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]


Medicare will become insolvent in 2026 - three years sooner than expected

Medicare will become insolvent in 2026 - three years sooner than expected

Social Security now running a deficit; Medicare to hit insolvency three years earlier than projected

Ben Pena
|
06 June, 2018, 22:44

Medicare will run out of money sooner than expected, and Social Security's financial problems can't be ignored either, the government said Tuesday in a sobering checkup on programs vital to the middle class. The report from program trustees says Medicare will become insolvent in 2026 - three years earlier than previously forecast.

Social Security this year will spend more than it takes in, the program's trustees said in a new report Tuesday that signals the official beginning of the program's slide into insolvency.

Medicare's trust fund pays for hospital visits, nursing care and related services under what's known as Part A of the program, which was created in 1965.

So far that does not appear to have happened, to judge from the annual report of the trustees of Social Security and Medicare, a group that includes three Trump cabinet officers. Medicare provides health insurance for about 60 million people, most of whom are age 65 or older.

Both the cost-of-living increase and the Medicare outpatient premium are not officially determined until later in the year, and the initial projections can change.

The report says Social Security will become insolvent in 2034.Unless lawmakers act, both programs face the prospect of being unable to cover the full cost of promised benefits.

Social Security covers 62 million people, split among retired workers and their dependents, survivors of workers who've died and disabled people.

"The programs remain secure", he said, adding: "The administration's economic agenda - tax cuts, regulatory reform, and improved trade agreements - will generate the long-term growth needed to help secure these programs and lead them to a more stable path".

Rather than cutting benefits, the Democratic-leaning Social Security Works coalition supports expanding benefits as a solution to the nation's looming retirement crisis by asking the wealthy to contribute more. The program's trustees said the shortfall trend could worsen in the decades to come.

Medicare Part A's trust fund is funded through payroll taxes, split between employer and employee.

"With modest legislated increases in revenue, Social Security will be able to pay all scheduled benefits for the foreseeable future", the nonprofit organization said in a background report issued in advance of the trustees' report.

Members of the congregation, as well as fishermen on the lake, attempted to rescue the clergyman - an nearly impossible task. Crocodile attacks are common in Africa, the paper reported, with numerous victims being women washing clothes.

And a total of 192 people remain missing since the weekend eruptions , disaster relief agency chief Sergio Cabanas told reporters. Authorities have said the window is closing on the chances of finding anyone else alive in the devastation.

What we do expect to get at WWDC 2018 is our first official look at iOS 12 , which probably won't be quite as exciting as iOS 11. With this change, Apple has basically cloned the Bitmoji feature to help users create and customize emojis as per their likings.

Kylian Mbappe has lauded his France teammate Ousmane Dembele , describing him as the best young player in world football . I think it would be beneficial also for the club to have one of our players win again".

The BlackBerry KEY2 is spotted to have 64GB and 128GB storage options that both will be expandable via microSD card (up to 256GB). Specification-wise, the BlackBerry KEY2 does have a bunch of upgrades over last year's BlackBerry KEYone .

Bloomberg reported the planned change in December, but Apple hasn't talked about it publicly until Monday, when it gave a preview. Apple has added several simple actions users can perform without having to leave Finder, such as rotating and cropping photos.

Numerous homes in the upscale gated community of Kapoho Beach Lots were valued at several million dollars each. Fissure 8 was very active overnight into Tuesday, producing large amounts of lava that destroyed homes.

Three bodies lay partially buried in ash-colored debris from the volcano , which lies about 27 miles from Guatemala City. A short video posted by the agency showed a steady flow of traffic away from the volcano to the sound of a blaring alarm.

The decision will also prevent vulnerable Senate Democrats from spending more time on the campaign trail. Ultimately, he gave senators more time away. "It's inconceivable to me that we can't use these weeks".

The decision comes after rights groups urged Argentinian players to boycott Israel over its mistreatment of Palestinians. The Israel and Argentina federations had yet to formally announce the game's cancellation as of Tuesday night.

Kapoho Lava Flow Latest From USGS
Marzo said that "a'ā", a type of flow involving broken lava blocks called clinkers, had covered the entirety of Kapoho Bay . About 80% of the homes are believed to be vacation homes, Magno told reporters Tuesday.

Kate Spade, American fashion designer - obituary
Chelsea Clinton, Lena Dunham and Jenna Bush Hager are a few who mourned the death of the late designer on Twitter . David and Kate - who married David's brother, Andy, in 1994 - sweetly smile at each other in the blurry photo.

Fire crews attack Durango-area wildfire; no homes damaged
The Ute Park Fire has grown into an enormous monster of a fire in less than 24 hours consuming over 12,000 acres as of 10:00 a.m. The cause of the fire, which began on Thursday and has been burning through grassland and pine forest, is not known.

Mexico hits USA with retaliatory tariffs
The offer, made during discussions with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Analysts say the tariffs are created to hit US Republican strongholds ahead of mid-term elections in November.