Programs run SLOW

[chibaA at TinterlogD.Tcom]

Hi,

I was just wondering if there would be any reason why a python script
would run REALLY slow (from the command prompt, and elsewhere).  

The programs aren't really that long at all, and most of them are
purely python (ie. does not interface MySQL, etc..).  

Would there be anything I could do to speed up the program execution?
(it seemed like they were running a LOT faster before, and all of a
sudden, they run extremely slow --> ie. 2-3 seconds, instead of almost
instantaneous).

In addition, would anyone know of a website which lists the processor
cycles/times required for each python command (like for, while, if,
etc..).

Thanks so much,

kc