Deborah Block

Cherry Blossoms Put on a Show in Maryland Neighborhood

Visitors from around the world enjoy the blossoms of 1,200 Yoshino cherry trees

Cherry Blossoms Put on Spectacular Show in Maryland Neighborhood

The famous cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin in Washington are passing their peak, but others in the area are still blooming. VOA's Deborah Block takes us to a neighborhood in a Maryland suburb where about 1,000 blossoming trees put on quite a show.

US Independent Bookstores Thriving and Growing

After almost withering away, indie bookstores grew by 35 percent between 2009 and 2015

Finding New Books, Friends at Indie Bookstores

Small, independent bookstores in neighborhoods in the United States are considered places to discover new books and make new friendships. But about 20 years ago they were rapidly closing due to big box chain bookstores and on-line book sales. Then about 10 years ago, independent bookstores came back to life and are now thriving and growing each year. VOA's Deborah Block visited two shops in the Washington area where customers are happy to see them in their neighborhoods.

US Pawn Shops Offer Loans for Hidden Treasures

Pawn shops offer loans and eclectic merchandise

Pawn Business Growing in the United States

Pawn shops are popular in the United States, with 30 million people visiting more than 11-thousand stores every year. Most are small independent businesses, where customers buy and sell items, or get a quick cash loan. For people without credit or other financial resources, pawn shops can help them get the money they need. While many people have a negative idea of pawn shops as seedy places, the business has changed for the better over the past 30 years - as VOA's Deborah Block discovered.

Corals Dying Worldwide, But Not in Red Sea

Scientists estimate half of the world's corals have been devastated as climate change has led to warmer oceans. When water temperatures get too high, corals become stressed and expel the algae that coats their tissues and provides the corals' primary food source. The corals gradually lose their color, known as bleaching, and many of them die. But surprisingly, there are corals in one sea in the Middle East that are resistance to the rising temperatures. VOAs Deborah Block explains why.

Creating Venice Carnival Masks -- a Labor of Love

The famed annual Venice Carnival is in full swing with revelers donning beautiful costumes and extraordinary masks. The masks range from historical classics, to modern, original creations. VOAs Deborah Block takes us to a shop in the city of canals that makes intricate masks by hand.

Thought Extinct, Horned Frog Rediscovered in Ecuador Rainforest

Tiny horned frogs, thought to be extinct, have been rediscovered in a remote rainforest in Ecuador. Conservationists are hoping to save the strange-looking frogs by bringing some of them to a breeding and conservation center in Ecuador. As we hear from VOAs Deborah Block, the plan is to reintroduce the amphibians back into the wild.

Convenience Stores are Getting Even More Convenient

The store checkout line may be a thing of the past sooner than we think. A year after Amazon opened its first store without a cashier, retailers and start-ups are competing to get similar technology in other stores worldwide, so shoppers do not have to stand in line. VOAs Deborah Block has a report.

Dogs Hit the Canine Gym for Exercise

While people are working out at their gym, dogs are getting their own exercise at a sports club just for canines. While unconventional, the gym offers owners a place where their pup can stay fit and have fun at the same time. VOA's Deborah Block takes us to Frolick Dogs in Alexandria, Virginia, just one of the sports clubs for dogs that have been popping up in the United States.

Doga — Yoga with Your Dog

Doga helps create stronger bond between pet parent and pup

Doga — Doing Yoga With Your Dog

Some people take their pet dogs everywhere they can. One place where they are always welcome is at doga — yoga classes for dogs and humans. While the pet parents get into their yoga poses, like downward-facing dog, their pups get petted and held. VOA's Deborah Block takes us to a doga class in Alexandria, Virginia, where people and pups are having a good time.

Dog Museum Pays Tribute to Man's Best Friend

There are all kinds of unusual private museums in the United States, from the international spy museum, to one showcasing hair. And with Americans' love affair with their dogs, it is not surprising there is also a dog museum. VOA's Deborah Block tells about it.

Argentina's Bookstore in Restored Theater a Must-See

What do you do with a building that is past its prime or no longer being used? Many of them are torn down. But in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a century-old former theater received a new lease on life after it was converted into a bookstore. As we hear from VOA's Deborah Block, the bookstore has become an unlikely tourist destination.

Artisans Create Fantastic Ice Sculptures in China

Each January, the city of Harbin in northern China becomes an icy wonderland as it hosts the largest ice and snow festival in the world. In Harbin, temperatures can drop as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius. The annual festival, in its 35th year, draws millions of visitors to activities like hockey, a photography contest and an ice and snow painting exhibition. VOAs Deborah Block tells us about the ice sculpting competition, which features fantastic carvings by artisans from around the world.

In Russia, a Temple Devoted to All Religions

In Russia, a unique temple is being built for all religions. Symbols of different faiths are displayed on top of the building, including Orthodox Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. The temple is the brainchild of a man who claims he was visited by Jesus Christ. VOA's Deborah Block has more.

Christmas Lights Bring In Holiday Spirit

During the Christmas season, nights are bright across the United States, as families, businesses and churches put up outdoor light decorations — a simple string of white lights along a roof edge, to elaborate displays with moving figures and music. VOA's Deborah Block shows us a few of the beautiful light displays in the Washington area.

Virginia House With Over-the-Top Christmas Spirit

Christmas is a time for giving. For one man that means decorating his house with over-the-top Christmas displays to warm people's hearts. It's a family tradition that Kurt Farmer took over from his father. VOA's Deborah Block takes us to the home full of Christmas spirit in Alexandria, Virginia.

Homeowner Captures Christmas Spirit of Never-Too-Many Decorations