In a new ground breaking memoir, "Reconciliation: A Son's Story," the author reflects back on his father's war time experiences as the context underlying his own family dynamics and abuse. Through the author's research and study of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he comes to an understanding of his father's behavior and how this deeply impacted the family which eventually leads to healing. Steve Sparks writes, "I owe my success in part to my Dad, but not without a high price. I call this 'collateral damage' from living in a family culture affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At that time, men at war and coming home from war were too proud to share their stories and admit that anything in the way of mental illness was on the table for discussion. My Dad was no different than thousands of veterans with similar symptoms, especially those who were battle weary and emotionally damaged. The children and wives and others close to these men would have to experiment and learn how to navigate our way through a terrible circumstance. We did it well, but not without scars that often show. WWII has been in our past for well over a half century, and most of the 'Greatest Generation' passed on, but the effects of PTSD carry forward just like bad genes. We are still feeling the effects of WWII when PTSD was not studied and treatment was minimal. As a result, we are just beginning to address the realities of PTSD, including diagnosis and treatment, along with complete recovery from this unfortunate mental illness is now possible." This is a true American story about father who went to war and came back changed by what he saw and by what he experienced. How this impacted his family was profound, yet unrecognized for what it was back then. Today we know much more about the effects of PTSD on the individual, but what about the family members closest to that person? This story of living through a toxic environment yet ultimately coming to an understanding leads to the long sought reconciliation of a son with his father. A very timely book, this may help the thousands of families of veterans of our own current generation returning from their war experiences to better understand the effects of PTSD on the family. About the Author: Steve Sparks is a retired information technology sales and marketing executive following over 35 years beginning with the US Navy as a radioman in 1963. He Graduated with a BA in Management from St. Mary's College, Moraga, California. Steve is married to his soul mate and business partner, Judy, and lives on the Oregon coast. He is the proud father of 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. In addition to writing, Steve's current passion and life work is mentoring and improving the education of K-12 kids, including helping the responsible non-profit agency Neighbors for Kids achieve sustainability.

Assessment of risk and uncertainty is crucial for natural hazard risk management, facilitating risk communication and informing strategies to successfully mitigate our society's vulnerability to natural disasters. Written by some of the world's leading experts, this book provides a state-of-the-art overview of risk and uncertainty assessment in natural hazards. It presents the core statistical concepts using clearly defined terminology applicable across all types of natural hazards and addresses the full range of sources of uncertainty, the role of expert judgement and the practice of uncertainty elicitation. The core of the book provides detailed coverage of all the main hazard types and concluding chapters address the wider societal context of risk management. This is an invaluable compendium for academic researchers and professionals working in the fields of natural hazards science, risk assessment and management and environmental science and will be of interest to anyone involved in natural hazards policy.

Assessment of risk and uncertainty is crucial for natural hazard risk management, facilitating risk communication and informing strategies to successfully mitigate our society's vulnerability to natural disasters. Written by some of the world's leading experts, this book provides a state-of-the-art overview of risk and uncertainty assessment in natural hazards. It presents the core statistical concepts using clearly defined terminology applicable across all types of natural hazards and addresses the full range of sources of uncertainty, the role of expert judgement and the practice of uncertainty elicitation. The core of the book provides detailed coverage of all the main hazard types and concluding chapters address the wider societal context of risk management. This is an invaluable compendium for academic researchers and professionals working in the fields of natural hazards science, risk assessment and management and environmental science, and will be of interest to anyone involved in natural hazards policy.

Originally prepared for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, this is the first comprehensive assessment of global volcanic hazards and risk, presenting the state of the art in our understanding of global volcanic activity. It examines our assessment and management capabilities, and considers the preparedness of the global scientific community and government agencies to manage volcanic hazards and risk. Particular attention is paid to volcanic ash, the most frequent and wide-ranging volcanic hazard. Of interest to government officials, the private sector, students and researchers, this book is a key resource for the disaster risk reduction community and for those interested in volcanology and natural hazards. A non-technical summary is included for policy makers. Regional volcanic hazard profiles, with invaluable information on volcanic hazards and risk at the local, national and global scale, are provided online. This title is available as an Open Access eBook via Cambridge Books Online.

In a new ground breaking memoir, "Reconciliation: A Son's Story," the author reflects back on his father's war time experiences as the context underlying his own family dynamics and abuse. Through the author's research and study of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he comes to an understanding of his father's behavior and how this deeply impacted the family which eventually leads to healing. Steve Sparks writes, "I owe my success in part to my Dad, but not without a high price. I call this 'collateral damage' from living in a family culture affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At that time, men at war and coming home from war were too proud to share their stories and admit that anything in the way of mental illness was on the table for discussion. My Dad was no different than thousands of veterans with similar symptoms, especially those who were battle weary and emotionally damaged. The children and wives and others close to these men would have to experiment and learn how to navigate our way through a terrible circumstance. We did it well, but not without scars that often show. WWII has been in our past for well over a half century, and most of the 'Greatest Generation' passed on, but the effects of PTSD carry forward just like bad genes. We are still feeling the effects of WWII when PTSD was not studied and treatment was minimal. As a result, we are just beginning to address the realities of PTSD, including diagnosis and treatment, along with complete recovery from this unfortunate mental illness is now possible." This is a true American story about father who went to war and came back changed by what he saw and by what he experienced. How this impacted his family was profound, yet unrecognized for what it was back then. Today we know much more about the effects of PTSD on the individual, but what about the family members closest to that person? This story of living through a toxic environment yet ultimately coming to an understanding leads to the long sought reconciliation of a son with his father. A very timely book, this may help the thousands of families of veterans of our own current generation returning from their war experiences to better understand the effects of PTSD on the family. About the Author: Steve Sparks is a retired information technology sales and marketing executive following over 35 years beginning with the US Navy as a radioman in 1963. He Graduated with a BA in Management from St. Mary's College, Moraga, California. Steve is married to his soul mate and business partner, Judy, and lives on the Oregon coast. He is the proud father of 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. In addition to writing, Steve's current passion and life work is mentoring and improving the education of K-12 kids, including helping the responsible non-profit agency Neighbors for Kids achieve sustainability.