DXM = a poor man’s weight loss drug?

DXM does decrease your appetite at high doses, similar to stimulant amphetamine. It also causes insomnia and REM rebound (excessive sleepiness with Rapid Eye Movement). Continuously taking DXM decreases its effectiveness (tolerance). So it’s recommended to intermittently fast (no DXM) for 2 days before indulging yourself on another high dose. However, this approach may cause excessive daytime sleepiness and you might need caffeine to counter that!

DXM can cure autism and OCD?

My daughter has autism and used to experience sudden emotional outbursts, sometimes crying for nearly 30 minutes at a time. To help prevent these daily episodes, I gave her 20 mg of dextromethorphan (DXM) with guaifenesin, hidden in juice. It seemed to help, but I’m unsure if the improvement was due to the DXM or simply part of her natural development as she grows older—only Dr. God knows.

I suffer from sexual OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). I used to masturbate every night to relieve “the urge” and go to sleep when I was a teenager. The problem continued into my 20s and 30s until I discovered that DXM can “alleviate” my sexual OCD urge. Now I only masturbate once every 3-4 days and in my opinion, it’s better for my sexual health.

DXM decreases sensory inputs from the environment and increases my awareness of the surroundings, neuroplasticity?

By robotripping with DXM, the summer heat no longer bothers me like it used to, I now have greater tolerance for sensory inputs. DXM also changes my brain by making me more open-minded and aware of my surroundings. My attention to detail, patience and tolerance for annoyance also increase with an overdose of DXM. Thanks to DXM, I’m no longer depressed and I now love eating fruits and vegetables more than carbs and meat. “Abusing” DXM truly makes a difference in my brain and my way of thinking or is it because I age and mature? Only Dr. God knows…

Data Engineer (DE)

Data engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, software engineering, information technology, data science, math, or business. Some bachelor’s programs may offer a concentration in data engineering. Common courses in data science or data analytics programs include:

Big data, Data mining, Data modeling, Applied statistics, Data warehousing, Business analytics, Data visualization, Database systems, and Database management. 

In addition to a degree, data engineers should also have experience with programming languages like Python and Java, as well as knowledge of relational database management systems and database querying languages like SQL. 

While a degree isn’t required to become a data engineer, some companies may prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree may also help advance your career and lead to higher-paying positions. You can also consider professional certifications, such as the Certified Data Management Professional certification from the Data Management Association (DAMA) International, to show employers that you’re willing to improve your skills. 

VN Dân Chủ Quốc Gia (Democratic State of VN)

Bình Đẳng, Tương Ái và Tôn Trọng Luật Pháp (Equality, Fraternity and Respect of the laws)

Việt Nam Dân Quốc theo chủ nghĩa Cộng Sản và Cá Nhân Hỗ Tương (Mutualism of Individualism and Communism = One for All and All for One (Một ngưòi vì mọi ngưòi và mọi người vì một người).

“One for all and all for one” is a Latin phrase, unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno, that means all members of a group support each other and pledge to support the group. It is the unofficial motto of Switzerland and the motto of the title characters in Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers. 

Data Scientist (DS)

A good data scientist possesses a mix of technical skills, business acumen, and personal qualities. Here are some key attributes:

Technical Skills:

  1. Statistical Analysis and Mathematics: Understanding of statistical tests, distributions, maximum likelihood estimators, etc.
  2. Programming Skills: Proficiency in languages such as Python, R, SQL, and familiarity with tools like Jupyter Notebooks.
  3. Machine Learning: Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and techniques, including supervised and unsupervised learning.
  4. Data Wrangling: Ability to clean, transform, and preprocess data for analysis.
  5. Data Visualization: Skills in tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau, or Power BI to create meaningful visualizations.
  6. Big Data Technologies: Familiarity with big data tools such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases.
  7. Software Engineering: Understanding of software engineering principles for building scalable and maintainable code.

Business Acumen:

  1. Domain Knowledge: Understanding of the specific industry or business area in which they are working.
  2. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to frame business problems as data science problems and find effective solutions.
  3. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate findings and insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Personal Qualities:

  1. Curiosity and Creativity: A natural inclination to explore and find innovative solutions to problems.
  2. Critical Thinking: Ability to critically evaluate information and approaches to problem-solving.
  3. Detail-Oriented: Precision in handling data and ensuring accuracy in analysis.
  4. Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team with other data scientists, engineers, and business professionals.
  5. Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated with the latest developments in data science and technology.

A combination of these skills and qualities helps a data scientist to effectively analyze data, derive actionable insights, and contribute significantly to the decision-making process in an organization.

Saved by the Lord

Chapter 1: Night Shift Shadows

James Morrison had always found solace in the stillness of the night. As a night shift pharmacist at St. Claire’s Hospital, the quiet hours were his domain. The glow of computer screens and the hum of fluorescent lights became his constant companions. His job was demanding but also deeply satisfying; he was the unsung hero who ensured that patients received their medications promptly.

However, the nights also brought solitude, and with it, a creeping darkness. James’s life had spiraled into a monotonous routine, one where the lines between work and personal time blurred. The occasional back pain from long hours on his feet led him to the very drugs he dispensed daily. It started innocently enough—a few painkillers to take the edge off. But soon, it became a crutch, a way to escape the fatigue and isolation.

The first sign of trouble came as a whisper—a discrepancy in the inventory. James brushed it off, attributing it to a clerical error. But the whispers grew louder, turning into accusations. An internal audit followed, revealing the unthinkable. James had been diverting medication for personal use.

The board of pharmacy had little choice. James’s license was suspended, and his world came crashing down. He was now a disgraced pharmacist, stripped of his livelihood and purpose.

Chapter 2: Hitting Rock Bottom

James moved back in with his parents, his tail between his legs. He spent his days wallowing in self-pity, avoiding the concerned looks from his family and the pitying glances from neighbors. Nights were the worst, filled with haunting memories of what he had lost.

His descent into addiction had cost him everything. Friends distanced themselves, and job prospects were nonexistent. His once-bright future seemed irreparably tarnished. The weight of his mistakes was a constant burden, dragging him further into despair.

Chapter 3: A Light in the Darkness

One Sunday, James’s mother insisted he attend church with the family. Reluctantly, he agreed, more to avoid an argument than out of any desire for spiritual enlightenment. As he sat in the pew, the sermon began to resonate with him. The pastor spoke of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of faith to transform lives.

James felt a spark of hope ignite within him. Could there be a chance for him to rebuild his life? He began attending church regularly, seeking solace in the scriptures and the community. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but slowly, James found strength in his faith. He confessed his sins, sought forgiveness, and began the arduous journey of rebuilding his life.

Chapter 4: Rebuilding the Pieces

With a newfound sense of purpose, James decided to return to school. He enrolled in a local community college, starting with courses in computer science. It was a stark departure from his pharmaceutical background, but the logical, problem-solving nature of the field intrigued him.

James poured himself into his studies, finding a new passion in data science. He excelled in his courses, driven by a determination to prove that he was more than his past mistakes. His professors noticed his dedication and encouraged him to pursue a Master’s degree.

Chapter 5: A New Beginning

Two years later, James graduated with a Master’s degree in Data Science. His journey had been long and arduous, but he had emerged stronger and more resilient. He landed a job as a data scientist at a pharmaceutical company, a poetic twist that allowed him to use his new skills to improve the industry he once tarnished.

James’s work involved analyzing vast amounts of data to identify patterns and improve drug efficacy. He found immense satisfaction in his role, knowing that he was contributing to the greater good. His colleagues respected him for his expertise and dedication, unaware of the shadows that once clouded his past.

Chapter 6: Redemption and Purpose

James’s journey from a disgraced pharmacist to a successful data scientist was nothing short of miraculous. His faith had given him the strength to overcome his addiction and rebuild his life. He often shared his story at church and recovery meetings, hoping to inspire others to find their path to redemption.

In the end, James realized that his fall from grace had been a necessary catalyst for his transformation. He had found his true calling, not just in his career, but in helping others find hope and purpose. His life was a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the unwavering belief that no one is beyond redemption.

Epilogue: A Life Redeemed

James stood at the podium, addressing a group of newly recovering addicts. His voice was steady, filled with conviction and hope. He spoke of his journey, the mistakes he made, and the redemption he found through faith and hard work.

As he looked out at the faces in the crowd, he saw the same pain and desperation he once felt. But he also saw hope, a glimmer of light that he knew could grow into something beautiful. James smiled, knowing that his story was far from over. He had found his purpose, and he was determined to help others find theirs.