DR. SIVALINGAM NALLIAH KMN, PMP, DPMP, MBBS (MAL), MCGP, FRCOG, Master in Education, had his early education at the Tranquerah English School and Gajah Berang English School before moving to the Malacca High School to complete his higher school certificate education. He obtained his basic medical degree from the University of Malaya graduating in 1974. He obtained his postgraduate degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK) in 1980. He worked in many parts of Malaysia before becoming Head of OBGYN services, Malaysia in 2001. He completed his civil service with the Government of Malaysia before taking up an academic position with the International Medical University, Malaysia where he is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has written and edited several books on Obstetrics and Gynecology. His interests are in undergraduate and postgraduate training in OBGYN and medical education. He was honoured with the title of DATO' by the Sultan of Perak, Malaysia and was also awarded The DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD IN EMERGENCY OBSTETRIC CARE' by the Federation of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) in 2003.
I settled onto this title as a breaking forth from the darkness that has captured me in different stages of my life. As I peer into the darkness of night, as the fears, tears and insecurities engulf me. There were some dark times. I hold onto the hopes and dreams and aspirations of tomorrow. I eagerly await the birth of a new day. As the light begins to get brighter and brighter, my heart begins to be overwhelmed, as I witness a new day and a new beginning. Waking up to the start of a new day with new adventures and a new outlook and new feelings. All captivating and exciting. A wonderment with a new vision. As the dawn rises, it brings a feeling of satisfaction and comfort. A warmth from deep within. As the new dawn rises it gives me a sense of appreciation of life. With that in my mind, comes love, joy and peace from the creator that made it all possible. This title and these writings will in itself express my feelings in different ways. I feel many people will relate to these various expressions that is written on these pages. My hope is that as I share these times and many feelings, that it can touch the hearts and minds of others, so that in time, they can look forward to the day when a New Dawn will rise in their lives as well. Good Reading To You All..
It Happened in the Pine Barrens is a compelling saga of love, death and destiny set in the heavily forested area of coastal plain stretching across southern New Jersey. Casella's newly published book transforms this Pinelands into a center of thrilling events that arouse the curiosity and excitement of fi ction fans through three riveting stories: "Snakes with Ruby Eyes," "Love and Death in the Pines" and "Closure in the Pines." "Snakes with Ruby Eyes" follows the mysterious turn of events in the life of Elizabeth Little. After the death of Catherine, artist mother and owner of The Little Antique Shop, Beth strangely inherits a huge amount of cash and a long list of questions about her parents' life. Stan Turner, who perseveringly pines for her love and affection, witnesses and supports Beth throughout her journey towards self-rediscovery. "Love and Death in the Pines" picks up the story from where the fi rst tale left off. It revolves around the entwined destiny of two disparate people Dr. James Bradley, a physician and an undercover FBI agent, and Dr. Meghan Malloy, an art history professor. They met at the opening of The Pines Antique Shop. James was invited by his friend, Meghan's aunt, now proprietor of The Pines Antique Shop (previously The Little Antique Shop). Meg had created an art gallery for the shop to display the artwork of Catherine Little. Both never knew that a chance encounter would lead them to love. "Closure in the Pines" completes the trilogy in stunning fashion. James wants to resign from the FBI to work as a physician at a Veterans Administration hospital. His resignation is denied. Meghan returns to her teaching position. While fi nalizing some cases, Meghan suddenly disappears. A manhunt ensues. Drug traffi cking and gunfi ght also makes this fi nal story a perfect closing salvo. However, as one of the characters aptly put it, "There is no closure in the crime business." Creatively blending fast-paced drama, mystery and romance with the slow-paced life in Pine Barrens, Casella has successfully put the place on the map for another remarkable reason. It Happened in the Pine Barrens is a book that leaves readers deeply satisfi ed yet eagerly longing for answers to more questions inherent in the saga.