The Lion's Den

I've MOVED!!!! Check it out!

2010-10-27T14:50:45Z

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Dear Readers,

I've MOVED! I am now at Wordpress, and you can still view my posts, comment, and receive email updates at my new home!

The Lion's Den @ Wordpress

Email Me

Hail to thee, our fair Cornell!

2010-10-08T14:40:36Z

Number 14 in the world? Looks GOOD!

Illuminate the night the way your spirit illuminates my soul

2010-10-06T18:38:34Z

This sing gives me chills. I first heard it from "Yentl," sung by Barbara Streisand. It was on Glee last night, and I was very giddy when I heard that familiar "Gooooooood, OH Goooooood" that opens the song. Here is a clip of the gorgeous Lea Michele singing "Papa Can You Hear Me."

Papa Can You Hear Me - Lea Michele from "Glee"

Happy Monday - Keep it Cool

2010-10-04T12:04:27Z

Arrested Development and Dexter - Everyday People

Borrowed: New Birth’s mission: Pursue truth about Bishop Long

2010-09-26T11:44:18Z

- by Jay Bookman via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Back in college, I meant to write an article like this for a student magazine, but was never able to get it published. I stumbled upon this article yesterday, and clearly its contents are still hot topics. If true, the allegations against Bishop Eddie Long are disconcerting. If untrue, they still cast a dark shadow on Bishop Long's ministry.

"Maybe it’s just an ugly scam. Maybe it’s a well-coordinated, fairly sophisticated conspiracy among several young men to shake down Bishop Eddie Long, a successful, revered leader who has built New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into a powerhouse of Christian service.
Sad as that would be, it would certainly be the better outcome. Because if the opposite proves true and the allegations against Long are valid, the tragedy deepens.
Lawsuits filed this week by three young men who entered Long’s orbit as mere boys allege truly troubling predatory behavior on the part not just of Long but of those close to him. In short, they claim that Long prostituted the faith he preached and the resources of the church he led in order to satisfy his sexual urges with those who had almost no defense against him.
The allegations include claims that Long, an outspoken critic of gay rights and gay marriage, participated in “covenant ceremonies” in which he and young male parishioners exchanged vows of commitment.
Through his attorney, the bishop strenuously denies all such charges. However, radio interviews and a news conference scheduled for Thursday were canceled, and Long apparently will not address the issue until Sunday, before his New Birth congregation.
In the meantime, Long’s attorney has described the lawsuits as an attack not just on the pastor but on New Birth and its 25,000-member congregation. Church members no doubt feel that way as well, and most have rallied to defend their leader.

If the charges prove false, New Birth is indeed a victim of injustice almost as great as that perpetrated against Long. But if the charges are correct, then New Birth served as an accomplice, witting or unwitting, in a gross betrayal of faith.
Under the circumstances, it’s possible that the truth about the alleged seductions can be established one way or the other relatively quickly. The lawsuits include multiple details of travel and gifts that can be verified or discredited. They cite witnesses who will be legally obligated to testify honestly in court to what they saw or risk charges of perjury. Photos of Long taken by the bishop in his bathroom mirror and allegedly e-mailed to the young men have already been leaked, and other material might be forthcoming.

If the truth is not established fairly soon, however, church elders should launch an independent probe of the allegations. That would be difficult for an institution such as New Birth, which bears Long’s strong and charismatic imprint. But people should never be afraid to seek the truth, especially in a situation like this.

As we all know — as Long himself has no doubt preached — none of us is immune to temptation. We also know that it is human instinct to look up to leaders, both secular and religious, in the belief that they are less vulnerable to the weaknesses that dog all of us.

The danger is that by elevating leaders in our eyes, we elevate them in their own eyes as well. To satisfy our own need to believe in someone better and stronger than we are, we turn mortals into demi-gods and then marvel when they start to act accordingly. Even on the truly humble and well-intentioned, unquestioned faith and confidence can over time have a corrosive effect.

As a young pastor in the ’60s, the late Earl Paulk had been one of the few Atlanta-area white clergy to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his civil rights struggle. His leadership skills helped build Chapel Hill Harvester Church into an institution with national influence, politically and spiritually.

Then came his fall. Beginning in the ’90s, Paulk was hit by repeated charges of sexual coercion much like those now facing Long, devastating a congregation that believed in him.

Heros often fail us, but betrayal by a religious leader is probably felt more intensely than any other. Yeah, Mel Gibson turned out to be a jerk, but really, who cares? Yes, President Clinton tarnished his office and legacy, but most people didn’t feel that betrayal personally. With a religious leader the betrayal is intimate, in some ways as deeply felt as betrayal by a spouse or parent.

But just a year ago, speaking at Paulk’s funeral, Long himself took the opportunity to remind mourners that even leaders are not granted perfection.

“We did not, in case you didn’t know, fall down out of heaven,” Long said. “We were taken from among men so we could minister to men.”"

- link to original article

Sound Mind, Sound Body

2010-09-25T23:49:13Z

Best Commercial...EVER!

Just RUN IT!

2010-09-20T13:30:42Z

Distance Running!!!

Crucifixus (Lotti)

2010-09-19T22:09:27Z

Crucifixus - Lotti sung by the choir of King's College

Polo Ralph Lauren Fall 2010

2010-09-19T16:44:02Z

Polo Ralph Lauren: Fall 2010 collection

Only one girl can "whip it"

2010-09-18T13:42:13Z

One song is from a nine year old...

I know, I know. But Willow Smith (spawn of Will Smith) has some uber swag for a nine year old.

Willow Smith - Whip My Hair

This next one is Rihanna's new single, which is on her new album coming out in November. It sounds like the old Rihanna - FINALLY!

Rihanna - Only Girl

Themesong Playlist

2010-09-11T12:56:25Z

...add this to the playlist...of your life...

Marina and the Diamonds - Oh No!

STOP! Breaking news!!!

2010-08-28T12:20:33Z

I am watching Good Morning America, and the anchorman just said (2 minutes ago), "Breaking news this morning. Paris Hilton arrested in Las Vegas for cocaine possession..." He then continued to elaborate on Hilton's unfortunate run with the law. This was the first story of the "breaking news" segment.

What the #@!*

Post from mobile portal m.livejournal.com

There's still another

2010-08-25T13:35:42Z

They considered him the "Last Lion," but little did they know there is another one, soon to be heard. Surely his bloodline is not the same, but his greatness will be.

Post from mobile portal m.livejournal.com

"Climate of fear, hatred, and Islamaphobia"

2010-08-24T12:43:15Z

The reigning conversation is idealistic at heart. It seems as though Americans are trying to define what our current values are. On one side, to promulgate anti-Islamic sentiment is supposedly American, as it fundamentally disavows association with Al Queda and those involved in 9/11. On the other hand, from our nation's inception, we stand firmly by the right to practice any religion freely. It's an interesting debate and I'd like to see where we end up in a few weeks.

Here is an interesting interview from CNN about this debate. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imzrGN3G_iA)

East Coast Weekend!

2010-08-21T15:04:21Z

For such a gorgeous day, go out and live it up. EAST COAST STYLE!!!!!:

East Coast Girls/Your Love is My Drug - Ahmir Cover (California Girls/Your Love is My Drug Mashup)

Take me away

2010-08-20T19:26:17Z

Cornwall, England:
I want to go to there!

Here's a song you can prance to...and from a dandy Englishman. I love the duality, androgyny, and flamboyance in this music video. I guess I live for gallantry AND glitter.

Blame It On the Girls - Mika

Breakfast @ Helen's

2010-08-19T20:13:37Z

There is a plate of pancakes to the left that is not pictured...and I ate ALL of this. #unabashedgluttony

Helen's Diner - Concord, MA

I'm Back!

2010-08-19T12:40:25Z

Good Morning,

Let me use this opportunity to begin a new series of blog entries after my short summer hiatus. It has been such a long time since I last made a post , and my mind is trafficked in an unlikely quagmire. So much has occurred (politically and culturally) over the last month and a half, and I haven't written about any of it. To be honest, I really have been on a mental break. I have read few articles and books, and I haven't listened to anything except for Katy Perry's "California Gurls" and Vampire Weekend's "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa." I openly admit that mental deflation has been SO VERY relaxing. Hashtag: #guiltless. Shameless plug: @The_LionsDen on Twitter.

Anyway, summer is about to wind down, so it is only appropriate that I prepare my mind for the Fall. I will definitely return with the topics I referenced in my June 26th post. On another note, I plan on adding another facet of content to the blog - my adventures. This includes books, restaurants/food, site seeing, and drinks. Everything that I do not post on the blog, I will post on Twitter.

Best,
Joel

P.S. My sister just began a blog about fashion, food, and literature. It's a perfect packaging of manufactured sweetness: Sweet N' Lo.

The Lion Sleeps

2010-06-26T15:43:45Z

Hey All,

Summer officially started this week, and there is much to do - reading, running, traveling, enjoying the sun. I will be away for the next few weeks, and will return in August. With my time off I hope to read several books, so write some book suggestions in the comments! I ALWAYS consider suggestions, and I usually read them. So far, I plan on reading:

1. The Last Lion (Biography of Ted Kennedy)
2. The Bretheren - John Grisham
3. Race-ing Justice, En-gendering Power: Essays on Anita Hill, Clarence Thomas, and the Construction of Social Reality - Toni Morrison et al.
4. Death in the Afternoon - Ernest Hemingway
5. Walden - Henry David Thoreau

So until August, have a great summer! Here are some things to look forward to for my return.

1. My response to The Lynching of Language
2. The "Look of Summer Part II"
3. A look into "objectum sexuality" (weirdest thing I have ever heard of...well, not EVER...but still pretty mind-boggling).

Until Later,
Joel

I'll leave you with two songs:

Australia - The Shins

Diplomat's Son - Vampire Weekend

Tommy Ton Snaps Milan Style: GQ.com

2010-06-23T16:11:00Z

Tommy Ton Snaps Milan Style: GQ.com

This is for you sartorial types.

It's officially summer...so dance!

2010-06-22T02:33:40Z

Hello all,

I came home from work and decided to waste time watching music videos and came upon this sexy morsel. What the hell. It's summer, therefore, I command you to dance. Also check out my last music post with some more hot summer music.

- Joel

Commander - Kelly Rowland ft. David Guetta

To Consider: Unclear selfhoods, fear of queer, and steering repeal

2010-06-21T12:37:25Z

I've been away for a while, enjoying the summer. The warmer it is outside, the less time I spend at my computer. Anyway, here are three things that I have encountered this month that I am currently reading. Interestingly enough, it is time appropriate as interest in heteronormative and queer studies, as well as gender reallocation has peaked this month (pride month). So, below are some things that I have found to be interesting reads. There is also a video about the current state of DADT legislation.

1. On the Unclear: Toward a Recognition of Androgyny: A search into myth and literature to trace manifestations of androgyny and to assess their implications for today by Carolyn G Heilbrun (1964)

2. Fear of queer: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill has written an article on hip-hop culture and the implications of queerness to the hip-hop community and our interpretation of the community. This is a very interesting read, take the time out to read it if you have the chance. You'll have to download the PDF if when you click on the link.

3. Steering repeal: Here's just a quick video of Defense Secretary Robert Gates discussing Dont Ask Don't Tell and its passage. Is it me or does it seem like proposed legislation could include other factors that may provoke President Obama to veto the bill?

4. This next one is extremely interesting. Judith Butler refuses the Berlin Pride Civil Courage Prize...ouch!

P.S. I will still post my thoughts on The Lynching of Language...it's just very slow coming...

I Feel Better

2010-06-20T18:19:49Z

This is CapnHarry & BHB remix of Hot Chip "I Feel Better."

It's sweltering outside, and well, since I'm already sweating, I might as well embrace it and MOVE to the beat.

iPad in the Kitchen

2010-06-07T12:11:38Z

I got the tip from Engadget.com. Check out this guy's innovative use of the iPad. So cool.

Quote of the Week

2010-06-06T23:10:45Z

"Give me a place to stand," said Archimedes, "and I will move the world." These men moved the world, and so can we all. - RFK 1966

"Iwe" - The Noisettes