Peter Stafford

Seismic hazard and risk analyses underpin the loadings prescribed by engineering design codes, the decisions by asset owners to retrofit structures, the pricing of insurance policies, and many other activities. This is a comprehensive overview of the principles and procedures behind seismic hazard and risk analysis. It enables readers to understand best practises and future research directions. Early chapters cover the essential elements and concepts of seismic hazard and risk analysis, while later chapters shift focus to more advanced topics. Each chapter includes worked examples and problem sets for which full solutions are provided online. Appendices provide relevant background in probability and statistics. Computer codes are also available online to help replicate specific calculations and demonstrate the implementation of various methods. This is a valuable reference for upper level students and practitioners in civil engineering, and earth scientists interested in engineering seismology.

This book introduces the reader to a world of enthobotanicals (plants which release the god within) used by shamen and psychedelic explorers. It includes DMT, which is found in psychedelic snuff; Amazonian ayahuasca, which is a bitter-tasting beverage that triggers visionary experiences with plant gods; Ibogain, which is a yellowish root ingested by indigenous peoples to achieve visionary experiences; and Belladona, Yohimbe and Kava-Kava.

Magic Mushrooms describes the dramatic effects people experience with consuming psychoactive mushrooms. There are over 100 "entheogenic" fungi known to stimulate ecstatic states in curious seekers. Psychedelic writer, Peter Stafford recounts the known history of magic mushrooms, also called "sacred" mushrooms and describes the interesting aspects of this extraordinary class of mind-changers. He tells how they are psychically relaxing and focusing, catalyst to creative breakthroughs.

Psychedelics provides a framework for understanding the enormous amount of information available on psychoactive substances. Leading psychedelic writer Peter Stafford relays the history, botany, chemistry, physical and mental effects, forms, sources, and preparations of LSD - the most potent and representative of class of drugs called psychedelics. Stafford claims that psychedelics offer surprising benefits to society and he explores the record of promising studies that were truncated in the 1960s, along with a commentary of developments since that time.

Traces the history of the use of hallucinogenic drugs and discusses the psychological and physical effects of LSD, marijuana, mescaline, and other drugs