10/7/2008 8:30pm Update:

The Live Community Blog will take place here in a short while…

Live Blogging the Debate

Come back to Hoboken411 at around 8:45pm to discuss this debate with other Hobokenites. Cover it Live said it’s rectified any connection issues - and should be able to accommodate as many folks that would like to participate.

10/7/2008:

Tonight is the second of three debates between Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama.

Held at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and moderated by Tom Browkaw - tonight’s debate is in Town Hall format, and the discussion will be Domestic and Foreign Policy.

10/7/2008:

Isn’t anti-freeze pretty?

Traffic Snarled by Hazardous Materials cleanup

A large pool of green glowing liquid caused a massive response by the Hoboken Fire Department and New Jersey Transit this afternoon.

One eastbound lane of Observer Highway was closed for the PM rush near the intersection with Henderson Street, causing backups in both directions. This area at the extreme west end of Vezzetti Way has extremely poor drainage to the point where you can see water plants that typically grow in marshlands taking up space right in the street. Some people call it “Lake Vezzetti”.

That rain water apparently mixed with what appears to be antifreeze. The spill may have come from the Mercury sedan with the odd writing on the driver’s side window. The investigation continues as a huge contingent of emergency personnel gathers to watch the neon green mess get sucked into a vacuum truck. Better there than into the Hudson via our state of the (19th century) art combined sewer outflow!

PHOTO GALLERY (HOLD MOUSE OVER IMAGE TO NAVIGATE - 9 PHOTOS IN THIS SET)

10/7/2008:

Want to join the EMT? Here’s a reader mail along those lines…

What do I do?

“I overheard about the EMT Training courses. I am currently 20 and I have high interests to persue in the EMT field. I am not certified for First Aid or CPR. What are the qualifications and requirements needed? “

Well…

Do you want to volunteer with the HVAC? If so, you will need to take CPR for Health Care Providers. You can preregister at http://www.hobokenems.com/page5.html if you want to wait until HVAC offers it. JCMC used to give that class; But not sure whether they still do. Classes usually cost between $60 and $100 and it comes out of pocket.

The EMT-Basic course is 110 hours in the classroom and 10 hours volunteering in a local emergency room. Completion of CPR for Health Care Providers and passing of every one of the 8 or 9 tests given during the class as well as the statewide final will be necessary to get certified as an EMT Basic. It is like taking a college course of 4 credits that includes lecture and lab. The next courses will probably begin in February, and you can usually get a list from the NJ DOH website. There is a link to it from the training webpage at hobokenems above.

The class cost about $400 a few years ago, for those who paid out of pocket, current costs may be higher. If you are an active member of a NJ volunteer ambulance corps, then the state will pay for this class.

You can apply for HVAC membership at http://www.hobokenems.com. It is, of course, hoped and expected that anyone who is accepted as a member, rides the 4 shifts a month as an observer, and passes the EMT course will continue in years to come as an active volunteer EMT still riding the 4 shifts a month.

If you has further questions, there is contact information for the training lieutenant at the link.

(Thanks to the Hoboken411 reader for providing the info!!)

10/7/2008:

Here’s an afternoon poll for you, courtesy of Quizilla:

(STUPID POLL REMOVED)

10/7/2008:

I recall doing a story recently that had something to do with this uptown parking lot. In the process - I also snapped this picture of these obvious government vehicles parked in the lot.

We know that NJ Governor Jon Corzine has a fleet of giant SUV’s tagging along with him whenever he buys a banana, cup of coffee or a newspaper - but are these also part of his crew?

10/7/2008:

[Every month, Hoboken411 will be posting a column to give answers to Hobokenites’ most frequently asked health questions. The column is written by Dr. Laura Brayton of Hoboken Chiropractic + Wellness. Please send all health-related questions to DrBrayton@HobokenChiro.com.]

Healthy Hoboken - October 2008

“Dear Dr. Brayton,

Sincerely,
Matt T.”

May be a pinched nerve - but get tested!

“Dear Matt T.,

The symptoms of numbness and tingling almost always indicates a pinched nerve of some sort. The question is: which nerve and where is the entrapment?

It is important to really be aware of exactly where you are feeling the symptoms, like in your neck, arm, forearm, or just hand. Also, which fingers are affected; all five or just a couple? Be aware of the frequency and intensity of the symptoms as well, like how often it happens, what seems to bring it on, and how long it lasts. This will help you accurately describe your symptoms to your doctor/chiropractor which I advise you visit as soon as possible. If you are noticing muscle weakness in your right hand, then you definitely need to address this condition quickly because the longer your nerve or nerves continue to be pinched, the more permanent the injury to the nerve. There are many diagnoses that need to be ruled out to determine the exact cause of your symptoms which range from carpal tunnel syndrome to thoracic outlet syndrome or a cervical disc herniation as well as many others. Certain diagnostic testing may be necessary to exactly pinpoint the problem, like a cervical MRI, needle-EMG testing or nerve conduction velocity testing.

Please let me know if you have any other specific questions or concerns.

Yours in health,
Dr. Brayton

[411 note to Dr. Laura: Can smoking also contribute to these symptoms? I’ve been seeing gross anti-smoking commercials about a woman who lost most of her fingers and toes because of how smoking supposedly affects circulation in the long term. Isn’t numbness and tingling also a precursor?]

10/7/2008:

Have you registered to vote yet? If not, shame on you!

If you need alcohol and a fun social scene - head on over to Shannon Lounge (106 First Street) this Thursday from 8pm - 10pm. In addition to the usual drink specials, volunteers will be on hand to either sign you up, or confirm that you’re already registered. You receive a free drink and a raffle ticket for doing so. DJ spins at 9pm, then the giveaways start at 10pm.

Get on down there! The deadline to register to vote is October 14th!

10/7/2008:

“In the long run, this economy will be just fine” is what George Bush said yesterday about Monday’s roller-coaster Wall Street Ride.

As of this writing (5:04am) - I overheard the TV news in the background saying that the London Markets started out a bit higher - but have fallen since…