Building futures
Starting Monday, NBC’s “Today” show is teaming with Habitat for Humanity International and Warner Music to literally build houses for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. For five days next week, homes will be constructed, around-the-clock, at Rockefeller Plaza in what’s being dubbed “Humanity Plaza.” People are en couraged to come over and help build the homes, and “Today” will document the efforts and profile the families pre-selected to receive the homes – which will be transported to the Gulf Coast region via truck. NBC stars and Warners recording artists, including Tracy Chapman and Yolanda Adams, will join in the effort.
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Monday’s week-old “Tyra Banks Show” (5 p.m./Ch. 9) notched its best women 18-49 and women 25-54 numbers yet, and averaged over 150,000 viewers, an increase of 300 percent over its premiere. The show also continues to draw women 18-34 – its target audience.
Speaking of women 18-34, Monday’s debut of the cleaned-up “Sex and the City” on Ch. 11 (11 p.m.) was tops in that demo by a wide margin.
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Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) was here yes terday to support Pitney Bowes’ “Pushing the Envelope to Support Literacy” campaign, in which envelopes designed and autographed by celebrities will be auctioned on eBay to benefit the National Center for Family Literacy and Reading is Fundamental. “I already put a first bid on Donald Trump’s envelope, a sketch of the New York skyline,” said Cheryl. “We’ll hopefully raise a lot of money.”
Last, but not least:
* Today: Chris Cimino marks 10 years at Ch. 4.
* Saturday: Ch. 41 and the New York Blood Center sponsor blood drives in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn to mark Hispanic Heritage Month. Call (800) 933-2566 for locations.
* PBS’ “The Lost Prince,” which snared an Emmy Sun day (Best Miniseries), is available on DVD from BBC Video. Cast includes Miranda Richardson and Michael Gambon.
* Richie Ornstein, Joe Franklin will help Jack La Lanne celebrate his 91st birthday (!) Sept. 26.