jQuery(document).ready(function($){
  // removes default value from inputs when focused
  $(".email-sign-up input").focus(function() {
    if( this.value == this.defaultValue ) { this.value = ""; }   
  }).blur(function() {
    if( !this.value.length ) { this.value = this.defaultValue; }   
  }); 

  // cycling testimonials      
  $("#testimonials").cycle({ 
    fx:    "fade", 
    timeout: 8000 
  });
  $('#slideshow img:first').fadeIn(1200, function() {
    $('#slideshow').cycle({
      fx: 'curtainX',
      timeout: '6000',
    });
  });
});