Ultimate shoulder rides

I've just posted a new photo (Who are they?) in 'Pictures' MOM. Can any members identify these two guys, one of whom is riding on the shoulders of the other?

They both look familiar but I can't put a name to them. All I know is that the rider is a white Russian and the carrier is mixed race American. The first is always looking for ponies and he can host in central Moscow while the other is looking for riders and he, too can host, but in central Washington DC.