Alex Horn: "a solo power mission".

Where does your alias Senator Cranston derive from?

From a night in Arizona, a long time ago on an 88 road trip. We were drinking 'skis and we ended up racing these super fast go karts. I just remember Gov Peter Uberoth, Dean Starr, and Senator Alan Cranston were some of the names used that night. It can also be used for when I morph into a forgetful state of human and start really being Cranston.

As a youngster in Pacific Beach, what locals hyped you up or plagued you the most?

My friend Nacho, who I skated with everyday, all the guys who skated the PB bowl, the Vermin kids and elders who hyped and plagued daily, which was pretty hot. This guy Morgan Rinean. When you and Bailey, Nay, Mohler, and Double D would skate there, we were just fucking hyped to see all that rad skating.

I noticed the travels have expanded for you. What's been your best adventure abroad?

The month or so in Peru and Bolivia was a pretty insane time, mostly because of the hike to see Machu Picchu. All the rest of the rawness of the countries was pretty eye-opening in ways. A solo power mission is always a good time; it's a new experience. It's kill.

When you're out there, what kind of stash do you take with you?

Usually hella shirts and some fresh gear for barters like jackets, tees, hats, which is so key down there. You can trade and barter for pretty much anything. I went down with one big backpack full of my own stuff, and came home with one shirt, one pair of pants, one sock--used other sock as toilet paper--and my shoes. But I had my original bag and a huge box packed to the jimmy with bartered goods.

Do you consider yourself a nomad, or do you have a permanent location in Cali?

Nomad, no. I have a little area in Pacific Beach still; we'll call it the Rats' Dojo for now. It's super cheap with a porch, and it's five blocks from the beach so it works out, seeing as how I'm gone a lot, either in the greater Northwest or on the road with the crew. I'll figure it out.

What's the difference between a tail block and a tail tap?

It might be up to who's interpreting it, but to me tail tapping is when the only feeling you have is your tail and only your tail balancing on the top of the coping, then re-entering. A block to me is more of a scrape from lower on the tranny, then kind of jamming in up and onto the lower, inner part of the coping, or edge or whatever. I prefer tapping heat and getting that pivotal feeling going.

This is not a trick question; what hammers have you been working on?

Hammers?

Okay, it was a trick question. How many variation of tail taps are known to man? And which one is the most sacred?

There have got to be, at the least, 30 different variations of tap out there, and more to be discovered. The top two most sacred to me would have to be the 360 tap from the fakie position, and the backside tail tap to backside revert.

Myth or no myth, is Darren actually a TM for Creature?

There is a dual citizenship going on for Creature TM, with Nays and Lee, and I think that's all I need to know ... it's on. What's TM stand for? Tote Mell?

Has he forced you to get in that fucking coffin ride?

I rode down the Cactus Banks, which was chill. I think we're gearing up to get down on the Mega jump soon.

Okay, the next few questions are touchy. Get ready. Answer however you want. Washington Street or Clairemont Y?

I have to say C-Mont; the sessions up there have been super fun lately. Hitting tiles rages. I haven't been to the bridge in quite some time, but I know the people love that place to death, so that rages, too.

Butter bowl or big bowl?

Both of them are fun; I guess it just depends on the amount of people who want to ride which one at what time. Depends on what session is happening. Sessioning with Gackto, Zakima, and those guys at any spot is always a fun time.

Euro or Americana?

That could pertain to many things, so I'll say Euro, spliff; Americana, crew.

Alright. Final question, and possibly the hardest. Where is your wallet right now?

It's back there.

Just checking.