First Free Metro Atlanta Online Magazine for Expats
Atlanta Expat Atlanta last Century Styles Viewing Atlanta through the eyes of young Atlantian Photo Artist Eric Langley.
Let’s learn German! Goethe Zentrum Atlanta: New courses starting in January 2013.
Atlanta Expat Magazine by Caroline Porsiel www.cpcon.biz
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Highlights Goethe Zentrum Atlanta Portrait Photo Artist Eric Langley Fluid Films The Georgia-Pacific Tower Expat Taxes The Black Vulture Island Ford
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elcome to Atlanta! This magazine is addressed to Expats to benefit from the experience and network of the German Expat Community in Atlanta.
Atlanta Expat by Caroline Porsiel www.cpcon.biz
Published December 2012, Issue #2 (c) Caroline Porsiel 5445 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd Atlanta, Georgia 30342, USA info(at)cpcon.biz Photos by Caroline Porsiel, Eric Langley Design Elements by Erick Ragas Title photo by Eric Langley All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher Caroline Porsiel. Request for permission should be addressed to the contact address above. The publisher makes a great effort to ensure accuracy of information contained in this magazine. However, the publisher will not be responsible for errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, which results from its use, and make no warranty of claims as to the qualtiy or competence of business or professionals mentioned. Usersrs are adivised to take care when selecting professionals mentioned. Readers are advised to use common sense when adjusting to a new life in a new country and to take
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ell us your Expat Story! You are an Expat in Atlanta? Share your story on Atlanta Expat Magazine. Email.
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Atlanta Pastes-Up!
Classic Street Poster Art explained Paste-Up is a Street Art term describing a paper poster that is „pasted-up“ with wheat paste on public walls. Different than graffiti that is sprayed or painted on the wall the
paste-up is only temporarily and thus less destructive. Due to modern technics like photo copying pasteup artist often repeat the same motive. Ape with Crown in East Atlanta.
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“Silent Night”
Despite most believes the popular Christmas carol was neither composed in the US nor Germany but in Austria in 1818. It is declared as cultural heritage by the UNESCO. This very small passerine bird in the kinglet family is also called the “king of the birds” in European folklore. It preys on little insects and spiders mainly in conifers.
Goldcrest
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
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T
he Tradition of the
German Christmas Pickle - Die Weihnachtsgurke
The Christmas pickle is a decoration in the shape of a pickle hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving either a reward or good fortune for the following year. There are a number of different origin stories attributed to this tradition, most stating it was originated in Germany. Even though almost being unkonw in Germany this tradition developed to be a true German-American tradition from the late 19th century.
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Lost in German Tax Issues? need advice and a second opinion on German Tax Law? Business becomes global, so must advice. We connect experts in both countries, getting the best out of it. Tax consultancy for Expats, International companies and US consultants on German taxation issues. Andreas-A. Porsiel Steuerberater/ German CPA/ Tax Specialist Atlanta USA | D端sseldorf Germany | www.germany-tax.com
CPCon Quick-Check
Expat TaxAtion
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How long do I have to pay taxes in Germany?
In Germany you are only obliged to pay taxes if you have taxable income. This is different to the US law that always demands a tax return of their citizens also in case of no taxable income.
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Do I have to file a tax return in Germany if working temporarily in Germany for a US Company? Yes, any person or entity having an income, profits, revenues needs to file a tax return in Germany, excemptions depending on tax class.
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Are there advantages for Expats in Germany regarding the USGerman Double Taxation Treaty? In most cases is the answer yes. The basic idea of the US-German Double Taxation Treaty is to avoid double taxation. But, this treaty should just be the base of your consideration, there is further room for personalization of your individual tax case. German Tax Authorities do not consider the best solution for each individual. This remains in the responsibilty of the tax payers themselves.
Please note: This is not a legal advice, each individual case must be examined professionally.
CPCon Inc. Expat Tax Solutions
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Being a German Expat in the US - do I have to file my tax return in Germany even if not working there? Not necessarily, but we recommend it almost always if you have had tax deductable income in this period. In this case a filing of your tax return in Germany could reduce your tax burden significantly. Please note: This is not a legal advice, each individual case must be examined professionally.
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What kind of German taxation do I have to face if owning property in the US/ in Germany? The taxation in Germany can be different from case to case. If you use the properties for your own purpose, there is normally no taxation issue. If properties are leased out and realizing profits then taxation can be expected.
GErman clients/ Customers ? We Support U.S. Consultants (CPAs, Lawyers) on any German Taxation Issue.
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Let’s learn German! For your career, for culture, for travel, for family and fun.
Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta Colony Square, Plaza Level 1197 Peachtree St., NE Atlanta, GA 30361-2401, USA Tel. +1 404 8922388 Fax +1 404 8923832
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ocated in Midtown’s Colony Square office building. Parking is validated for members. It is a shared facility with Alliance Française d’Atlanta.
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he 10,000th student completed German language course at the Goethe-Zentrum this past year, and was recognized by Goethe-Zentrum.
Goethe -Zentrum Atlanta Direct Contact to your Goethe Team in Atlanta •
Executive Director : director@german-institute.org
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Cultural programs: program@german-institute.org
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Language Courses: language@german-institute.org
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Marketing: marketing@german-institute.org
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General Information: info@german-institute.org
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Membership: memebership@german-institute.org
www.goethe.de/atlanta
Adult courses in Midtown Goethe-Zentrum in Mid-town
Corporate courses Custom programs for international companies.
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New language courses starting January 14th 2013.
Goethe-Zentrum/ German Cultural Center ‌more than a language school!
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ince 1976, the Goethe-Zentrum has provided the Atlanta community with a variety of language courses and cultural programs. The Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta is part of the general network of the 140 Goethe-Instituts worldwide. Language courses are offered in the Midtown facility. The 10-week courses begin in winter, spring, summer and fall. Corporate language course and intercultural trainings are arrange to meet individual customer demands. Being a cultural center the Goethe Zentrum immerses members in the German language through ongoing monthly program including lectures, exhibits, film screenings, musical performances, wine tastings, key-note language breakfasts, German soccer (Bundesliga) game viewings and language immersion events. Further information on Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta.
Photo Goethe-Zentrum
Join us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ goetheatlanta
Goethe Event Calendar See our Goethe Online Calender for upcoming Events!
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Loew’s Grand Theatre Loew’s Grand Theater (originally DeGive’s Grand Opera House), was a movie theater at the corner of Peachtree and Forsyth Streets in downtown Atlanta. The theater was built in 1893 by the Belgian consul Laurent DeGive. It hosted many concerts and opera productions over the years. After bought by the Loews in 1927, it was renovated to become a movie theatre. The premiere of Margaret Mitchells “Gone with the Wind” was held there in 1939. All movie stars of the film attended the permiere, except for the African American actors that were separated. Georgia artist Davis Cone painted the Loew’s Grand in his series “Popcorn Palaces” .
The GeorgiaPacific Tower
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The building is on the former site of the Loew’s Grand Theatre. In 1939 the premiere of the film “Gone with the wind” was held in this Theatre. Due to being a historic landmark the theatre could not be demolished until 1978 when the Theatre burned down. The circumstances of this fire still remain to some locals mysterious and perhaps more than coincidental paving the way for the new highrise, the Georgia-Pacific building.
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Architects were Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The building has 52 stories of office space and was finished in 1982. It has a stair-like design and is clad in pink marble quarried from Tate, Georgia. The tower is the world headquarters of Georgia-Pacific. Today , beside other companies the Consulate-General of the United Kingdom is located in the building.
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In 1985 the building served as a filming location for the action film “Invasion U.S.A” starring Chuck Norris and Richard Lynch. The final battle between the U.S. army and the army of international terrorists was shot at the Georgia-Pacific Tower.
Three interesting facts about the 212.45 m (697.0 ft) Georgia-Pacific highrise in downtown Atlanta.
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ingredients
Preparation Time about 30 minutes
100 g Knödelbrot (bread cut into small cubes, bread must be at least 2 days old) 90 ml Milk Salt 1 Egg 1 tsp finely chopped onion 1 tsp finely chopped parsley 1 tsp finely chopped chives
Receipe for 2 people (4 dumplings) Put the Knödelbrot (bread cubes) in a bowl and salt everything lightly. Add milk, eggs, onion, parsley, chives, celery and cheese and knead everything well with your hands. Due to the fact that the dough is very sticky sprinkle the dough with 1 level tablespoon flour, knead everything briefly.
1 tsp finely chopped celery
Shape the dough with wet hands into four round dumplings and place them on a plate.
80 g Tilsit cheese cut in small pieces (alternative Cheese: Edam, Bianco)
The dumplings are boiled in salt water swimming for 15 minutes.
1 level tablespoon flour 1 heaped tbsp butter for basting
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a pan until the butter gets light brown. Then arrange the dumplings on a plate, place the butter over it and sprinkle everything with chives.
The dumplings can be frozen perfectly in an uncooked/ raw state for later usage.
Käseknödel Dumplings with Cheese
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Photos Eric Langley
Eric Langley
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Photographer
“I have spent the past seven years working primarily as a photojournalistic event photographer. During this time I’ve shot in many scenarios that have helped develop my eye, as well as my timing, and I’ve grown very comfortable at capturing those specific storytelling moments. Recently I’ve focused on developing my skills as a portrait photographer, seeking out greater control over the outcome of the photo. Making the photo instead of taking the photo.
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20th Century Postcard Look he
This unique style of Eric Langley, an Atlanta photographer, is based on using an iPhone with a specialized filter app that allows adjustments to each of the several filters needed.
As a way of staying active I decided to start a 365 project. That was on Jan 1. It was in engaging this project, primarily with my iPhone, that I discovered my illustrative editing techniques. The reason I enjoy the 20th Century Postcard style so much is that I am an illustrator at heart and I’ve always loved to draw. Even though I’ve completely fallen in love with photography, and it’s where I spend all my time, I still find that when I am the most creative with it the images end up looking like paintings. And those are the ones that satisfy me the most.” www.ericlangleyphotography.com
Georgia German Golf Club - Golf Picture Prints Collection 2012
Pictures by C. Porsiel
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About & Why www.fluid-films.com
Over the last several years, Altanta has become the film and video production hub for the South East United States. This has attracted a lot of talented young people. Atlanta based Fluid Films has been able to not only find wonderful people to work on crew but talented people to work in front of the camera.
Our goals are to become the regions premier resource for film and video production of branded content, product and corporate videos, and commercials.
Fluid Ideas
Productions of video and television commercials “Fluid Films began when they saw a need from their clients that wasn’t currently being served by other agencies. In fact this need showed a gap in the film and video production community at large: Clients asking for quality, but cost effective video content for websites, YouTube, social media and for web video advertising. Yet agencies and production companies struggle to adjust their business models to lower cost and increased quality. The flagging economy resulting in cutting of budgets for television commercials opened now a greater need for more cost effective production of television commercials by regional companies. And this is where Fluid Films steps in. As former agency professionals, they understand the needs of agencies and how they work. With Fluid Films they customized their work according to the today market needs. And, they are well positioned to not only work with ad agencies but provide also solutions for corporate clients and non-profits. In fact, they have a passion for non-profits because it provides a chance to do work that can make a difference and contains strong story to tell. In the past year they have produced short films for the Alliance Theatre, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the City of Refuge. “
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Fluid is
...energetic, active, fun, new, vibrant, different, creative, visionary, out-of-the-box, clever and affordable.
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Atlanta is
...a great location for us or anyone. Atlanta ranks third in cities for the most Fortune 500 companies.
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Trend is
...high quality content, smart, funny, useful, thoughtful, helpful, valuabel, with a story, shareable.
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We are Fluid
Jimmy Gilmore and Tim Holt. Their clients include corporations, advertising agencies as well as non-profits.
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Fluid Films
Atlanta’s Moving Pictures
C
ity of Refuge
D
ealer Anthem
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iewer recognition
Fluid Films helped City of Refuge tell the stories of those they serve.
Manheim showed they understood their customers by telling their stories.
See Video online.
See Video online.
See Video online.
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A
B
eel 2012
lliance Premeire
Fluid Films discovers through an organic process how best to engage, motivate, and inspire audiences to act. .
Opening video for the Alliance Theatre’s 2011-2012 season by Fluid Films.
See Video online.
See Video online.
Customers need to connect with their audience on an emotional level.
ooting Dialog
New management needed to communicate they understood their customer’s concerns.
See Video online.
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The Black Vulture Georgia’s protected Birds of Prey
lack Vultures are prohe Black Vulture may B tected birds that nest T decorate his nesting on the ground in wooded area with bits of colored areas, in hollow logs, seldom higher than 3 meters above the ground.
plastic, shards of glass, or metal items such as shiny bright bottle caps.
Cattle hunting Vultures Gregarious birds forageing in groups
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he Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is also known as the American Black Vulture. It is a bird in the New World vulture family, whose range extends from the southeastern United States to South America. It is a fairly large bird that measures 56–74 cm (22–29 in) in length, with a wingspan of 1.33–1.67 m (52–66 in). Black Vultures are scavengers, feed on carrion, but will also eat eggs or kill newborn animals. It is the only vulture that preys on newborn cattle. This is one reason why these birds are occasionally feared by ranchers when seen in larger numbers. The Mayans used the Black Vulture in a variety of their hieroglyphics, often symbolizing either death or birds of prey. The vulture’s glyph is often shown attacking humans.
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Island Ford Trail Length: 3.1 miles Type of Trail: Loop; easy, partly uphill Characteristics: Mostly shaded, compact soil hiking trail with views of the Chattahoochee River. Restrooms and picnic tables available. The Island Ford Visitor Contact Station at Island Ford is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except December 25th. 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350
Link: Island Ford Trail Map Checklist of Reptiles & Amphibians
Biz Trends 2013
German Companies in the US are positive about business growth in 2013. According to a press release of the German American Chamber most German companies in the U.S. styed slightly behind their expectations for 2012 but define themselfes as strategically focused on growth, expansion and innovation. Summarized 76% of the German companies that took in the survey expect to employ in 2013, this is an increase of 9% in comparisson to last year’s statistic. While in Europe the discussions about the Eurozone still creates insecurity about the financial outlook for 2013, it seems that German Companies in the U.S. share a more confident belief: While 95% trust to grow their own business in the U.S. market in 2013, 87% expect a growing U.S. economy.
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iXPOS
Relaunch
iXPOS is a service website and business plattform for foreign companies interested in the German Market initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. Since the website’s 2012 relaunch new features were added to the interactive Business Community such as more detailed member profiles, busine s contact search, iXPOS newsletter as well as direct emailing with all members of the community. Filters narrow the search results by country, branch and type of inquiries. This business plattform is intersting for all companies interested in selling or buying products in Germany as well as focusing on partnerships/ cooperations with German companies. Additionally the website offers to ask questions about the German market in English, Spanish, French and German, even though answers are provided in English and
ATL Economy
here are about 1,900 German companies in the U.S. Many are organized in the German American Chamber. In this survey about 12% participated.
i
XPOS registration is free of charge. The website
addresses mainly companies interested in finding business partners, co-operations and products in Germany/ for the German Market.
Atlanta Buckhead
Steve Boyce
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Boyce Real Estate Group
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eal Estate in Metro Atlanta is a dynamically changing market. In the last six months residential real estate prices have increased 6% alone. Parallel the Commercial Real Estate market is rising after a five year low, so now is a great time to get started when planning to open/ relocate a business in Metro Atlanta. Boyce Real Estate Group is successfully procuring housing and commercial estates for Expats in the Metro Atlanta Market. “We focus on 100% customer satisfaction because we want a life-long relationship with our clients. Especially Expats, as well as international companies starting in Atlanta needing more support than the average client. Foreign investors need to find a Real Estate Representative they really trust as it is common to do a large amount of planning/searching for commercial and residential property before they arrive here in the U.S. Boyce Real Estate Group consults and supports with smart solutions for Expatriates and international clients.”
Take
advantage of our complete international relocation service! Not ready to buy? We will be happy to assist you in renting a home while you learn the city. In today’s competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. If you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Metro Atlanta, please contact us directly by Phone: 678.525.9950 or write an EMail: steveboyce1@gmail.com
Residential Real Estate
Specializing in the Metro Atlanta Market for rentals, home purchasing and new construction.
Relocation Service
Housing, Utilities Support, Transportation, Tours, Organizational Services.
Commercial Real Estate Office space, Warehousing and Storage. Consulting on Localization/ Commercial concepts.
www.BRGP.co
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Lagerstroemia Crape Myrtle
There are around 50 species of these evergreen, beautifully blooming trees and shrubs originally from the Indian Subcontinent, southeast Asia, northern Australia and parts of Oceania. Crape Myrtle is cultivated in warmer climates around the world.
Crape Myrtle was introduced in Charleston, South Carolina, by the French botanist AndrĂŠ Michaux around 1790. Colors vary from deep purple to red to white, with almost every shade in between.
Besides painting Vicky Cimkentli published her first book„Basquiat: a Catahoula Dog Tale“ last year. Currently she is finalizing her 2nd book „Fifty - What a Palava!“. She lives together with her husband, Levent, a professional magician, magic historian and author, in Metro Atlanta since 2006. Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces approached several artists, including myself, to participating in the „Bucks on the Street“ project. „Henri Buck“ was the first that I created, followed by British-Atlantian Artist „Buckhead Boy“ and „Super Buck!“. vbc207@aol.com It was quite surreal having these overwww.vickicimkentli.com sized statues in our home, and equally “I am a self-taught artist origi- surreal trying to paint them whilst nally from England. My pain- perched on a ladder! I added some tings reflect my love of bold, vi- accessories, i.e. an aluminum cape to brant colors and my inspiration „Super Buck“. I am thrilled and honois found in everyday life. The red to have been part of this project.” All of my paintings are now available as greeting cards!
Vicki Cimkentli
Carolina Georgatou | Legal Code
Gl端hwein
A traditional drink during Christmas time. Mulled wine is usually made with red wine along with various spices and sugar, served hot or warm. A sweet variety of onion first first grown near Vidalia, Georgia, in the early 1930s. The low amount of sulfur in the soil causes its unique taste.
Vidalia
F
ire/ Police / Ambulance
call
911
P
R
oison Control
ailroad Emergencies
call 404-616-9000 call 800-232-0144
F
ish & Wildlife Commission
call 770-717-3333
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A. Porsiel Steuerberater 5445 PeachtreeDunwoody Road Atlanta, Georgia 30342 404-771-4332 Alston & Bird LLP One Atlantic Center 1201 West Peachtree St. Suite 4200, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-881-7000
Mulling Corporation 5445 PeachtreeDunwoody Road Atlanta, Georgia 30342 770-395-3131 Fluid Films
Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 992-2055 Rivermont Country Club
Atlanta Film and Video Production Company 404 357-0301
3130 Rivermont Pkwy Johns Creek GA 30022 770-993-2124
Steve Boys Real Estate 3777 Peachtree Rd. #221, Atlanta, Ga. 30319 678.525.9950 CPCon Caroline Porsiel Expat Tax | Expat Health Insurance | Atlanta Expat Magazine 404-771-4332
Free Online Visitor Guide with lots of addresses for attractions, dining, shopping, sport and events including maps from the Atlanta Convention & Visitor Bureau:
Atlanta NOW Magazine
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next edition February 2013
CPCon German Business Directory of German Companies in the US
Expat Health Insurance
Global Insurance Solutions for the US Market
2012 (C) Caroline Porsiel AtlantaExpat@cpcon.biz