Yes, Yes! on the use of tire liners. An old tube with the air valve cut off will do fine until you get some. Mr. Tuffy are great, reasonably priced and available at any LBS. They're in my commuter mtb and I haven't had a puncture in over 2 years(replaced tires once). I have a 10.5 mile route through a variety of traffic situations. Routine mileage is between 60-120 mpwk depending on work schedule.

Late 80's Fuji hardtail w/Niterider 2.0 trailrat and universal taillight, Jandd saddlebags, single Shimano 46t chainwheel and cranks(modified touring triple) w/28x11 cassette on Weinman 519's, Wellgo clipless, Wal-mart(Yes, wal-mart!) 1.95 knobbies...nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. Stock shifter/brake levers(Alivio) w/STX rear der.

Oh yeah, my commute...it was great today. Low 30's am and low 50's pm. Cloudy, low wind. Had to hollar at a busdriver this morning who cut me off and my chain fell off this afternoon, but otherwise great. Mashed most of the way home. Since getting the liners I never think about getting flats, anymore.