Surely nothing can be said or done to assuage their pain in this moment of grief, but I hope it is of some comfort that these brave individuals will be remembered as standing at the vanguard of a historic moment in global health: the final push to end polio.

FORBES: The end of polio is in sight if we persist.

"Nothing more can be done, " said watch officer Terry Collins.

BBC: Two missing in storms

Former Comptroller Bill Thompson, who is running for mayor, said, "If there's nothing else that can be done, then maybe Gale" has to force the bill to the floor.

WSJ: Council Members May Bypass Quinn

"Our position is that we remain ready for talks, and (the company has) done nothing about that ...we are certain this position can be negotiated, " he said.

BBC: News | The Company File | Pay dispute grounds airline

About the only good thing that can be said about the PBGC is that the guaranteed pensions that they provide are better than nothing.

FORBES: PBGC Pension Termination: A Worker's Perspective by Terry O'Rourke, United airlines (December 15, 2007 )

"Nothing is perfect, but I feel like I can be a more active participant in everyday life with these hands, " said Koger, who now spends his time reaching out to new amputees about keeping a positive outlook on their situation.

CNN: Bionic hands controlled by iPhone app