DC 1913

Note: Review is of the current re-issued version.

Domenico Caraceni 1913 is a restrained rose fragrance with a structure that approximates to a modern fougere. There's no lavender or oakmoss. But there's a tonka-like sweetness. The fragrance, with the rose note removed, doesn't smell very different from what Casanova 1725 would smell with the lavender toned down. There's a slightly creamy texture to the fragrance - very similar to 1725 (and vaguely similar to Rive Gauche Pour Homme, Antico Caruso, and perhaps by a stretch Invasion Barbare).

Rose is the most obvious note. The rose is highlighted when benchmarked to the aforementioned fragrances. The rose is in the background when compared to any 'rose' fragrance, such as Lyric Man. The rose is paired initially with a brisk orange note that quickly fades, and later by a subtle geranium - which is still very much in the background. The central rose-'slightly creamy barbershop fougere' accord is dominant, and the linearity of the composition ensures that it persists throughout.

While I'm partial to these styles of fragrances, DC 1913 slightly misses the mark for me. I consider it to be an improvement on Casanova 1725 (which offers nothing new). However, the fragrance feels a bit hollow, two-dimensional, and the base comes across as thin. The best moments are during the 'heart phase' when it's engaging and simply - smells good. Unfortunately this phase doesn't last, and soon gives way to the thinness of the base. It wears more like an eau de cologne, than an eau de toilette.

An admirable and attractive composition, but eventually compromised by cutting corners.

3/5 (neutral)

Mont Blanc Racing Green Review

Well, this is sort of a revisit rather than a review. This ink was produced for a few years I reckon, and was discontinued around end 2009. I had always been intrigued by the scans and photos I saw online of this ink, and recently when I had the good fortune to chance upon a bottle of it at a local MB boutique, I took the plunge.

The name of the ink is quite exciting, and there has been an elaborate discussion on the subject in another review. The ink is a dark mossy green that shades considerably and almost fills up a spectrum of colours from a dark olive green to a black. The most interesting feature about the colour of this ink in my opinion is that it is difficult to classify it as a warm or a cool shade. This is precisely because in my experience the ink has exhibited a particular temperament to appear as both a warm shade of dark green and sometimes a cooler one. The only drawbacks of this colour that I can conceive of is that it's not exactly a regular shade of green and that it often looks a bit dull right next to a brighter shade of green. The ink is very well-behaved and a low maintenance ink- cleaning the pen is hardly ever an issue. Drying time is very moderate. I don't know how much water resistant this ink is. Also I don't know whether anything written in this ink fades over a period of time, I haven't used it for so long- but nothing of the sort has occurred in close to a month of use. On a 70gsm paper this ink neither feathers nor bleeds through.

The Mont Blanc ink bottle is exquisite, and has a sense of luxury about it. The ink perfectly complements that- it's so beautiful. It's a bit pricey, but worth it in my opinion if someone likes the colour. Just like everyone else I also have no clue at all why its production has been discontinued. I certainly bemoan it's premature demise and shall miss it once my bottle is used up. But then I honestly think it's a bit crazy to think too much about it not being around. After all, it's just another ink, however great or ordinary.

Feel Good Songs: A Random Post

Close to the end of two years here in zombie land. I was thinking of songs that do a great lot of good in uplifting spirits when the chips are down. I hit google, and got somewhat unsatisfactory results. Not my taste. Why not put down a few I personally think should figure there on this list. Well, I just played some and here's a random list.

Black Cow by Steely Dan

I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine by Bob Dylan

Estrada Do Sol by Antonio Carlos Jobim ( a particular rendition)

Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying by Belle and Sebastian

Days of Grace by Anthony Phillips

Tequila Sunrise by Eagles

Enough said!!!! I'm heading out for my next cup of coffee!

Parker Frontier medium nib review

Hello everybody! Yes, I'm a tad nervous and very excited since this is my first review! I hope to write an informative review, one that helps people here. Please comment, not only regarding the pen but also on my review and whether I've missed any important point or not. So here it goes.

First Impression: This pen has an understated appearance and gives an impression of being sturdy and functional with its looks. It comes in a black coloured box.
Score: 7/10

Appearance: This pen has a steel body, a steel cap and a black grip section which is made of(I think, I'm not sure) hard rubber.
Score: 7/10

Size/Weight/Design: This pen is what one would probably call a small to medium size. It is smaller than my Lamy Safari. It is not particularly heavy even with the cap posted. The grip section is standard and is comfortable.
Score: 7.5/10

Nib: Now I come to the section I consider to be of utmost importance. Since I purchased it at a store, I had the luxury of trying out the nib. The nib is of stainless steel and has a medium sized rounded tip. The nib is considerably smooth. It is quite rigid; I read somewhere on the net that this nib is very sturdy, which I think it is. This pen turned out to be a dry writer with Aurora blue, Sheaffer Skrip blue and Pelikan Royal blue though now it is laying down a less dry line after having been inked with Private Reserve Naples blue. It is a dry writer compared to my Lamy Safari broad nib. This feature of being a dry writer takes something away from the smoothness of the nib, I'm sure it'd have been much better had it been laying down a wetter line. I don't exactly know the brand of paper I have been using but it is of 70 gsm. The medium nib writes down a line which is broader than a Pelikan medium nib(I have the M200 in mind).
Score: 6/10

Filling System: This pen uses a cartridge/converter system. I've come across better converters in almost all other pens by other brands.
Score: 6.5/10

Cost/Value: I purchased this pen in October 2009 for 1400 INR (approximately 30 US$) which is not much. It is reliable and I think is what one calls a beginner's fountain pen but I guess there may be or are some better pens within its price range (to be specific I have the Lamy Safari in mind, I have one with a broad nib), especially when it comes down to the writing experience.
Score: 8/10

Overall: Finishing off, I think this a reliable inexpensive pen that can conveniently be reserved as a backup option. I myself don't write much with it, except when I feel like using this pen specifically. If I had to keep only one pen between this and my Lamy Safari, I'd keep the Safari. It is far from being a bad pen but it is also not the best one either in its price range when it comes to writing with it. Of course the construction of the pen is solid. It is a decent pen and a decent writer.

Overall Score: 42/60=70%

Here is a link to its official webpage:

http://www.parkerpen.com/en/discovery/range/performance/frontier

Introduction

Well, I guess I haven't put enough information in the 'about me' section. This is how it goes to put it simply. Male, early twenties with a history of 'uncommon behaviour' as certified by friends. But still far from a bad enough case to be sent to an asylum. Enjoys music. Western classical, jazz, bossa nova, rock, country and folk are favourites. Discovering Indian classical music. Hopeless violin student, stuck forever with fuga in Gminor, Bach. Pursuing graduate studies in the capital city of the country, and without much hope again. Interested somewhat in economic issues, and not so much in political affairs. Likes soccer a lot. Used to like cricket. Ok ok, enough of it. Food and beverages are a priority. And before concluding, please feel free to discuss anything under the sun and especially music and pens. No, not pens. Fountain pens. That's it.

Queen

i love Queen!!!!!!!!!!!! my fav album is A Night At The Opera.

blog

this is something new for me. xams have just got over.

what else? cheers!