About two weeks ago, I heard a story about how China attempted to hack Google in order to gain access to the e-mail accounts of human rights activists, and frankly it didn’t surprise me.

I have gotten used to China’s attempts to control what its people can or cannot do on the Internet, from the time the Chinese government blacked out YouTube and then moved on to block Twitter and Facebook.

With six freshmen on George Mason University’s men’s basketball team, first-year forward Luke Hancock is one of the key players on the team’s young squad. Hancock is currently averaging 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

The Roanoke native was recently ranked 22nd on the Basketball Prospectus’ list of top 25 freshmen. Hancock feels that it was good to receive the exposure at the national level and to be named on the same list with University of Kentucky point guard and potential first overall draft pick John Wall.

Female students interested in singing a Capella, students fascinated by cutting-edge technology, enthusiasts of Spanish heritage, music students looking for volunteer opportunities and students who have roots in Nepal all have something in common this semester.

Five new student organizations have been officially recognized this semester at George Mason University, with each accommodating their diverse interests. Noteworthy, a women’s a Capella group and Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s music fraternity, may attract musically inclined female students.

Walk through the Performing Arts Building any day and one thing is clear: rehearsal space is scant. As the George Mason Symphony rehearses, there is barely enough room for musicians to play their instruments without bumping into each other. Move to the dance rehearsal studios and the same is evident. Every department has outgrown their space and everyone is suffering.