// join a group
    $("#joinGroup").click(function(){
        var container = $(this).closest("li");
        container.html("<img src=\'/images/ajax-load-small.gif\' /> Joining Group ");
        $.ajax({
               type: 'POST',
               url: '/groups/51/join',
               data: { group_id: 51 },
               success: function(data) {
                   container.html(data)
                   .fadeIn('slow')
                   .animate({opacity: 1.0}, 2000)
                   .fadeOut('slow', function() {
                       $(this).replaceWith('Group membership pending approval');}
                   );
               }
           });
    });