Sometimes a piece of news comes in, and your heart sinks. Really sinks. This is such a time.

Good news first. The 17th Asian Games (or Asiad) are set to kick off in the South Korean port city of Incheon imminently: on September 19 to be exact, continuing through October 4. Athletes from 45 countries will compete in 439 events over 36 sports, in a festive spirit.