title: alternative to python's time.sleep()
body: <p>I'm performing realtime data processing + display, and I hit our database every 60 seconds. I'd like to not use <code>time.sleep()</code> for waiting every 60 seconds, as it removes control from me (namely REPL access to variables, which isn't necessary but nice) and freezes matplotlib charts. </p>
  
  <p>Is there an alternative? Ideally, something that would initially give control to the user, and after 60 seconds, take control away, run some code, and update a plot, then give control back to the user. (When I say control, I mean REPL control). </p>
  
  <p>Any ideas?</p>