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Isabella Bass

Isabella Bass, Life & Arts Editor

I'm Isabella Bass, and I'm a junior writing and rhetoric major with a concentration in journalism and digital media. I've lived in Austin my whole life, and I started writing for Hilltop Views in 2019. My favorite things to write are food reviews and opinion pieces, and I love to talk about local Austin restaurants and bakeries. Other than writing, I spend most of my time hanging out with family or my cat. I hope you enjoy my writing!

All content by Isabella Bass
Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

Opinion: Holiday traditions, whether religious, cultural, family oriented, are important to the holiday season

December 8, 2021
St. Edwards students represent Its On Us in a protest against sexual assault.

Student sexually assaulted on campus, raises concern for student safety

November 30, 2021
Dõ Bakery specializes in artisan breads and sweet rolls. The bakery is located off East 12th Street in Austin.

A business made from scratch: Locally owned bakery offers freshly-baked artisan breads, sweet rolls

November 28, 2021
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe is a memoir that focuses on helping struggling children with gender identity, while also enlightening anyone who picks up the book about transgender and non-binary issues.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbot bans LGBTQ books in schools, calling them “pornography”

November 17, 2021
An international group of academics announced via Twitter a plan to launch a new university in Austin. The university focuses on free speech and truth, as a dissent to the current higher education options.

University of Austin proposed, aims to protect discourse, free speech

November 15, 2021
Rust movie crew member Serge Svetnoy has filed a lawsuit against several people including Alec Baldwin at the center of the fatal on-set shooting that claimed the life of the films cinematographer.

Opinion: Accidental shooting on movie “Rust” set raises questions on gun safety

November 11, 2021
The Museum of Ice Cream recently opened its doors to Austin this summer. They have family-friendly daytime experiences and a Night at the Museum.

Museum of Ice Cream is a fun, pink paradise filled with sweet, sensory exhibits

November 9, 2021
Hamish Linklater (above) portrays Father Paul Hill in Midnight Mass, a charismatic priest who has just arrived in a small town.

Review: Netflix’s “Midnight Mass” a memorable, bingeable show with spooky elements

October 29, 2021
Hot chocolate bombs are are hollow spheres of chocolate filled with hot chocolate mix. The bombs melt in a cup of warm milk or hot water to make hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate bombs are the perfect DIY for cold weather

October 28, 2021
Hot chocolate bombs are are hollow spheres of chocolate filled with hot chocolate mix. The bombs melt in a cup of warm milk or hot water to make hot chocolate.

How to: Hot Chocolate Bombs

October 26, 2021
Halloween first came to the United States in the 1840s but the observance of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain

Opinion: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween, or does it conflict with their values?

October 20, 2021
In 2008, Jamie Spears became the conservator for his daughter, Brittney Spears court appointed conservatorship.

Brittney Spears fifteen year conservatorship explained

October 20, 2021
Some of the most popular fall flavors include pumpkin, apple and maple. Above is a Halloween-themed cupcake from Sugar Mamas Bakeshop.

“It’s fall, y’all!”: Where to find local fall menu items in Austin

October 8, 2021
TikTok is the most downloaded app on the Apple App Store. 62 percent of users in the U.S. are aged between 10 and 29, and spend an average of 52 minutes a day on it.

Opinion: TikTok provides an artistic platform for users while also harming attention spans

October 6, 2021
Shein is a Chinese fast fashion retailer founded in 2008. The website is known for its cheaply made apparel from China.

Shein clothing haul trend on TikTok sparks conversation on retailer’s ethics

October 4, 2021
Gabby Petitos death is ruled a homicide after weeks of speculation. The case began to gain national attention after police released body camera footage showing an encounter law enforcement had with Petito and Laundrie.

Gabby Petito story takes country by storm, death ruled a homicide after weeks of speculation

October 4, 2021
Murphys Mellows specializes in gourmet marshmallows and smores. You can find them at a variety of farmers markets.

Super sweet small businesses in Austin to check out

September 23, 2021
Despite Mexicos Catholic roots, abortion has been decriminalized in the state of Coahuila, with talk that the rest of the country may follow suit.

Mexico decriminalizes abortion in Coahuila six days after Texas passed SB8 Bill

September 22, 2021
The Rye Bread Bar is a food truck located on South Congress Avenue. The truck is inspired by European cafes and offers crepes, panini’s, iced coffee and even mocktails.

Local food truck brings a taste of Europe to Austin

September 16, 2021
Wellness Services Coordinator, Sophie Sanati, pets therapy dog, Zephyr, who came out to St. Edwards on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Suicide Prevention Month brings light to campus mental health recourses

September 15, 2021
Sour is teenage Olivia Rodrigos debut album. Rodrigo is known for her role in Disneys High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album “Sour” showcases her musical style

September 13, 2021
After two and a half semesters of online classes, students walk on-campus at St. Edwards University to their in-person classes. Even though classes are back in session, guidelines including mandatory masks are required to be worn while on-campus.

Classes back in person despite rise of COVID-19 cases across Austin

September 10, 2021
Vegan-friendly foods eliminate all animal products including dairy and meat. Vegan diets are considered very eco-friendly and can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.

5 restaurants in Austin serving vegan, vegetarian options

April 22, 2021
Austin is ranked of the fittest cities in the US, thanks in part of its many hiking trails to explore. Hiking and other recreational activities are popular during the warmer seasons in Austin.

5 hiking trails to kick off spring outings in Austin

April 22, 2021
Singer Demi Lovato has struggled with addiction and mental health problems for a long time. In her YouTube documentary series, Dancing with the Devil, she showcases how she rebuilds her life amongst her struggles.

Demi Lovato opens up in inspiring documentary, “Dancing with the Devil”

April 21, 2021
Sunnys Backyard is located off East 7th Street. The food truck offers vegan pub food, along with craft beer and cocktails.

Sunny’s Backyard offers free beer, vegan-friendly pub food

April 13, 2021
When were focused on an activity, were not thinking about any negative thoughts or fears or worries, according to the American Heart Association.

Social distancing provides time, space to return to old hobbies

April 12, 2021
The recent uptick in anti-AAPI violence follows a similar pattern to the rise in anti-Muslim violence following the 9/11 attacks.

OPINION: Harmful rhetoric to blame for uptick in anti-AAPI hate crimes

April 10, 2021
Pope Francis is one of the most progressive popes in the churchs history, but he still has not changed the doctrine on same-sex marriage.

OPINION: Catholics should rethink doctrine regarding same-sex marriage

April 8, 2021
The University of Texas has conducted online classes via Zoom since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

OPINION: Student lawsuit against University of Texas justified

April 3, 2021
St. Edwards did not lose power like most of the city so they were able to open their doors to those who were affected.

OPINION: St. Edward’s response to winter storm far more helpful than city’s

March 11, 2021
British Gymnastics is under fire for psychological abuse of athletes

British Gymnastics is under fire for psychological abuse of athletes

March 8, 2021
Student wellness days were put in place by the university to help maintain student mental health in the absence of a spring break.

Student wellness days not an adequate replacement for spring break

March 5, 2021
Adult coloring has found to have help significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression in adults. An application is a convenient and portable way to carry around coloring pages for when you need them.

Color Therapy app great way to alleviate anxiety during your down time

March 2, 2021
Rolled ice cream originated in Thailand and is sometimes referred to as “stir-fried ice cream.” Frozen Rolls Creamery specializes in rolled ice cream, and offers a variety of flavors.

Local Austin creamery offers rolled ice cream in unique flavors, toppings

March 1, 2021
Many Latin American countries know the holiday as el día de los enamorados (day of lovers) or día del amor y la amistad (day of love and friendship). Though couples exchange flowers and chocolate on this day, the holidays focus is also directed at showing gratitude to friends.

OPINION: Valentine’s Day celebrates more than just romance

March 1, 2021
Lady Gaga teamed up with Oreos to launch a Chromatica-themed cookie to celebrate her latest album. The cookies are pink, green and vegan.

Lady Gaga’s Oreos feature unique design, unoriginal flavor

February 11, 2021
Popular dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Coffee Meets Bagel have seen user engagement increase ever since restrictions due to COVID-19 have made it more difficult to meet in person. Tinder reports a record of 3 billion swipes a day.

Socially distanced dating proves to lead to new, deeper connections

February 4, 2021
Located off South Congress Avenue, The Celia Jacobs Cheesecake Experience offers cheesecake bites in over 50 flavors from a colorful 60s-themed trailer.

Local food truck offers flavorful twists on classic dessert

December 20, 2020
Being a social media influencer has become a profitable career for many young teens, due to the popularity of apps like Youtube, Instagram and TikTok. Influencers can easily make six figures for a single post on any platform.

How TikTok created new generation of young, inexperienced influencers

December 1, 2020
Pictured above is the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a location that was seen often in the original series. The Gossip Girl reboot is set to premiere in 2021.

HBO Max’s ‘Gossip Girl’ reboot promises fresh cast, returning crew members

November 29, 2020
Seventeen states do not count ballots cast by someone who passes away before the election, but ten states allow it. The rest of the country does not have a specific stance on the issue.

Every vote should count, even those of deceased citizens

November 12, 2020
Mulaney has hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) three time prior, and has written and produced various episodes. His recent monologue gathered a huge reaction online because his comments came right before an election many people deemed as important.

SNL monologue proves insensitive, not important as other issues

November 12, 2020
Quibi first launched on April 6, amidst the rise of the pandemic. The platform is expected to officially shutdown around Dec. 1.

Streaming service Quibi shuts down after few months of material

November 6, 2020
The Sconery currently uses Instagram as a way to communicate with customers and announce new flavors. Orders can picked up on South Lamar.

Local women-owned Austin bakery provides personalized treats for guests

November 6, 2020
Facebooks decision followed a rise in anti-Semitism on social media and the alarming level of ignorance about the Holocaust, especially among young people. According to a recent survey of adults in the US aged 18-39, almost a quarter said they believed the Holocaust was a myth, that it had been exaggerated or they weren’t sure.

Free speech or hate speech: New Facebook policy serves as step in right direction

October 23, 2020
Spring semester plans prove confusing, unnecessary

Spring semester plans prove confusing, unnecessary

October 23, 2020
Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown first premiered back in 1966. The plot was based on the Peanuts comic strip.

5 Halloween episodes to binge this spooky season

October 23, 2020
Trump returned from Walter Reed Medical Center after just 72 hours. The CDC recommends at least a two week quarantine period for people who test positive.

Trump’s response to COVID-19 diagnosis insensitive, hypocritical

October 15, 2020
Some professors require their students to keep their webcams on for the duration of the class.

Zoom cameras should be encouraged for class, not required

October 2, 2020
The University of Texas at Austin has the 15th highest rate of COVID-19 cases amongst U.S. colleges.

The University of Texas fumbles pandemic response

September 22, 2020
Veterans are largely celebrated across the country because of their brave service.

Trump’s pro-military persona proves phony

September 17, 2020
Movie theatres across the country started shutting down around mid-March. Any theatres that are start to reopen have new protocols in place, such as requiring face masks and socially distanced seats.

Returning to relevancy: Will theatres, Broadway be able to survive?

September 16, 2020
‘Gilmore Girls’ ran from 2000-2007, where its final season was broadcast on The CW instead of The WB. In 2016 it was revived for a four-part miniseries that premiered on Netflix.

Strong female characters in 2000s pop culture hold up to this day

September 9, 2020
Hostile work environment allegations not surprising given Ellen’s past

Hostile work environment allegations not surprising given Ellen’s past

September 9, 2020
In the last six weeks, there have been roughly 30 million unemployment claims in the U.S., the most in the country since the Great Depression according to Business Insider.

Students should continue supporting local businesses during lockdown

May 4, 2020
During an interview on Dallas radio station WBAP Gov. Greg Abbott said hell make an announcement at the start of the first week in May that will reopen massive amount of businesses.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s premature announcement to re-open Texas receives public safety concerns

April 23, 2020
The reason given for banning abortions is claimed to be due to overcrowding at hospitals, but some dont think this is the case. Another type of non-invasive abortion procedure seems to be an alternative to invasive abortions during this time.

Temporary ban on abortions in Texas raises concerns

April 20, 2020
St. Edwards plans to continue remote instruction during the summer semester. Additionally, they plan to switch back to the traditional grading policy.

Discontinuing pass/fail grading for summer semester serves as best choice

April 15, 2020
Healthcare workers, grocery store employees and bus drivers are a few of those risking their lives. To help keep them safe, Texans must follow public safety guidelines.

Frontline workers experience layoffs, health dangers amid COVID-19

April 13, 2020
Professors are left with many different options for online learning. Some of the options include Canvas discussions, Google Hangouts, and Zoom.

Professors should choose online learning platform at own discretion

April 2, 2020
Many streaming services such as Hulu offer discounts such as ones for students. During the first few weeks of March, streaming went up 85% as reported by Variety.

Streaming services experience changes during mass quarantine

April 1, 2020
Peer Health Educators promote student engagement in holistic wellness at St. Edwards University, according to their mission statement.

Peer Health Educators enrich campus by educating students

March 24, 2020
Serena Williams serves during a 2013 US Open match at Flushing Meadows, New York. She is the most accomplished tennis player of the open era — male or female ­— with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name.

International Women’s Month: 3 historic athletes that have left their mark

March 9, 2020
Since 2017, more than 80 women have reported that Weinstein sexually harrassed, sexually assaulted or raped them in incidents from decades ago.

Weinstein avoids life sentence despite sexual assault allegations

March 3, 2020
In response to the criticism of his remarks, Limbaugh revealed that Trump, who awarded him the Medal of Freedom, told him not to apologize.

Limbaugh’s homophobic remarks exhibit clear lack of empathy

February 26, 2020
The food served is presented as Instagrammable art. The Comedor first opened its doors on April 16, 2019 and has been growing in popularity.

Comedor on Colorado lives up to recent ‘best restaurant in Texas’ crowning

February 24, 2020
When Bong Jon Hoo accepted the award for Best Picture, he stated that “To be nominated was a huge honor.”

This year’s Oscars bring surprising winners, undeserving snubs

February 18, 2020
Full case of desserts: In addition to cupcakes, the bakery offers cookies and cakes, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

How to satisfy your sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2020
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin opened the anniversary ceremony by calling anti-Semitism and racism a “malignant disease.” He added, “No democracy is immune to that,” according to CNN.

Anti-semitism still apparent today, should never be ignored

February 4, 2020
Jack Allen’s Kitchen prides itself on locally sourced food. On Feb. 4, Jack Allen’s is hosting its 10th Party on the Patio benefiting The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen serves up quality food, atmospheric dining

January 29, 2020
The couple will become financially independent and spend their time traveling between the U.S and the U.K.

Megxit: Meghan and Harry prefer normal life after racist backlash

January 28, 2020
Hot Takes: How popular shows of the decade went down in flames

Hot Takes: How popular shows of the decade went down in flames

December 3, 2019
Prince Andrew was ordered to move out of the Buckingham Palace following Epstein sex trafficking scandal, according to CNBC.

Prince Andrew’s claims about friendship with Epstein call him into question

December 3, 2019
Want to avoid a ‘Blue Christmas’? Check out these 5 holiday-themed events

Want to avoid a ‘Blue Christmas’? Check out these 5 holiday-themed events

December 2, 2019
The phrase Ok boomer sparked viral attention online after Tik Tok user @linzrinzz showed an elderly man criticizing millennials for thinking that their utopian ideals will translate into adulthood. Thousands of young Tik Tok users subverted the rant with the response Ok boomer.

‘Ok boomer’ meme sparks generational feud among workplaces

November 20, 2019
The Yard was featured on the Nov. 10 episode of ‘Shark Tank.’ Shop their very own sprinkle mixes online at www.the-yard-milkshake-bar.com.

Domain milkshakes bring Austinites to ‘The Yard’: Here’s what you’re missing

November 19, 2019
The state of Texas is scheduled to execute Rodney Reed on Nov. 20. The petition to stop the execution now has 2,728,651 signatures online.

Rodney Reed is not guilty: New evidence can save his life, students must act

November 12, 2019
Sex education is education and is essential to young people’s health, relationships, and life goals. Austin ISD students deserve to have the information, resources, and skills needed to protect their health and build their future, said Planned Parenthood in a statement regarding this recent controversy.

AISD students deserve proper sex education despite backlash from conservative groups

November 6, 2019
‘Tall Girl’ stars newcomer Ava Michelle in the titular role. The movie premiered on Netflix on Sept. 13 to mostly negative reviews, averaging 44% on Rotten Tomatoes.

‘Tall Girl’ unable to live up to height of expectations due to poor storyline

November 4, 2019
The department of Homeland Security released a detailed plan regarding the Trump administrations new plan earlier this month. Officials said that their proposed plan is protected under a statute known as the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005.

Proposal of DNA collection policy inhumane, invasive, ultimately unnecessary

October 30, 2019
Carving pumpkins for Halloween is a historic tradition passed down from Celtic immigrants. It is one of the many activities people enjoy during the fall season.

FACEOFF: Cold weather is ideal for seasonal treats, holidays, time spent with family

October 30, 2019
Pictured above are some of the many treats and desserts offered by Fluff Meringues & More. While the company has been around since 2015, they opened a brick and mortar store in Sept. 2018.

Meringues, drops and fluffs, oh my! Local bakery offers pastry paradise

October 21, 2019
Castro is currently polling at one percent according to Real Clear Politics. Despite being only one point behind Booker and ORourke, he was not represented on SNL.

SNL’s exclusion of only Latinx candidate sparks controversy

October 8, 2019
There are multiple Halloween-based events happening around Austin this year. Check out our calendar above for more information.

Halloween is approaching: Austin events to satisfy your spooky sweet tooth

October 8, 2019
Andrew Johnson became president after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. He was impeached three years later and was one vote shy of being convicted in Senate.

Confused about impeachment: 1942 film helps explain the complicated process through its first use

October 2, 2019
The Strawberry Italian Soda with Creme is a refreshing summer drink that can be enjoyed well into the fall. Jo’s Coffee Shop sells this and a variety of other drinks throughout the year.

Treat Yourself: 5 student-picked snacks sure to sweeten your day

September 9, 2019
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Isabella Bass