Newsday TV Book, January 30-February 5, 1977.

I acquired this issue for my collection many years ago, so I don't know why I've never bothered to scan it. It's not the greatest content-wise, so there's that, but I'd say it's worth spotlighting for the Evel Knievel cover alone (with the then-living legend framed in the "jaws of death").
Nerd Alert: There's a paragraph in the accompanying story (penned by the late Bill Kaufman) about Evel's Ideal toy line.

(Click pics to enlarge and clarify.)

[I should mention that the staple placement of this particular issue is somewhat janky, so the edges of some scans are consequently janked-up as well. As always, refunds will be disbursed upon exit.]

The TV Line offers tidbits about presidential impersonation and Howard Cosell's start in the announcing biz. Plus, a father and son from Valley Stream debate the strength of the chloroform required to abduct Robert Blake. (Sorry fellas, you're gonna need to spring for the bigger bottle, he's not as twerpy as he looks!)

Here are early Sunday's listings (with the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon running on WOR channel 9 throughout) and some interesting ads, including one that was "influenced" by a Mad Magazine strip by Dave Berg. (Or it was it simply a blatant rip-off--decide for yourself after checking out this comparison I made for the FB group that goes with this blog.)

Here is a small portion of the Tuesday afternoon listings, for one reason only: a spectacularly obscure reference to a talk show bit by a major celebrity. Well, it's Frank Stallone, so let's say "major celebrity-adjacent." In this case, the adjacent part is literal, as he appeared alongside big brudda Sly for a totally-not-nepotistic shot on Dinah! for what I suppose was his band, Frank Stallone and the Valentines. I found one reference to it from the New York Times (but it's their TV listing for this very broadcast) and another mentioning the Valentines in an article about Rocky II.

Now here's late Tuesday night, only to show just how dense with information these old listings could be, and for the usual spate of droll and edifying John Cashman reviews.

This bit of Thursday listings features an unsigned close-up illustration that unfortunately does not appear to be the work of personal favorite  Gary Viskupic, but I felt the page merited inclusion specifically for the Halloweeny ad for the invitingly-named Shear Shack Hair Cutters, with its peculiar Lugosi and Borland depictions.

American Bandstand celebrated its 25th anniversary (which means that this year, the teenybopper dance party would be... seventy?!?).

Since the whole Saturday schedule fits into just three pages, here it is. Hard to say whether I watched Curse of Bigfoot or the premiere of Fish, as I enjoyed them both. (I was not quite 8 years old, which may not be a good enough excuse.) No Saturday Night Live for the night owls--or Fright Night on WOR either, what a gyp!

The back cover is a typically boring bank ad, so instead I'll close out this installment with an ad for East Setauket's The Dining Car 1890 Restaurant, "a trip back in time, to a more gracious way to dine." If I was looking for a more gracious time, forget 1890 or even 1977--at this point I'd settle for 2014!

Next time: the February 2-8, 1975 issue!

Maybe!

We'll see!