Going Down!

Don’t drop the soap!


A Statue of Trump and Epstein Re-enacting ‘Titanic’ Pose Appears on National Mall, by Ashley Ahn, The New York Times, March 12, 2026

The installation is the latest in a series of satirical statues created by an anonymous group of artists called the Secret Handshake.

A gold-colored statue inspired by the “Titanic” pose has appeared on the National Mall — but instead of portraying Jack supporting Rose from behind as she pretends to fly, it depicts President Trump and the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A plaque at the statue’s base read: “The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honors the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship seemingly built on luxurious travel, raucous parties and secret nude sketches.”

The statue, which appeared Tuesday and shows Mr. Trump gazing at Mr. Epstein as he held his outstretched arms, is the latest in a series of satirical statues that have appeared in Washington since October 2024, just before the presidential election. Many of the installations, including this one influenced by the movie “Titanic” and Mr. Trump’s friendship with Epstein, were created by an anonymous group of artists called The Secret Handshake. Read the whole article here.

 

Looking to Take a “Sleepcation”? What You Really Need is Comacocoon

In 1990, Joey Skagg, posing as German anesthesiologist Dr. Joseph Schlafer, offered the ultimate alternative for the stressful vacation: Comacocoon.

These days (36 years later), HuffPost reports that tourists are choosing “Sleepcations” rather than seeking taxing and exhausting adventures. These wellness retreats offer a “clinical cocoon” of white noise and lavender oil. You can visit the most exotic places on earth, and sleep the whole time.

Comacocoon offered both. Dr. Schlafer’s clients could chose the “Magical Mystery Tour” where they could be rock stars on a sellout tour, or take the Thrill Seeker to ride the rapids of a selected adventure, all while in an anesthesia induced coma. The Honeymoon Tour was particularly enticing. Each bride and groom could have the honeymoon of their dreams, while believing their partner was having an equally good time. And, while you were under, you could have elective surgery, quit smoking, and wake up fluent in a foreign language. Much more productive than just sleeping your way through your vacation!

As we see people flocking to “sleep hotels”, it’s clear that Skaggs was right. We do want to check out of reality. When the world gets too stressful, the ultimate luxury isn’t a destination, it’s a dream.


“More Americans Are Choosing To Take ‘Sleepcations’,” by Caroline Bologna, Huffpost, February 3, 2026.

Travel experts break down this growing industry trend and what you should know before you attempt this kind of trip.

From “gig-tripping” to “travel dupes” to “hush trips,” the number of new travel trends is seemingly endless. But perhaps the most appealing concept in the tourism space of late is the “sleepcation.”

So much of travel these days seems to involve running ourselves ragged trying to hit every amazing attraction we see on TikTok and Instagram. Sleepcations, however, take the polar opposite approach to vacation. Read the whole article here.

From the Vault: Vietnamese Christmas Nativity Burning, 1968

“Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head…”
and then…
and then…
and then…

Along came Skaggs with his 1968 anti-war art protest, “Vietnamese Christmas Nativity Burning.

The Second Coming is on ICE

“The role of public art is to raise awareness.” – Reverend Karen Ristine


“Anti-ICE Nativities Take a Stand Against Trump’s Cruelty,” by Emma Cieslik, Hyperallergic, December 9, 2025.

Despite pushback from right-wing leaders, nativity scenes with a humanitarian message are spreading across the country.

This past Friday, December 5, the Archdiocese of Boston asked St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, to remove its nativity scene. The crèche features the shepherds and the Wise Men, but no Holy Family — no Jesus, Mary, or Joseph. In their place is a sign that reads: “ICE WAS HERE.”

A text below includes the number for the LUCE defense hotline, run by the Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts, which monitors and confirms Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Read the whole article here.

Religious Iconography as Protest Art

Reminiscent of Joey Skaggs’ Vietnamese Christmas Nativity Burning, Central Park, 1968


“Zip-Tied Baby Jesus Guarded by ICE Agents in Illinois Church Nativity Scene,” by TMZ Staff, TMZ, December 4, 2025.

No Room at the Inn, or the Border!!! Baby Jesus Tied Up in Church Nativity Manger.

If Jesus comes to the U.S., he’d better have a valid visa … at least that’s the worry of an Illinois church that’s installed a controversial Nativity scene depicting the baby messiah zip-tied in a manger.

Lake Street Church of Evanston — just north of Chicago — reimagined the Nativity with masked centurions wearing green vests labeled “ICE” surrounding the Holy Family. Mother Mary and Joseph wear respirator masks to shield themselves from tear gas, according to the church. Read the whole article here.