We're certainly not endorsing high stakes, impeccably executed art theft. But this is pretty cool.

In the wee small hours between 2009 and 2010, some set of clever souls crept into a private residence in Marseilles and the Cantini Museum across town, making off with 30-some paintings worth more than $2.5 million. Police are currently tracking down leads, but so far it appears that the culprits have made off like—well, thieves in the night.

If you're a fan of post-industrial rehabbing—and really, who isn't—we may have a modern wonder for you to check out the next time you're in Vienna. These gasometers were shut down in 1984, and after a few decades hosting Bond villains (and a series of truly awesome raves), they've been converted into a combination of condos, offices and shops. We doubt you'll run across anything too mind-blowing in the shops, but it ranks high on our list of post-industrial marvels.

As you're laying out your far-flung wanderings for the New Year, you might want to consider a few spots that weren't open when 2008 drew to a close. Wendmag just outlined four of the most inviting newly opened countries, most notably Lebanon, which was undergoing some pretty serious military action this time last year. We'd add one more to their list: Sri Lanka. The Tamil unrest there has quieted down enough that adventurers can check out the more remote regions without too much danger. As for the places that are still too hot for outsiders...there's always 2011?

Even if you’re not one for public transit, it pays to get to know the subway when you’re passing through Europe. For instance, Stockholm’s 100 metro stations hold some of the best art in the city. This particular design can be found in the t-centralen station, painted by pere olof ultvedt in 1975.

It hasn't breached national news, but the past week has seen tens of thousands of Filipinos evacuated out of the path of the Mayon Volcano. Early reports suggest lava is flowing as far as three kilometers down the hill. It doesn't mean much if you're not a volcano-spotter, but anyone in the area is in for some serious fireworks. Stay tuned...