Happy Monday. Welcome to the all-shutdown edition of the Morning Six-Pack.
Confused? Here's everything you need to know, in 66 easy questions and answers on the massive U.S. government fail. (USA Today)
These shutdown things don't often end well for the provocateurs, as history has shown. (The Tennessean)
As we might expect, then, Republicans are circling the old wagons to show it's not their fault. (Politico)
If you're keeping score at home, or at least trying to follow on the calendar, there are some key dates to keep in mind. (FT Alphaville)
What's it all mean? About 1.4 points off the precarious level of gross domestic product growth. (Investment News)
And, finally...what's bad for the budget could be good for gold. CNBC.com's Sri Jegarajah explains.
—By CNBC's Jeff Cox. Follow him @JeffCoxCNBCcom on Twitter.
