early bicycles, early trolleys and early aviation. All images are scanned from our personal collection of rare photographs. The
photos are quite rare and in many cases are single prints made by
early photographers and collectors. With a handful of exceptions,
none have ever been published before in any medium and then only
many decades ago at very low resolution. Each photo has been meticulously restored to repair negative and print damages while maintaining the historical integrity of the image. Each graphic image
in these publications is 24 bit and royalty free to registered users. Whatever historical data we can reliably ascertain about each photo
is included as a text file.
Five volumes in our series of Windows 95 & 3.1+ media albums
and screen savers featuring original visionary art have been released. Original computer paintings explore the themes of Mythic Bears, Epiphanies of the Neolithic Goddess, images of Cosmic Creation, relationships with Sacred Animals and the subtle, mysterious world of Dreams and Masks. The shareware versions of each screen saver contain three images, the registered versions fifteen. There is no duplication among the collections. Each graphics file in these publications is 24 bit, 16 million color, and royalty free to
registered users. At a cost of $1 or less per image, such a license
is a bargain. Stock photography agencies typically charge $100 or
more per image for commercial licenses.
Of immediate concern to the graphics design and multimedia
industries, is a major expansion of Now Corbis which is owned by
Microsoft. Now Corbis holds an enormous library of stock photos with
plans to triple its inventory in the near future. Corbis intends to
sell one time licenses for each image and employs five intellectual
property lawyers to write contracts with clients. I quote Mark Daniel,
manager of sales. "We have not been selling an image for less than
$100, and we also have sold an image up to $5,000. Normally, they
[one-time reproduction licenses] are $200 to $400 an image." In October
1995, Now Corbis purchased the Bettman Archive, a well known library
of more than 16 million digitized images in the Fine Arts. Other
agreements have since followed including a license to reproduce in
digital media the photographs of Ansel Adams.
Realize, that if you are a graphics designer or multimedia
developer, this is the playing field now and for the foreseeable
future. While Reality Software can only develop image collections
built around specialized themes, if you can use our products, we
offer the most inexpensive license in the industry: $1 per image for
a lifetime royalty free license. And you will not have to talk to a
lawyer. We wish to share our knowledge and creativity with you at
the lowest cost possible.
Reality Software also offers image restoration services:
contact us at one of our many addresses listed below. An example
of our restoration work can be seen at our Web site on the Historic Transportation and Visionary Art Page.
We also produce electronic catalogs for business, artists
and photographers and offer two templates. You can evaluate either
approach by downloading 1) any of our Media Album/ScreenSavers
and 2) our multimedia catalog: catdemo2.zip from our Web site.
Consider the presentation and the very low cost compared to
traditional paper catalogs with photos that must be mailed.
A high quality, professional presentation of your product and
creativity is now very affordable.
E-BOOK PUBLICATIONS: WINDOWS 3.1+ and WINDOWS 95
1) Explore the Origins of Mythology with hunter/gatherers
in the Upper Paleolithic and Native Americans in the Amazon.
Available as an illustrated version for either WIN 3.1+ (v1.51)
or WIN 95 (v1.52) that utilizes Replica; or for DOS as v1.3. Have
you ever wondered how it all began? Major references include the
work of Alexander Marshak and shamanic practices among peoples
of the Amazon.
2) The White Goddess in Neolithic Old Europe is an
in-depth study of the archeology, artifacts, iconography and
ritual of the Goddess religion of Neolithic Europe. The material
is based extensively on the breakthrough work of Marija Gimbutas.
Several hypotheses are presented about iconography and metaphor
which are drawn from realms as diverse as evolutionary biology
and the marine zoology of megafauna in the dark abyss of the deep
ocean. Version 1.1 available for DOS only as ASCII text files.
3) Early Myth and The Goddess in Ancient China is a
discussion of the feminine in Shang and Chou Dynasty myth and
the central role played by the Myth of the Sacred Mulberry Tree
(Fu Sang). Extensive use is made of the various latest archeology
research and analysis of early texts. There are extensive
discussions of early Chinese and Manchu shamanism and their
possible similarities with Western metaphor. Available for both
DOS (v1.3) and Replica for Windows (v1.51).
4) Early Myth and Amaterasu in Neolithic and Medieval
Japan is a deep exploration of the earliest Japanese mythology
and ritual with an emphasis upon the origins and life of the
Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. Extensive use is made of the two eighth
century mythological histories: the Kojiki and Nihongi. Shinto,
kami and shamanism are discussed in depth. Biographies are
included for several important female rulers of Japan who may
well be manifestations of Amaterasu. The mythology and bear
ritual of the Ainu are examined for insights that might reveal
the sacred feminine. Available for both DOS (v1.3) and Replica
for Windows (v1.51).
5) Our book on disk about The White Goddess In Eire,
Britain, Wales and Gaul was revised in 1993 and is available
for DOS (BigText) as v1.2. Explore the multiplex Goddess in
Britain, Eire, Wales and Gaul. Boudicca's reign and her revolt
against Rome and the Welsh epics are explored in some detail.
If you ever wished to separate New Age nonsense from the 'real'
historical myths, this book is for you.
6) An E-book about he Great Goddess in India and
Tibet, is also available with the latest version of the superb
document viewing interface for DOS (BigText) which is illustrated
(v1.3), and for WIN 3.1+ (v1.51) or WIN 95 (v.1.52). This study
contains considerable detail about tantra; gnosticism; the sacred
horse ritual; the saga of the doomsday mare; the first appearance,
near demise and then resurgence of the Goddess in India; and
Tara - the White and Green Goddess of Tibet.
8) World Art History Trivia Game v1.0 is the ultimate world
art history education. It is presented as an enjoyable Trivia game
for DOS. The content level is aimed at thinking adults: this is not
school-oriented software. Art from all over the globe, past and
present, is related to historical, mythological and cultural beliefs
and is presented as true-false or multiple choice questions. You can
browse the data base before beginning play and choose to match wits
against the computer or your friends. Enjoy this deep exploration of
tribal cultures and high civilizations, past and present.
9) Our exceptional Historical TimeLine covers Ancient and
early Medieval history for the period 12,000 B.C. to 900 A.D. and
emphasizes the history of religion. It is only available for Windows
3.1+ as TimeLine v5.0. There are literally hundreds of line items
which include information found in no other timeline and there
is a vast increase in the data from previous versions. The database
is divided into four culture regions: Northwest Europe, the
Mediterranean region; India and Tibet and China and Japan.
Version 5 is a major upgrade in which the interface has been
completely revised. The user is presented with a interactive
spreadsheet containing many pages which may be easily accessed
by clicking on tabs along the bottom of the screen. Attractive,
customized printouts are easily produced as well.
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION IMAGE ALBUMS AND SCREEN SAVERS:
WINDOWS 3.1+ and WINDOWS 95
*Note: Version 1.50 is compatible with BOTH WIN 3.1+ and
WIN 95!*
1) Trains 1: 19th Century Locomotives Vol.1 v1.5 is a
unique and fascinating collection of early locomotives scanned
from rare photographs as described above. The highlight of this
collection is a photograph taken in the yard of a locomotive
manufacturing company. This product is published as a media
album and screen saver for Windows and is distributed on a
HD disk. The registered version allows a user to make a royalty
free, 24 bit graphic file of each image.
2) Trains 2: 19th Century Locomotives Vol.2 v1.5 features
fifteen all different, rare images of 19th century locomotives.
The highlight of this collection is an extraordinary photograph
of a narrow gauge logging locomotive with crew taken in a swamp
in Georgia. This product is published as a media album and screen
saver for Windows and is distributed on a HD disk. The registered
version allows a user to make a royalty free, 24 bit graphic file
of each image.
3) Trains 3: 19th Century Locomotives Vol.3 v1.5
continues this series with fifteen all different rare images of
19th century locomotives. This group includes a fine portrait
of a Climax logging locomotive and a photo of a famous accident
where a Boston & Lowell R.R. train derailed and slid into a river
in 1888. This product is published as a media album and screen
saver for Windows and is distributed on a HD disk. The registered
version allows a user to make a royalty free, 24 bit graphic file
of each image.
4) Electric Trains v1.5 features fifteen all different
scarce images of vintage electric work and passenger locomotives
from the 1920's and 1930's. Most of the engines represent
railroads of the midwest United States. This product is
distributed on a HD disk as a media album and screen saver for
Windows. The registered version allows each user to make royalty
free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
5) Trolleys 1: Vintage Trolleys Vol.1 v1.5 features fifteen
all different, scarce images of vintage trolleys dating from the
last years of the 19th century through the 1940's. The
highlight of this collection is an open passenger car from the
late 19th century photographed beside a cemetery in Bangor, Maine.
This product is distributed on a HD disk as a media album and
screen saver for Windows. The registered version allows you to make
royalty free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
6) Trolleys 2: Vintage Trolleys Vol.2 v1.5 features fifteen
all different, scarce images of vintage trolleys dating from the
last years of the 19th century through the 1940's. The highlight of
this collection is a turn-of-the-century photo of two open passenger cars from which young people are disembarking at Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts. This product is distributed on a HD disk as a media
album and screen saver for Windows. The registered version allows you
to make royalty free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
7) Tall Ships 1: v1.5 features fifteen rare images from the
great age of sail. Great schooners, brigs and other vessels are featured
at the dock and under full sail. The highlight of this collection is a
very special photo of the launch of a five masted schooner at
Waldoboro, Maine, our home town. This product is distributed on a HD
disk as a media album and screen saver for Windows. The registered
version allows you to make royalty free, 24 bit graphics files of each
image.
8) Classic Sailboats v1.5 features fifteen rare images of small, often privately owned, sailboats which reflect designs from the first half of this century. Several of the boats pictured are from mid-coast Maine. This product is distributed on a HD disk as a media album and screen saver for Windows. This product is distributed on a HD disk as a media album and screen saver for Windows. The registered version allows you to make royalty free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
9) Classic Battleships v1.5 features fifteen scarce
images of monitors, armored cruisers and battleships c.1885 -
1910. Among the images is the "Texas" the first U.S. battleship;
the monitor "Puritan" and the wreck of the Battleship "Maine" in Havana
harbor, 1898. This product is distributed on a HD disk as a media album
and screen saver for Windows. The registered version allows you to
make royalty free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
10) Early Aviation 1 v1.5 features fifteen scarce
images of vintage aeroplanes from the first two decades of
powered flight. Included are photos of a British fighter downed
by the Germans during WW1 and the famous Santos-Dumont 14bis
biplane. This product is distributed on a HD disk as a media
album and screen saver for Windows. The registered version allows
you to make royalty free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
11) Early Aviation 2 v1.5 features fifteen scarce
images of vintage aeroplanes from the first two decades of powered
flight. This collection includes a photo of Wilbur Wright and
le Comte de Lambert sitting in a Wright biplane. Le Comte de
Lambert won many early aeroplane races in Wright biplanes. This
product is distributed on a HD disk as a media album and screen
saver for Windows. The registered version allows you to make royalty
free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
12) Early Bicycles v1.5 features fifteen rare images of
early bicycles c. 1885-1915 with their owners and/or riders, some
of whom are children. Photos of antique bicycles are quite scarce.
This product is published on one HD disk as a media album and
Windows screen saver. The registered version allows you to make
royalty free, 24 bit graphics files of each image.
VISIONARY ART IMAGE ALBUMS AND SCREEN SAVERS:
WINDOWS 3.1+ and WINDOWS 95
*Note: Version 1.50 is compatible with BOTH WIN 3.1+ and
WIN 95!*
1) Mythic Bears v1.5 features fifteen visionary-mythic
paintings of bears in which aspects of transformation and myth are
explored. Included are five paintings derived from rare photos of
the Ainu Bear Ritual, last practiced on the northern Japanese
Island of Hokkaido in the 1920's. This product is distributed on
two HD disks as a Windows media album and screen saver. All graphic
and text items in the album can be printed. Each 24 bit image is
royalty free to registered users.
2) Epiphanies of the Goddess v1.5 features fifteen visionary-
mythic paintings which are original computer art. The symbolism of
the Neolithic Goddess is explored in an extraordinary series
whose imagery partakes of a transcendental vision in which you
will see mythic metaphor that speak to both the past and present.
The text files that accompany each image explore animal myths from
a variety of cultures, past and present, as they partake of the divine
feminine epiphany. This product is distributed on two HD disks as
a Windows media album and screen saver. All graphic and text items
in the album can be printed. Each 24 bit image is royalty free to
registered users.
3) Images of Creation v1.5 features fifteen visionary images
developed with fractals that explore Cosmic Creation. The metaphor
of dynamic life force is explored through a series of beautiful
computer paintings that are both mythic and contemplative. The text
files that accompany each image explore cosmological myths and creation
symbolism in a variety of cultures, past and present. This product is
distributed on two HD disks as a Windows media album and screen saver.
All graphic and text items in the album can be printed. Each 24
each of which are original computer art, that explore the timeless
theme of Animals from the Dreamtime. Spirit guides have often
assumed the form of mythic animals whose assistance and knowledge
have helped tribal peoples maximize their human potential in general,
and provided special help in times of crisis. Other sacred animals
embody supernatural forces which then interact with us in powerful
ways. The interface allows the user to easily explore the images, each
of which has a text file which explores the myth-poetics of sacred
animals in several cultures, past and present. This product is
distributed on two HD disks as a Windows media album and screen saver.
All graphic and text items in the album can be printed. Each 24
bit image is royalty free to registered users.
5) Dream Masks v1.5 is a collection of fifteen original computer paintings which explore the subtle, mysterious and often highly personal interface between dreams and masks. Each painting is a complex, dynamic mask within which you might see abstract beauty, mythic permutations and alternative identities. Each image is accompanied by classic poetry from famous writers who explored the captivating, often troubling dream world. This product is distributed on two HD disks as a Windows media album and screen saver. All graphic and text items in the album can be printed. Each 24 bit image is royalty free to registered users.
SHAREWARE
Shareware versions of E-Books contain introductory
materials, a brief preview of the main text, and in some cases a
glossary. Each also contains a packaged reader (explained
above - BigText or Replica) which might be of interest to those
involved with the technology of producing and disseminating
E-Books. The approach to the Windows versions obviates the
need for a user to have any word processor and allows for a
highly designed text. Registration brings the full e-text of the
book itself. Shareware versions of the Windows screen saver/image
album collections include three images.
Here is the listing of shareware files:
1) Origins of Mythology: origin13.zip (0.13MB - DOS),
orign151.zip (1.0MB - WIN 3.1+) and orign152.zip
(1.6MB - WIN 95).
2) The White Goddess in Neolithic Old Europe: whgds.zip
(.03MB - DOS only).
3) Early Myth and the Goddess in Ancient China: china13.zip
(0.27MB - DOS) and china151.zip (1.4MB - WIN 3.1+).
4) Early Myth and Amaterasu in Neolithic and Medieval Japan:
japan13.zip (0.31MB - DOS) and japan151.zip (1.4MB -
WIN 3.1+).
5) The White Goddess in Eire ...: celt12.zip (0.06MB - DOS only)
6) The Great Goddess in India and Tibet: intb13.zip (0.26MB
DOS), indtb151.zip (1.2MB WIN 3.1+) and indtb152.zip
(1.7MB WIN 95).
7) World Art History Trivia Game: art_sw.zip (196K DOS only).
(Registered version cannot be ordered from Reality Software.)
8) Historical TimeLine: tmln5shw.exe or tmln5shw.zip (1.20MB
WIN 3.1+ only).
9) Trains 1: train115.zip (0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see CompuServe
TRAINNET Forum below.
10) Trains 2: train215.zip (0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see CompuServe
TRAINNET Forum below.
11) Trains 3: train315.zip ((0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see CompuServe
TRAINNET Forum below.
12) Electric Trains: elect15.zip (0.50 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see
CompuServe TRAINNET Forum below.
13) Vintage Trolleys 1: trol115.zip (0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see
CompuServe TRAINNET Forum below.
14) Vintage Trolleys 2: trol215.zip (0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see
CompuServe TRAINNET Forum below.
15) Tall Ships 1: ships15.zip (0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see
CompuServe SAILING Forum below.
16) Classic Sailboats: sails15.zip (0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see
CompuServe SAILING Forum below.
17) Classic Battleships: battle15.zip (0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see
CompuServe MILITARY Forum below.
18) Early Aviation 1: aviat115.zip (0.60MB WIN 3.1+ and 95).
19) Early Aviation 2: aviat215.zip (0.60MB WIN 3.1+ and 95).
20) Early Bicycles: bicyc15.zip ((0.60 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95): see
CompuServe CYCLING Forum below.
21) Mythic Bears: bears15.zip ((0.70 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95).
22) Epiphanies of the Goddess: epiph15.zip ((0.70 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95).
23) Images of Creation: create15.zip ((0.70 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95).
24) Sacred Animals: sacred15.zip (0.70 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95).
25) Dream Masks: masks15.zip ((0.70 MB WIN 3.1+ and 95).
Shareware can be supplied on HD disk at cost: $3 per product
within the U.S. and $4 overseas (postage included).
REALITY SOFTWARE ON COMPUSERVE AND ELSEWHERE IN CYBERSPACE
SHAREWARE VERSIONS OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE ON
ZDNET WHICH IS FAMILIAR TO ALL COMPUSERVE USERS AND EASILY
REACHED ONCE CONNECTED TO CS. Our shareware may also be found
at several of the largest BBS's in the United States such as
Exec-PC 1-414 789-4210) and Software Creations (1-508 368-7036).
For all BBS' with the exception of Excalibur see below), set
your communications software to ANSI emulation and 8,1,N.
Reality Software is proud to be one of the Home Board
Authors of Software Creations BBS. SWC was voted the number 1
BBS in the USA by Boardwatch Magazine for both 1993 and 1994
and received a Dvorak Excellence Award in 1995 for the best BBS
on the World Wide Web of the Internet. All of our shareware may
be found in Directory 64 which appears on the first screen (SWC
Authors) of file directory listing. Their main connect number is
(508) 365-2359 (8,1,N). The entire SWC BBS is now on the World
Wide Web of the Internet as well: see below.
TRAINS, ELECTRIC TRAINS and TROLLEYS shareware are
available on COMPUSERVE in Library 13: Computers and Electronics
of the TRAINNET Forum. TRAINNET is a very deep forum for all those
interested in railroads, past and present and there are many file
libraries which encompass a wealth of material. The head sysop of
TRAINNET is Dorr Altizer.
TALL SHIPS and CLASSICS SAILBOATS shareware are also
available on CompuServe. Go To Library 20, General Information,
of the SAILING Forum. SAILING is a very deep forum for all those
interested in recreational sailing and yachting worldwide and there
are many file libraries which encompass a great diversity of
material. The head sysop of SAILING is Brian Lutz.
CLASSIC BATTLESHIPS shareware is available on
CompuServe in the Military Multimedia Forum in Library 1:
General Information. Go MILITARY and you will reach a wealth of
information about all matters pertaining to U.S. defense forces.
EARLY BICYCLES shareware is available on CompuServe in
the Cycling Forum in Library 2: Cycling Images. Go CYCLING and you
will enter a marvelous resource for cycling enthusiasts and racers.
Tiger Team Buddhist Information Network is the home base
for Reality Software: you will find our visionary art and E-book
shareware for WIN 3.1+ in Directory 77. This is an exceptional board
for all those interested in Buddhism. Gary Ray is your sysop contact
here. Dial (510) 523-5300 (8,1,N).
Capital City OnLine is a Windows BBS running Excalibur
which provides an exceptionally attractive graphics interface.
You will need the Excalibur user software to connect to them.
This interface is freeware and provided by Excalibur as an
automatic download on your first call. Excalibur carries much of
our WIN 3.1+ shareware. Look in Sysop's Picks at the main
File Menu. The sysop is Norris Sydnor, who is available, congenial
and extremely helpful. The connect number is (301) 808-7233.
Ursa Major is fine BBS in California that carries al l of
our Win 3.1+ publications. Reality Software shareware may be found
in Dir 192. The connect number for Ursa Major is (310) 545-5611
and the sysop is Scott Robb.
Much of our WIN 3.1+ shareware can also be found at The
Birch Bark BBS in eastern Wisconsin whose main connect number
is 414 242-5070. The Birch Bark is free with no download limits.
#################
REALITY SOFTWARE ON THE INTERNET WORLD WIDE WEB
ANNOUNCEMENT: REALITY SOFTWARE'S WEB SITE IS LISTED
AMONG THE TOP 1% OF SITES ON THE WEB BY INTERNET ACCESS
MAGAZINE (DEC. 1995).
1) REALITY SOFTWARE HAS A SHAREWARE STORE ON THE INTERNET
WORLD WIDE WEB. Remember that all shareware products are
freeware! The URL is http://www.maine.com/reality/Welcome.html
which will connect you to the Home Page of Reality Software.
We are very proud of the design of our site: it is large (55+
pages) and features a variety of material. Most pages are
illustrated with exceptional color thumbnails. (If you want to
minimize your time on-line, turn off images on your Web browser
and miss the visual display.) We have designed our pages for
Netscape, the premier Web browser, because it incorporates
more design features than its competitors. Our design will be most
attractive if you use Netscape 2.0, but Mosaic or its clones will
do just fine.
You can read about our approach to E-books, archival
photography and visionary art; peruse a description of each
product; view exceptionally attractive thumbnail images and
download each and every shareware file. Our site also features an
Internet gateway to the most exceptional sites on the World Wide
Web for anthropology, archeology, history, religion and
mythology. A Windows 95 and NT page has links to Web sites for
information and a section of bug reports and configuration hints.
And before you leave, stop by the Poetry Gallery.
There are several links scattered throughout the site that will
allow you to send instant e-mail to us. Do connect and tell us
what you think about the design and usefulness of our Web site.
For those of you who prefer FTP, or are without a Web browser,
you can download our shareware direct from our public FTP site
at ftp://lists.maine.com/pub/reality/
2) The prestigious and well known ZD NET SOFTWARE LIBRARY
is also on the Web at http://www.zdnet.com/zdi/software/
They carry all of our latest releases and shareware.
3) Software Creations is on the World Wide Web at
http://www.swcbbs.com. You can reach the Reality Software page
by going to File Sections from their Home page then to Home
Board Authors. All of our shareware is available for download
from this single page.
4) Exec-PC, the largest shareware library on the planet is on the
Web at http://filepile.com. They carry all of our shareware.
5) Our Home Page is now mirrored on the CompuServe Web server
at http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Ben_Blumenberg/ If
you find the connection at MaineStreet busy, here is an alternative
connection to a high-end server.
#################
ORDER FORM FOR REGISTERED VERSIONS
(The price differences between E-books reflect both the work
that went into the research and their length. The least
expensive contain documents whose length is less than 25 pages.
The more costly contain articles in excess of 75 pages for the
longest documents in the package and, in some cases, extensive
glossaries as well. Such estimates vary with printer and print
