Creative Edge

Quảng Phú Cầu is a commune in Ứng Hòa District , on the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam . It covers roughly 8.5 km² and historically comprises six villages: Xà Cầu, Quảng Nguyên, Phú Lương Thượng, Phú Lương Hạ, Cầu Bầu, and Đạo Từ . With a modest population of just over ten thousand people, this rural settlement might at first appear unremarkable, but its cultural heritage and economic identity are deeply interwoven with one specific craft: incense making — a tradition that has shaped local life for over a century. The origins of Quảng Phú Cầu’s incense craft date back more than 100 years . In the early 20th century, villagers primarily engaged in general rural activities like basket and fan weaving. One fateful meeting between a local man — Mr. Lê Xuân Vinh — and a trader seeking bamboo sticks sparked a transformation in the community. The idea to produce incense sticks for commerce took hold in Phú Lương Thượng village and soon spread throughout the commune. Over time, what began a...

There are many things people spend their lives chasing—success, recognition, comfort, and security. Yet, when life slows us down and strips away the noise, we realize something profound: family and friends are truly life’s greatest treasures. They are not accessories to our journey; they are the foundation that makes the journey meaningful. Family and friends often know us better than we know ourselves. They see beyond the masks we wear for the world. They recognize our strength even when we feel weak, and they sense our pain even when we remain silent. This kind of understanding does not come from words alone—it comes from shared time, shared struggles, and shared love. It is built slowly, patiently, and sincerely. In moments of joy, they are the first to celebrate with us. Their laughter amplifies our happiness, turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. And in moments of sorrow, they are the ones who sit beside us when words fail. They may not always have answers, but t...

An average Indian road is an irritating place to be in. Be it a biker, a truck driver, a car owner, a cyclist, a scooter or a “mere” pedestrian, it is a path full of uncertainties, dangers and at times, unintended amusements. Today I want to discuss what is it that irritates me the most when I am on the road.   I am sure I will get a fair share of people supporting me on this. Honking, and too much of it at that, is a problem. A big one. In India, people often think they will clear a traffic jam simply by honking their horns. Does not happen. What happens instead, is high blood pressure for some, road rage for others, and frustration for the rest. If there are any left, they simply turn up the volume. I think the last ones are the smartest and get home first.   Why are people so obsessed with high beam headlights? I will never know. And to be sure, I never use high beam myself. See, high beam has its uses. On a highway with high speed traffic, and one way roads, it is ...

When the wind of. Crisis blows us back and forth ---- there is truth that God promises, ".Never will I leave. You, never will I forsake you. (Heb.13:5) A Kiss is a peculiar situation of no use to one,  absolute bliss to Two.  It is the  Lovers privileged,  the Husband'. Right and the hypocrite'sb Mask.  To a young girl, it means hope,  to a Married Woman,  Faith and an old maid. Man, it is charity. If a country is to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds. I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference.  They are the father, the mother and the teacher. ----   Dr.  A. P. L.  Abdul. Kalam What makes a home? Love, Sympathy and Confidence.  The memories of Childhood,  the Kindness of  Parents, the bright hopes of youth, the sister's pride, the brother's sympathy and help, the mutual confidence,  the common hope and interest and sorrows.  All these create an...

As a member of the school council, I helped choose a new ICT teacher. We observed him teaching a demonstration lesson and we were impressed with his skill as an ICT teacher and the way he kept discipline. Getting involved in the school council has helped me a lot. It is a positive thing. It has given me confidence in making decisions. I think we are making a difference for the students.   I play right back for the school football team. Teachers help a lot with after-hours training. The school encourages you to learn a variety of things. I’m also very keen on ICT and have been given a software program that shows you the basics. I practice my computer skills in break-time, lunchtime or after school. Anyone can turn up and book time on a computer.   I’m a buddy to junior-class children. You play with them at break-time, give them confidence and help them in their studies. If a student is struggling, you get to be their buddy and help them through the year. Buddies are giv...

Who is a Superhero? A superhero is somebody who saves lives   Does superhero require a cape and a mask? Honestly, no!   What we need to do? Don’t waste time Complaining /instead take the initiative to solve problems Ordinary people can also become superheroes, what they require is will and courage to do the impossible. Let’s look at somebody who has done it by himself.   Who Is Ambulance Dada? KarimulHaque, 57, was the third of his parents' six children and was born in Dhalabari. His mother and father were agricultural laborers, so he dropped out of school early to work odd jobs at a local tea garden. According to BiswajitJha, a former journalist who authored a biography of Haque two years ago, "He, perhaps, studied until Class III." Jha's book, Bike Ambulance Dada: The Inspiring Story of KarimulHaque (Penguin India, 2021), chronicled Hak's journey as a humanitarian driven to aid the underprivileged and destitute. The book received its first ...

Meditation, yoga and exercises have become a must in today’s “hurly burly” world. Those of us who are not at ease with meditation and yoga can do very well with simple exercises like walking in nature, which is the greatest doctor for mankind.   When you are down physically, mentally and spiritually, just sit up and get going for a meeting with nature. You will be in touch with mother earth and in the process both will be doing a whole lot of good to each other. Not only will your anxieties and sorrows disappear, you will get a new feeling of hope and happiness.   That is why even Hippocrates, considered to be the Father of Western medicine, said that taking a walk is like taking the best medicine against all kinds of possible ailments. And I read recently that the Greek physician also said that you always have two doctors on stand-by— your right leg and your left leg!   Studies have shown that walking reduces the risk of many major diseases like cancer, diabe...