So I’m playing a quick game of virtual tennis tonight on Wii Sports. I’ve worked my way up to pro over the past few weeks, so the opponents that the computer creates for me are by now very skilled.

In fact I’m having a difficult time beating this latest computer opponent, winning even a single point. I send wicked spins from one side of the court to the other, making him cross the court repeatedly to return wild bounces and low balls that zing over the net, rocket serves, things that usually win me a quick point. He’s undeterred. He’s returning everything.

“Good grief,” I think to myself, “this guy’s a machine.”