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The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Cristina Lule, Author

All content by Cristina Lule
Homemade horchata beats the heat

Homemade horchata beats the heat

Cristina Lule
May 29, 2013

On uncomfortably hot summer days, I’m reminded of a sweet and refreshing drink my mom used to make to help cool off from the unwelcome heat. Recently, I asked my mom to show me how to make Agua de Horchata...

Guacamole is a fast and easy treat to make that will satisfy any craving.

Creamy and zesty guacamole that everyone will love

Cristina Lule
May 15, 2013

“Holy” is often a term associated with, or sometimes, preceding the word for the traditional Mexican appetizer: guacamole. That’s because homemade guacamole is consumed almost religiously by fans...

When you have a hangover, try to steer yourself away from greasy or fatty foods such as burgers, pizza or fried foods. Instead, take the healthier route and try this scrumptious breakfast burrito. Almost all of the ingredients in this breakfast burrito help curb the symptoms of a hangover. 

Breakfast burritos for a healthier, non-greasy meal

Cristina Lule
May 14, 2013

It’s 3 a.m. You’re rummaging through the fridge, looking for a piece of lasagna your roommate made last week. It’s not the ideal meal you had in mind, but after a long night of drinking, you’re...

Iron Man 3 is entertaining, but too political

Cristina Lule
May 4, 2013

The third installment in the “Iron Man” saga is filled with plenty of metal-to-flesh action sequences, explosive special effects and the titular character’s expected witty remarks. It also manages...


Once they have cooled, the snickerdoodles are ready to serve. One bite of these soft, cinnamon sugar cookies will leave you with a smile on your face.

Snickerdoodle cookies from your childhood

Cristina Lule
April 30, 2013

Some of my best memories growing up are helping my mom bake large batches of cookies on the weekend. She would have me sit at the counter so I could watch her mix the ingredients - hoping I would learn...

Cut the crab meat or imitation crab meat into small cubes before adding it to the mixing bowl.

Snack on crispy and addictive cream cheese wontons

Cristina Lule
April 30, 2013

Growing up, if someone mentioned crab wontons at my house, my brother and I would instinctively put on some decent attire and get into the back of my mom’s Nissan while we waited for our parents to drive...

‘Pain and Gain’ looks good but lacks substance

Cristina Lule
April 28, 2013

“Pain and Gain” tells the true story of a gang of bodybuilders based on a series of Miami New Times articles released in 1999 to 2000. Director Michael Bay employs some of the same production approaches...

Tom Cruise adds little to ‘Oblivion’, even though it desperately needs him

Cristina Lule
April 19, 2013

If Tom Cruise’s new role in “Oblivion” feels familiar it’s because it is. He played an officer from the future in “Minority Report,” a man fighting to survive while Earth was under invasion...

Epicure Restaurant at Sacramento State offers dishes for vegetarian and vegan diners such as the vegetable muffuletta and the black bean burger served with French-fried onion strings.

Campus eateries cater to students with special diets

Cristina Lule
April 16, 2013

Finding a place to eat on campus is not a difficult task for most students. However, vegan and vegetarian students may sometimes feel as if their diet is an inconvenience due to the lack of meatless options...

The war drags tirelessly on, but not this episode of ‘Game of Thrones’

Cristina Lule
April 14, 2013

The “Walk of Punishment” episode proved to be as reprimanding as the title alluded and offered a few surprising moments. The anticipation to an inevitable epic war has been building up since last...

‘Scary Movie 5’ gets 1/2 star for being racist, sexist and insultingly not funny

Cristina Lule
April 12, 2013

The fifth film in the “Scary Movie” franchise appears to be running out of horror films to parody. It presents a rehash of barely-deemed thrillers and pop-culture references that offer more insults...

‘Jurassic Park 3D’ avoids gimmicks and adds depth to the original

Cristina Lule
April 10, 2013

The 3D re-release of Steven Spielberg’s box-office success “Jurassic Park” has evolved to be just as entertaining as it was during its premiere in 1993. The special effects and animatronics that...

‘Game of Thrones’: Episode two ties up some loose ends, and makes us hate Margaery even more

Cristina Lule
April 10, 2013

“Game of Thrones” continues to be a compelling watch this season toning down on sexually explicit scenes and showcasing strong female characters despite the show’s prevailing patriarchal ideology....

Staff picks: Corti Brothers sandwiches

Cristina Lule
April 9, 2013

Corti Brothers is a grocery store with a deli that serves affordable and meaty sandwiches that is close to campus. Established in 1947, the Italian grocery store has maintained its old fashion appeal while...

To finish off the sandwich, pour pasta sauce and place cheese on the top and enjoy.

Savory turkey meatball subs to satisfy those Italian food cravings

Cristina Lule
April 9, 2013

Meatball subs combine two great meal staples into one. They are a savory Italian dinner in a portable sandwich form that can be customized with different types of meat, cheese, pasta sauce and bread. The...

Don’t say no to the film “No”

Cristina Lule
March 23, 2013

“No” is a political drama that centers on a historical moment during Chile’s efforts to end an authoritarian government. The film’s use of camera techniques places us in the era and instills the...

The magic falls short in ‘The Incredible Burt Wonderstone’

Cristina Lule
March 17, 2013

Magicians are masters only of illusion. The real magic relies on making their audience believe they’re having a good time. “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” manages to make us laugh a few times,...

To make a glass of this childhood treat, pour Bailey's Irish cream liqueur and vanilla vodka into the cup, and then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Adult root beers: an adult twist to a childhood drink

Cristina Lule
March 15, 2013

The arrival of spring meant two things as a kid: weekends spent playing in my jungle gym set in the back yard and a freezer stocked with ice cream to make root beer floats. Sadly, as an adult, my weekends...

For added texture, feel free to add peanuts to the brownies before baking.

Brownies fulfill chocolate cravings

Cristina Lule
March 12, 2013

Some of my favorite ways to eat brownies are served warm and gooey or with ice cream. After I tried Kahlua fudge brownies for the first time, though, I quickly added ‘baked with Kahlua’ to my list....

Rating

‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ stumbles along the yellow brick road

Cristina Lule
March 9, 2013

A few gimmicks are all that’s needed to make any show a lively and entertaining one. At least that’s what “Oz the Great and Powerful” wants you to believe, but 3-D special effects and lavish sets...

To start off this delicious recipe, brown the meat in a pan and season it with salt and pepper.

Enjoy these individual lasagna cupcakes

Cristina Lule
March 5, 2013

I made lasagna for the first time a few weeks ago. After years of watching my mom make it and some mental preparation, I thought it would be easy. It’s safe to say I’m no Giada De Laurentiis. The pasta...

‘Jack the Giant Slayer’ fails to slay anything

Cristina Lule
March 2, 2013

Based on the English folk tale, “Jack the Giant Slayer” engrossed us in the world recited to us by our parents and school teachers growing up, but cultivates none of the magic that originally drew...

Kristin Chenoweth and Seth MacFarlane sing the closing song during the show at the 85th annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, February 24, 2013. 

The Oscars use song and dance to mediocre success

Cristina Lule
February 27, 2013

During the opening monologue of the 85th annual Academy Awards, host Seth MacFarlane said the theme for the night was music in film. Boy, he wasn’t kidding. The three and a half hour long ceremony was...

By adding a bunch of green onions, it will add a nice flavor to the fettuccine.

Stuff your face with creamy bacon and cream cheese fettuccine

Cristina Lule
February 27, 2013

The best fettuccine dish I ever had was at Fishermen’s Grotto in San Francisco. I ordered the shrimp fettuccine with baby scallops and was immediately enamored with the complexity of flavors and how...

‘Dark Skies’ falls short using same horror film formula

Cristina Lule
February 23, 2013

“Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.” “Dark Skies” opens with this quote from Arthur C. Clarke, who’s best known for writing...

Staff Pick: River City Saloon

Cristina Lule
February 20, 2013

Walking into River City Saloon is like stepping out of a time machine. You are immediately greeted by the sounds of country music and by a dressed-up mannequin called Doc Holiday, the original owner of...

These Mexican-infused samosas are sure to be an Oscar winner at any party.

Spice up your life with Mexican-infused samosas

Cristina Lule
February 20, 2013

In “Life of Pi,” a young boy grows up in India, exploring many facets of life such as love, religion and culture. Food plays a big role in understanding someone else’s culture and sharing recipes...

‘Safe Haven’ is a safe film for romantics

Cristina Lule
February 17, 2013

Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, “Safe Haven” offers us the same well-worn love story and predictable plot points leading up to a melodramatic climax. Katie (Julianne Hough) is...

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