Negotiations continue in an effort to forestall the great federal government shutdown of 2011, but both parties continue to dig in their heels in D.C.

With all the rhetorical arguments, the finger pointing and buzzwords surfacing around this potentially cataclysmic event, it's easy to get confused.

It's also crucial to stay informed about what really matters.

But while top aides to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) -- alongside the White House's director of legislative affairs, Rob Nabors -- were able to come to a closer understanding about the size of spending cuts, a major dispute remains over what type of policy amendments will be allowed in the final bill.

Congress says that decisions on furloughs will be made during a shutdown, so don't be surprised if the shutdown actually comes and your status for work on Monday is still up in the air. You'll find out in due time.

Public safety agencies will continue to operate. The D.C. Police Department will continue to operate, as will the D.C. Fire & EMS.

Hospitals, including the Washington Hospital Center and St. Elizabeths, will continue to operate.