You know you’re getting old when you start saying things like, “I remember when I was younger…” or “Things aren’t like they used to be”, or — perish the thought — something as extreme as “Those were the days, weren’t they?”

I find myself doing that when it comes to television programming “these days.” Growing up, not to toot my own horn, but I was always pretty good when it came to school, and as a result, didn’t spend nearly as much time doing homework and studying as the average chap. More of my waking hours were spent watching the boob tube — either actual TV programs or playing one of my many Nintendo gaming consoles — than shoving my head in the books.

I grew up watching TV sitcoms and cartoons, and the combination of the two known as professional wrestling (who can forget the Hulkster and the Macho Man). Classic, cheesy after school shows catered to the younger set, like Full House (ABC), Saved by the Bell (NBC), and the like, were what filled up my weekday afternoons. Gone are the days of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and (I’m not ashamed to say) the Golden Girls.

In their stead, we find the umpteenth reality show, be it some poor amateur thinking they can belt it out like Celine Dion, some fools running across the country in a glorified race, or a gorgeous bachelorette that can’t find Mr. Right so she goes on the show and is stuck with some geek. Then there are all those stupid game shows –don’t get me wrong, I like some game shows; Price is Right (CBS) and Jeopardy! come to mind — spurred on by Regis Philbin and now Boston Pizza spokespeople like Howie Mandel. Television is mindless, thoughtless, and a complete and utter waste of time.

Maybe I’m just older, but I’m having a hard time getting INTO a show anymore to the same degree as I once did. Sure, I try to catch Corner Gas (CTV), My Name is Earl, and The Office on a regular basis, but they don’t bring on the same cliffhanging loyalty as say a Friends or a Seinfeld.

Maybe I just need a New York jew, who knows.