You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


Thursday’s top story: Republicans claim Mueller testimony was a ‘disaster for Democrats’. Plus, Arkansas wages war on the veggie burger

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Good morning, I’m Tim Walker with today’s essential stories.

Ex-special counsel insists his report did not exonerate Trump

During almost seven hours of testimony before two House committees on Wednesday, the former special counsel Robert Mueller said his Trump-Russia report had “not exculpated” the president over alleged obstruction, and warned that Russia was still meddling in US elections. Yet the hearings failed to produce fresh revelations or a significant made-for-TV moment, allowing Republicans to describe it as a “disaster for Democrats”, even as some Democrats claimed it as further grounds for impeachment.

Saudi arms. Trump has vetoed congressional resolutions aimed at blocking his administration from selling $8.1bn in arms to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Presidential seal. The president spoke to a rightwing student summit in Washington on Tuesday in front of a projected presidential seal, which appeared to have been doctored to include references to Russia and golf.

Puerto Rico governor resigns at last after text scandal

Play Video 0:46 The moment Puerto Ricans learn the governor will resign after weeks of mass protests – video

After weeks of protests in Puerto Rico, the island’s governor Ricardo Rosselló has agreed to step down amid a scandal over his leaked text messages. Demonstrators outside his mansion in San Juan erupted into cheers as they learned Rosselló would resign on 2 August, to be replaced by his justice secretary, Wanda Vázquez. “The demands have been overwhelming and I’ve received them with highest degree of humility,” Rosselló said.

Leaked texts. The protests began two weeks ago, after the leak of messages between Rosselló and his inner circle, which included homophobic and sexist remarks, as well as jokes about the victims of Hurricane Maria.

Europe swelters in record heat as climate consensus nears 100%

Facebook Twitter Pinterest People try to keep cool in Amsterdam, the Dutch capital. Photograph: Robin Utrecht/Rex/Shutterstock

The UK is braced for unprecedented temperatures of up to 39C (102F0 on Thursday, at least half a degree hotter than the country’s previous record. Sweltering through Europe’s second heatwave this summer, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands have also recorded their highest ever temperatures. The extreme weather is being blamed on the climate crisis, with a study suggesting the scientific consensus on humanity’s role in global heating has surpassed 99%.

YouTube videos. The majority of YouTube videos about the climate crisis run contrary to the scientific consensus, according to research.

Boris Johnson packs cabinet with Brexiters and rightwingers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Boris Johnson chairs the first meeting of his new cabinet. Photograph: POOL/Reuters

The new British prime minister, Boris Johnson, has signalled a ruthless determination to deliver Brexit by culling more than half of Theresa May’s cabinet and replacing them with a startlingly rightwing selection of Brexiters and free marketers. For instance, his new home secretary, Priti Patel, has advocated the return of the death penalty and was sacked from her previous cabinet post after holding secret meetings with Israeli lawmakers and lobbyists.

Divisive figure. Johnson’s first day in office was marked by protests in central London, in a preview of what is likely to be a deeply divisive premiership, despite his talk of unity.

Scottish independence. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has proposed a second referendum on Scottish independence in her first letter to the new PM.

Crib sheet

The financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was reportedly found unconscious in his Manhattan jail cell on Wednesday and taken to hospital with neck injuries.

North Korea has fired two short-range missiles into the sea amid warnings from Pyongyang over planned war games between the US and South Korea in the region next month.

Residents of Reserve in Louisiana – the subject of the Guardian’s year-long “ Cancer Town ” series – are diagnosed with cancer at “highly unusual” rates, according to an academic study.

The Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill has had his conviction in a drug and gun case overturned by an appeals court after spending 11 years on probation, during which time he has become a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform.

Must-reads

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Philip Roth in 2010. He had no family, so the money raised from the estate will go to an unnamed charity. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Inside the auction of Philip Roth’s estate

The popular American novelist Philip Roth died last year, unmarried and with no children, leaving behind a vast stash of fascinating personal effects, including Yogi Berra’s baseball bat and a $17,500 typewriter. J Oliver Conroy went to see it auctioned.

The black midwives changing care for women of colour

African American babies in Minnesota are twice as likely than white babies to die in their first years. Alice Proujansky learns how the Roots Community birth center in Minneapolis is addressing the risks to black mothers, including lower-quality care and systemic racism.

Fighting Florida’s ‘poll tax’ on former felons

Former felons in Florida won back their right to vote after 150 years with an overwhelming majority at the ballot box last year. Then the state’s Republican leadership snatched it away again. Richard Luscombe reports on the battle to reimpose the will of the people.

Why a Morrissey fan replaced his tattoo with Sheryl Crow

Previously adored artists such as Morrissey and Ryan Adams are suddenly problematic, due to their extreme rightwing views or allegations of sexual misconduct. Kari Paul finds out how former fans are removing or modifying their tattoos.

Opinion

Arkansas recently passed a so-called truth in labelling law, banning purveyors of plant-based products from describing meat substitutes as “burgers” or “sausages”. The move is clearly designed to protect the meat industry rather than consumers, says Arwa Mahdawi.

Veggie burgers used to be somewhat niche, but the new breed of meatless burgers have aggressively been targeting meat-eaters and the animal product industry clearly feels threatened.

Sport

Prison sports programs aim to end reoffending, and the results are striking on both sides of the Atlantic. Jeff Burtka talks to inmates who say organised sports helped turn them around, including the members of San Quentin’s 1,000 Mile running club.

Luke Rowe and Tony Martin, the respective road captains of the Ineos and Jumbo Visma teams, have been disqualified from the Tour de France after a physical altercation during Wednesday’s stage 17, dealing a blow to Rowe’s teammate Geraint Thomas’s chances of defending his title.

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