So this morning I found out some devastating news and I'm sure it hindered my performance in today’s show. Here it is: Every day around 3:00 in the afternoon I get a little sleepy at work so I usually head out and get myself a chai latte to perk up. I do this before the show as well…so I'm bouncy with energy when delivering all the gaming info. Well, today I find out that chai lattes are actually CAFFEINE FREE, adding nothing to perk me up or add bounce to my step! Who knew? I could have sworn I was on a caffeine high. Apparently, not so much.

Anyway, this week is all about Madden NFL 2006. It's taken over our offices and it’s all the talk. But is it really worth it? Personally I found the "Superstar" mode to be tedious and unfulfilling. Haven't we gone far enough with all this customization? I mean really, if I add an extra inch around my Quarterback's waist or slim down my defensive lineman’s ankles, does that REALLY change the game? I tend to think not. Anyway, the idea is cute, and in future generations of Madden it might be a fun little extra, but for now, pass. Get it? Football? Pass? Oh, never mind.

Other than that, we chatted about Call of Duty 2: Big Red One and Tina tried out a new lipstick, which she complained about the entire time. I think she might have the makeup lady fired. I'm kidding people, Tina looked lovely.

"Madden Mania" premiers 8/12/2005 10pm ET / 7pm PT.

Listen to the Podcast of this episode here.

Listen to the entire Thaine Lyman interview here.