Must Reads : The Two-Way Some stories are just too weird, too funny or too sad to ignore. They may not be "serious news," but are so fascinating you must read them. NPR correspondents are on the watch for such tales. We pass along the best, from NPR and other news outlets.

The Two-Way

Must Reads

Tuesday August 31, 2010

America

Obama's New Look Oval Office Proves There's No Disputing Taste

August 31, 2010 • Obama's new-look Oval Office seems to gets raves or dings based on partisanship but also aesthetics.

International

Young Jesus To Be Bollywood Movie Star

August 31, 2010 • Bollywood filmmakers said they planned to make a $30 million movie based on Jesus' young life.

America

Producer Seeks Out 'Scenes Of Everyday Life' Two Blocks Away From Ground Zero

August 31, 2010 • A producer for our member station in New York City, WNYC, wondered what goes on two blocks from Ground Zero.

Ahead Of President Obama's Prime-time Address, The Oval Office Gets A Makeover

The newly redecorated Oval Office of the White House, with new carpet, couches and wallpaper. Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

America

Ahead Of President Obama's Prime-time Address, The Oval Office Gets A Makeover

August 31, 2010 • During his speech tonight, Americans may notice the president has refurbished the Oval Office at the White House.

Water Damages Venetian Basilica Ceiling, Sixteenth-Century Titian Fresco

This picture, taken on Aug. 30, shows water dripping near "David and Goliath," a painting by renaissance master Titian, in the Santa Maria della Salute basilica in Venice. Andrea Pattaro/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrea Pattaro/AFP/Getty Images

Must Reads

Water Damages Venetian Basilica Ceiling, Sixteenth-Century Titian Fresco

August 31, 2010 • After fire fighters battled a blaze next door to the Santa Maria della Salute basilica, water seeped through the church ceiling, damaging a rare fresco.

Monday August 30, 2010

America

Dutch Arrest 2 From U.S. On Terror Suspicions

August 30, 2010 • The Dutch arrested on terror suspicions two men who flew to Amsterdam from Chicago. One man had suspicious items in his luggage, like a Pepto Bismol bottle with a cell phone taped to it.

America

Tropical Storm Fiona Forms Behind Hurricane Earl

August 30, 2010 • Tropical Storm Fiona formed in the Atlantic behind Hurricane Earl. The hurricane could hit the U.S. later in the week.

The Oxford English Dictionary's Printed Edition: Are Its Days Really Numbered?

Broadcaster Robert Robinson holds the first volume of 'A Supplement To The Oxford English Dictionary,' in 1977. Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide caption

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Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Must Reads

The Oxford English Dictionary's Printed Edition: Are Its Days Really Numbered?

August 30, 2010 • Numerous sources said there wouldn't be another print edition of The Oxford English Dictionary. Turns out, those reports were premature.

'Los Angeles Times' Education Rankings Anger Teachers, Unions

Los Angeles teachers block traffic during a protest against budget cuts outside the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters last year. Robyn Beck/AFP hide caption

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Robyn Beck/AFP