$.fn.cycle.defaults.speed   = 900;
$.fn.cycle.defaults.timeout = 6000;

$(function() {
  $('#slideshowcontainer_a').cycle({
    fx:    'fade',
    delay: -4000
  });
});

$(function() {
  $('#sponsorbanners').cycle({
    fx:    'fade',
    delay: -5500
  });
});

$(function() {
  $('#news-ticker').cycle({
    fx:    'fade',
    delay: -7000
  });
});