While Bostonist is stuck in the office this week with our co-workers on vacation, we’ve noticed that things are not only quiet at work, but in the news arena too. We’ve kept ourselves occupied with this SNL skit floating around the web and now we’re rounding up the latest news stories from the past couple days so you can read them and then keep on eating those leftover holiday chocolates next to the copy machine.

Time to Make the Donuts No More: Dunkin’ Donuts legend “Fred the Baker”, Michael Vale, passed away in New York City yesterday at the age of 83 due to complications from diabetes. He starred in over 1,300 commercials throughout his career (and here we thought the DD gig was his only one). A fun fact Bostonist didn't know: Vale announced his retirement as Fred in a 1997 Copley Square press conference.

Commuters to Cough Up Some Cash: For those Fast Lane users out there, you better start saving your pennies until you have exactly $24.61. The Mass Turnpike Authority has decided to give you a holiday gift and we use the word "gift" lightly.

BC Football Player Gets a Break: Even those who are charged with drunk driving get to suit up for a college bowl game! Defensive End Jeff Burns crashed into a stone wall on Friday night in Brighton and was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. It helps to know the football coaches at Boston College, who got the hearing postponed until Friday (after the bowl game in Idaho tonight, of course). BC coaches say that Burns will indeed suit up, but not play in the game against Boise State.

The Patriots Continue to Push Toward the Playoffs: In other football news, the Patriots have secured a spot in the post-season, taking on either Pittsburgh or Jacksonville in two weeks; they'll play Miami this Sunday on New Year's Day. Unfortunately, it looks like the comeback king will be sidelined with a calf injury from this past Monday’s game.

New Year’s Eve Boston Style: And on the bright side, New Year’s Eve is only three days away…Bostonist guesses that you’re either going on a ski trip or staying here in the city with no plans whatsoever. There seems to be a lot going on for the foodies out there as well as for the families. We ask you readers: know of something fun for NYE that doesn’t have anything to do with wearing a button or frequenting the Faneuil Hall area?