transactions, sleeping queries and hanging php5.cgi processes

[eluser]rdvade[/eluser]
I had (well, have since the solution is a compromise) this problem.
In my case it's the encrypted cookie that causes php to hang, switch it off and the thing works great. Kind of disappointing that I have to switch it off, I might email dreamhost to see if they can help - I'm sure this is on their end.