From park closures to furloughed federal workers - the impact of the government shutdown is evident - across the U.S..<br/> <br />In New York City, the Statue of Liberty was closed to visitors - where ticket holders were offered refunds - or a boat ride around Liberty Island.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: GAELLE MASSE, TOURIST FROM PARIS, FRANCE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Well, we're coming from Paris in France. So we're really disappointed."<br/> <br />In Washington, the shutdown closed museums, monuments and the National Zoo - and - in this city where the U.S. government is the number one employer - many shops and restaurants offered deals to federal workers forced to stay home without pay.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: JOEL PATTON, FEDERAL EMPLOYEE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I've never had Sprinkles before and I heard all these good things about it so I wanted to give it a try. Why not do it because it's a freebie."<br/> <br />For the first time in 17 years - the U.S. government shut down after members of Congress failed to compromise on a fund
