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The commander-in-chief expressed his feelings toward the film in an interview.

Derrick Bryson Taylor
Aug, 28, 2013

See why we're having blueberry muffins with our brew:

• President Obama says he nearly "teared up" while watching Lee Daniel's The Butler recently. The president praised the film and it's strong message. "I teared up thinking about not just the butlers who worked here in the White House, but an entire generation of people who were talented and skilled. But because of Jim Crow and because of discrimination, there was only so far they could go," said Obama to Tom Joyner in a radio interview. "And yet with dignity and tenacity, they got up and worked every single day and put up with a whole lot of mess because they hoped for something better for their kids." [Hollywood Reporter]

• This fall, the first-ever Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards will be held in the champion's hometown of Louisville, Ky. According to a press release, the awards are Ali's opportunity to recognize specific individuals who have greatly contributed to peace, social justice and other humanitarian efforts. In all, six awards will be given out. Recipients have not been identified. Ali himself is scheduled to be on hand for the festivities. [Grio]

•Cory Booker says he's fascinated that some people are concerned with his sexuality. The New Jersey senate candidate and rising national democratic star told the Washington Post, "People who think I'm gay, some part of me thinks it's wonderful. Because I want to challenge people on their homophobia. I love seeing on Twitter when someone says I'm gay and I say, 'So what does it matter if I am? So be it. I hope you are not voting for me because you are making the presumption that I'm straight.'" [Grio]

• The IRS is continuing it's Hollywood crackdown. According to reports, the IRS believes Michael Jackson's estate owes them $702 million in back taxes and penalties. The way the government computed the alleged debt isn't correct according to Jackson's estate, whom believes the value was calculated "based on speculative and erroneous assumptions unsupported by the facts of the law." The case is going to court and if the judge rules against the IRS, no further taxes will be paid. [EURweb]