Yes, there are a limited number of thin processes running on the server and they block (making them non-blocking is work for another day). The code's on github, if you need a longer delay feel free to fork: http://github.com/rconradharris/reallyslowsite.com
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Whoops, the original implementation used microseconds it now uses seconds (with a max of ten).
Maximum's 10 seconds?
Yes, there are a limited number of thin processes running on the server and they block (making them non-blocking is work for another day). The code's on github, if you need a longer delay feel free to fork: http://github.com/rconradharris/reallyslowsite.com