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]


Q:

PHP server side request to Microsoft Translator API throws ugly timeout error if slow connection

I have a server-side call with PHP to Bing translate to store input results from one language to English.  If the connection is slow, the function will time out and throw an ugly PHP error that the time exceeded 30 seconds.  Is there a way to stop the translation function attempt after 10 seconds and throw a custom error to the user that I've written an not throw a system error?   
PHP code called in script:
//Translate product description from native language to english with Bing (Microsoft) API
if ($_POST['Translate_Code'] != 'en' ){//do not translate if already in english
require_once('./classes/Az1/BingTranslate.php');
$gt = new Az1_BingTranslateWrapper();
$lang_trans = $_POST['Translate_Code'];
/* Translate from "Native Language" to "English" */
$eng_description = $gt->translate($description, $lang_trans, "en");
} else{//language is english
    $eng_description= $description;
}

Bing Translation Classes relevant:
class Az1_AccessTokenAuthentication {
/*
 * Get the access token.
 *
 * @param string $grantType    Grant type.
 * @param string $scopeUrl     Application Scope URL.
 * @param string $clientID     Application client ID.
 * @param string $clientSecret Application client ID.
 * @param string $authUrl      Oauth Url.
 *
 * @return string.
 */
function getTokens($grantType, $scopeUrl, $clientID, $clientSecret, $authUrl){
    try {
        //Initialize the Curl Session.
        $ch = curl_init();
        //Create the request Array.
        $paramArr = array (
             'grant_type'    => $grantType,
             'scope'         => $scopeUrl,
             'client_id'     => $clientID,
             'client_secret' => $clientSecret
        );
        //Create an Http Query.//
        $paramArr = http_build_query($paramArr);
        //Set the Curl URL.
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $authUrl);
        //Set HTTP POST Request.
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, TRUE);
        //Set data to POST in HTTP "POST" Operation.
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $paramArr);
        //CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER- TRUE to return the transfer as a string of the return value of curl_exec().
        curl_setopt ($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, TRUE);
        //CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER- Set FALSE to stop cURL from verifying the peer's certificate.
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, false);
        //Execute the  cURL session.
        $strResponse = curl_exec($ch);
        //Get the Error Code returned by Curl.
        $curlErrno = curl_errno($ch);
        if($curlErrno){
            $curlError = curl_error($ch);
            throw new Exception($curlError);
        }
        //Close the Curl Session.
        curl_close($ch);
        //Decode the returned JSON string.
        $objResponse = json_decode($strResponse);
        if ($objResponse->error){
            throw new Exception($objResponse->error_description);
        }
        return $objResponse->access_token;
    } catch (Exception $e) {
        echo "Exception-".$e->getMessage();
    }
}
}

/*
* Class:HTTPTranslator
* 
* Processing the translator request.
*/
class Az1_HTTPTranslator {
/*
 * Create and execute the HTTP CURL request.
 *
 * @param string $url        HTTP Url.
 * @param string $authHeader Authorization Header string.
 * @param string $postData   Data to post.
 *
 * @return string.
 *
 */
function curlRequest($url, $authHeader, $postData=''){
    //Initialize the Curl Session.
    $ch = curl_init();
    //Set the Curl url.
    curl_setopt ($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $url);
    //Set the HTTP HEADER Fields.
    curl_setopt ($ch, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, array($authHeader,"Content-Type: text/xml"));
    //CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER- TRUE to return the transfer as a string of the return value of curl_exec().
    curl_setopt ($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, TRUE);
    //CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER- Set FALSE to stop cURL from verifying the peer's certificate.
    curl_setopt ($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, False);
    if($postData) {
        //Set HTTP POST Request.
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, TRUE);
        //Set data to POST in HTTP "POST" Operation.
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $postData);
    }
    //Execute the  cURL session.
    $curlResponse = curl_exec($ch);
    //Get the Error Code returned by Curl.
    $curlErrno = curl_errno($ch);
    if ($curlErrno) {
        $curlError = curl_error($ch);
        throw new Exception($curlError);
    }
    //Close a cURL session.
    curl_close($ch);
    return $curlResponse;
}
}

class Az1_BingTranslateWrapper{
protected $_clientID = "####"; //Client ID of the application
protected $_clientSecret = "####";//Client Secret key of the application   
protected $_authUrl = "https://datamarket.accesscontrol.windows.net/v2/OAuth2-13/";//OAuth Url
protected $_scopeUrl = "http://api.microsofttranslator.com";//Application Scope Url
protected $_grantType = "client_credentials";//Application grant type
protected $_accessToken = "";//Id generated from Microsoft
protected $_authHeader = "";//Takes access token created for input in Url
protected $_detectMethodUrl = "";//Forms Url for translation
protected $_strResponse = "";//translation of supplied text

public function translate($text, $lang_from, $lang_to){

//Create the AccessTokenAuthentication object.
$authObj      = new Az1_AccessTokenAuthentication();
//Get the Access token.
$this->_accessToken  = $authObj->getTokens($this->_grantType,$this->_scopeUrl,$this->_clientID,$this->_clientSecret,$this->_authUrl);
//Create the authorization Header string.
$this->_authHeader = "Authorization: Bearer ". $this->_accessToken;

//Create the Translator Object.
$translatorObj = new Az1_HTTPTranslator();

//HTTP Detect Method URL.
$this->_detectMethodUrl = "http://api.microsofttranslator.com/V2/Http.svc/Translate?text=".urlencode($text)."&from=".$lang_from."&to=".$lang_to;
//Ask for response as JSON
//Call the curlRequest.
$this->_strResponse = $translatorObj->curlRequest($this->_detectMethodUrl, $this->_authHeader);
//Remove XML formatting
$str_start = strrpos($this->_strResponse,'/">')+3;
$this->_strResponse = substr($this->_strResponse,$str_start,strlen($this->_strResponse)-$str_start-9);
return $this->_strResponse;
 }

A:

Ok youre using cURL - just set the CURLOPT_TIMEOUT as something less than your max_execution_time and then throw an exception on that timeout. and then handle that however... easy peasy :-)
It should be noted that values for CURLOPT_TIMEOUT are in seconds, but there is also CURLOPT_TIMEOUT_MS which is in milliseconds.
Additionally there are a number of additional options to deal with timeouts and speeds for connections, dns resolution, and overall bandwidth. You might also want to make use of those