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The Moscow Times Moscow Guide – Winter 2008

Since the middle of autumn one of the most important topics of discussion, could only be … no, not the financial crisis… New Year! The winter issue of The Moscow Times Moscow Guide is entirely devoted to New Years celebrations. Seven great ideas for celebrating the “Night of Nights” will help readers finalise their plans and choose how and where to party, give fresh ideas and lots of practical advice.

And don’t forget – problems will come by themselves, but happiness and luck need an invitation. That why the more cheerful and light-hearted your celebration of the coming holiday is, the happier and more successful 2009 will be for you.

The Crisis: Signs of a Kremlin Fearful Of Unrest
Sociologist Yevgeny Gontmakher has painted a disturbing picture of what might emerge from the financial crisis, forecasting continued unemployment, huge protests and spreading violence.

Market Matters: Huge Grain Harvest No Boon for Farmers
This year Russia is enjoying the biggest grain harvest it has ever seen -- and farmers couldn't be more worried.



Thursday, January 08, 2009 Updated at 31 December 2008 22:36 Moscow Time.

The Moscow Times » Issue 3845 » Community

U-513

More than 80 people of all ages participated in last year's washbasin races.

What to Do: Go Washbasin Sledding

19 February 2008Put on a costume and say goodbye to winter by sledding down a mountain in a washbasin. The fourth annual washbasin race will take place on Feb. 24 in Moscow.

The races are organized by U-513, a Moscow group of extreme bikers. "One time we were making a video of people biking and sliding down a hill using washbasins, and decided that the idea should go to the masses," said Vadim Bogusov, one of the event organizers.

The competition will yield winners in three categories: fastest descent, best costume and most interesting "vehicle." Participants are welcome to improve and decorate their basins, they can even slide down on pans and other kitchen gear.

The rules are straightforward. The vehicle is a metal or plastic basin that can be upgraded with sledges, wings, catapults or other equipment.

Bogusov swore that the races are happening regardless of weather conditions. Costumes are encouraged, as long as "you don't ride the metro across the city dressed like a serial killer," the event's web site cautions.

Last year, 80 people participated in the races, which took place at Krylatskiye Gory. This year the location is different and "kept secret until a couple of days before the event, to make sure people don't mess with the slope," according to the organizers.

Annual Washbasin Races
Sunday, Feb. 24.
Location will be posted on the web site two days before the races.
For more information and registration: http://u513.ru/tdh/main.htm