Vimeo.
by on Aug 20th, 2010. 1 Comment
From corner store, to deli, to the local soda shop and candy store, the building that now houses the Cafe 1923 coffee house has enjoyed a rich and vibrant history. Cafe 1923 has become a welcomed fixture on the Hamtramck landscape, serving as art gallery, music venue and meeting place for an entire community. “See you at the cafe” has been a familiar refrain for my friends and I for years, and we’d meet up there before ball games, BBQ’s or whatever else we might happen to be doing. When I was taking online classes at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, it was the perfect place to bring my laptop, log on, and pretend to study while striking up conversations with friends and strangers alike. What else can I say? It’s a cool place full of cool people. Here’s a peek:
by on Jul 31st, 2010. Comment
Today Lightshine Productions begins it’s “Spotlite Profile” series of videos. Spotlite Profiles, with the emphasis on “lite,” are short introductions to people, places and things of interest in and around town. A Spotlite Profile provides a simple, honest introduction to yourself or your business, and since the editing involved is minimal, it can be a great, cost effective way to get professional video content on your website.
In the coming days and weeks we’ll be taking a look at a local theater, a TaeKwon-Do studio, Hamtramck’s favorite coffee house and we’ll watch as culinary expert Danny Wasmund shows us how to prepare an elegant – yet novice friendly – gourmet meal.
Today we’ll start by meeting Raymond and Joan Bittner, from the Polish Art Center in Hamtramck, MI. The Polish Art Center is full of unique, handmade treasures individually selected by Raymond and daughter Kathleen during their yearly trip to Poland. From folk art to fine art, Christmas ornaments to novelties, they have something for everyone. And you’d be hard pressed to find more genuine, down to earth and kind hearted people. The Art Center is located at 9539 Joseph Campau, in Hamtramck. It’s definitely worth the trip.
by on Jul 27th, 2010. Comment
