Atheism Discussion – I need two – 200 words each

For this post, please read “I’m An Atheist” by Alan Boyle about Stephen Hawking’s recent “announcement.”  Next, watch the video embedded below.

Our discussion question is simple.  After reading, researching, and writing about various religious movements over this term, is Atheism a religion? Based on what we’ve read about other religions (whether in practice, faith, belief, actions, etc.), how comparable is Atheism to the established traditions?  Many of you indicated that Confucianism was more of a philosophy than religion.  How is Atheism similar?  How is it different?

I need two replies : 100 words each

Read the New York Times article about the Phonautograph. Speculate about what your life or society in general would be like if we did not have the ability to record and playback sound. Submit your observations on the discussion board.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/arts/27soun.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0