FACE STEW: STEW BITS: Precious Movie, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Taraji P. Henson, Terry Crews & Essence Atkins

Newly-married actress Essence Atkins has landed the female lead opposite Terry Crews on TBS upcoming comedy series Are We There Yet? a TV adaptation of the 2005 film that starred Ice Cube. The small screen version centers on newly married Nick Persons (Crews) and Suzanne Kingston (Atkins) who move into a new home with Suzannes two children.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has revealed that he is undergoing treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia, a rare form of the disease that was diagnosed last December. The 62 year old former Los Angeles Lakers center said his doctor didnt give any guarantees, but informed him that he has a very good chance to live his life out and not have to make any drastic changes to his lifestyle. Abdul-Jabbar is a special assistant with the Lakers and said he hasnt had to cut back his level of activity of coaching, change his regimen or adjust his diet. Im able to sneak out for Thai food, he said.

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Lionsgates Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire set a new record for films opening in limited release. The indie movies weekend take of $1.8 million from just 18 theaters is the best gross ever for a film opening in fewer than 100 theaters, reports Variety. Last year, by comparison, Focus Features Milk grossed $268,487 from 34 theaters on its first Friday. Now check it... If you live outside LA, NY, Chicago and Atlanta. Lionsgate is planning to build quickly on the positive momentum for Precious. On Friday, it will open in Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, as well as expand in the cities where it is currently playing, bringing its total theater count to more than 200. On Nov. 20, it will start playing nationwide.

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After Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson served as grand marshall for Howard Homecomings parade last month, she gave back to the DC community in a different way. The actress hosted A Write to Revolution, a fundraiser benefiting the international non-profit, Art Creates Life at the Washington Plaza Hotel. Henson serves as Art Creates Lifes national spokesperson, and was joined by actor Lamman Rucker, WJLAs Cynee Simpson and singer John Forte at the event. The movement, A Write To Revolution, is a fight against illiteracy in urban America. This event launched Art Creates Lifes initiative to galvanize community members to stop and take action, to help a child or adult learn to read and write. All funds raised from the event support programming in three D.C. schools, as well as their annual trip to Senegal, West Africa to participate in a literacy support project.