Jeff Amlotte

Sweetie, a stingray, is seen during the Pure Snorkeling Tour by Reef Discovery around the island of Bora Bora, French Polynesia on April 19, 2013. (Jeff Amlotte/Los Angeles Times/MCT) Jeff Amlotte A man swimming at Lauderdale Beach in Tasmania died after a suspected stingray attack in a spot known for the animals. The man, 42, was attended by emergency servccies after suffering a punture wound to his lower abdomen, police said.

Commuters passing through Union Station on Tuesday found themselves in the Roaring ’20s, or at least Los Angeles Opera’s facsimile of that era, during a one-night pop-up event with costumed singers, burlesque dancers and live jazz.

I proposed an unplugged vacation to Jeff. At first, we weren't sure we could do it. He had doubts; I had anxiety. Dozens of what-ifs tumbled through my head. But, the desire to be free of the constant pull of calls, texts, emails and social media proved stronger. We wanted a real getaway. We were headed to the beautiful atoll of Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia, a one-hour flight northeast of Tahiti.