--The state owes snow plow operators $69 million for their work. Now that's a way to thank them for keeping our roads clean. The state has already--ahem--plowed through its snow-plow budget due to the abundance of snow this year. Sorry. Couldn't resist. [Boston Globe]

--Two fires broke out at the same building in Fitchburg on Thursday, 12 hours apart. [WCVB]

--An author from Dudley, Misha Defonseca, has admitted that she made up a best-selling memoir of her struggle to survive during the Holocaust. Back in 2001, she was asked if it was all true, and she had denied. [Boston Globe]

--Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are hosting a mighty expensive fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama at Rumor on March 16. While we are confident that they have the best intentions, usually Hollywood plus Politics equals Daily Show Material. [Boston Herald]

Coolest gnome ever by AngieRose. from photos tagged "Bostonist" on Flickr.