services were closed. >> no matter how you define essential, there's still going to be people who depend on services who aren't going to receive them. >> reporter: the president is warning that a government shutdown could also harm the economic recovery as well as delay social security and veterans' checks. how serious is this? so far, no signs of compromise between the two sides, but the latest word from the white house is they have not yet started contingency plans for a possible government shutdown. abc news, washington. on a lighter note, it's carnival time around the world. one of the biggest parties is taking place in the city of venice. >> thousands of people are turning out along the famous grand canal to eat, drink and be merry. take a look at that. more than 100 traditional venetian rowing boats filled the waterway piloted by rowers in flamboyant costumes and masks. famous for their masks. >> oh, yes. the festivities began over the weekend.