jQuery.easing.def = "easeInOutExpo";
var DELAY = 850

$(function(){
    // animated the .alpha elements
    $('.alpha').each(function(){
        var opacity = $(this).css('opacity');
        
        $(this).hover(
            function(){
                $(this)
                    .css({'opacity': opacity})
                    .animate({'opacity': 1});
            },
            function(){
                $(this).animate({'opacity': opacity});
            }
        );
    });
    
    // opens external links in new windows
    $('a[rel=external]').each(function(){
        $(this)
            .attr('target', '_blank')
            .attr('title', function(i, title){
                return title + ' (Opens a new window)';
            });
    });
});