But without the talents and dedication of the NHS staff, they would be just empty shells.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK Politics | In full: Tony Blair's speech

Sadly, when I publicly lamented Lucien's passing, I didn't just get empty shells.

NPR: Jazz, Opera Suffer Loss of Two Greats

Note that America's Cup racers max out at 16 knots, and they're basically empty shells with nary a cushion to sit on.

FORBES: Mine's Lighter

More sea urchins and other tiny shellfish have been swept ashore at adjoining Broad Haven and Little Haven beaches in St Brides Bay, Pembrokeshire and in some places the golden sands were inches deep in empty shells.

BBC: News | Wales | Sea urchins may have committed suicide

The boat, called Route 66, cruised at more than 20 knots and frequently hit speeds in excess of 30 knots, or 55 kilometers an hour. (Note that America's Cup racers max out at 16 knots, and they're basically empty shells with nary a cushion to sit on.) Route 66 boasted a full luxury interior with air-conditioning, desalination equipment and even an air compressor for underwater breathing hoses.

FORBES: Mine's Lighter

Mr. Kadyrbayev knew when he saw the empty firework shells that Mr. Tsarnaev was involved in the bombings, the FBI affidavit said, citing interviews with him.

WSJ: U.S. Charges Three More in Boston Marathon Case