This thread is for the people offering help and asking questions on odd maneuvers done by other players.
I'll start off with a tip. (note: you don't have to copy the way I'm offering tips or answers.)
TIP: Mana can be tapped any time, but empties out between every phase (includes draw phase, upkeep, untap step, main phase, combat phase, damage step, main phase two, and end phase.) So if you plan on spending it, spend it. If you don't, it goes away.
This applies cards like Thran turbine. (http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=8895) Where the mana will be added at upkeep, but if not spent before your draw phase. It disappears/fizzles/is gone.