That first visit, after 20 minutes' work, he came downstairs and said something little short of miraculous.

"A rather memorable visit, this one of yours," she said slowly.

"One visit by Egyptian customs at the canal," he had said slowly.

Those of us who went back just for one visit can say, "Never again."

Second visit I said something to indicate sympathy, one of those things you toss off without much thought.

This visit in person, from halfway around the globe, said more than any telepresence ever could.

As for the players, a visit to the updated union Web site says it all:

And after his visit the little doctor chap had said: "I come for the money to-morrow!"

'An event-free visit is what I am aiming for now,' he said.

Those who allow virtual visits say the equipment involved requires the same parental supervision as any other technology in the home.