Atlanta Expat

Atlanta Expat Magazine

by Caroline Porsielwww.cpcon.biz

First Free Metro Atlanta Online Magazine for Expats

# 2

Goethe Zentrum Atlanta: New courses starting in January 2013.

Viewing Atlanta through the eyes of young Atlantian Photo Artist Eric Langley.

Let’s learn German!

Atlanta last Century Styles

Published December 2012, Issue #2(c) Caroline Porsiel5445 Peachtree-Dunwoody RdAtlanta, Georgia 30342, USAinfo(at)cpcon.bizPhotos 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, includ-ing 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 ac-curacy 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

Atlanta Expat

by Caroline Porsielwww.cpcon.biz

HighlightsGoethe Zentrum AtlantaPortrait Photo Artist Eric LangleyFluid Films The Georgia-Pacific TowerExpat TaxesThe Black VultureIsland Ford

Tell us your Expat Story! You are an Expat in Atlanta? Share your story on Atlanta Expat Magazine. Email.

Welcome to Atlanta! This magazine is addressed to Expats to benefit from the experience and network of the German Expat Community in Atlanta.

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Atlanta Pastes-Up!Classic Street Poster Art explained

paste-up is only temporari-ly and thus less destructive. Due to modern technics like photo copying paste-up artist often repeat the same motive.

Ape with Crown in East Atlanta.

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

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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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The 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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CPCON QUICk-CHECk ExPAT TAxATION

1How 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.

2 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.

3Are there advantages for Expats in Germany regarding the US-

German 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.

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 | Düsseldorf Germany | www.germany-tax.com

Please note: This is not a legal advice, each indivi-dual case must be examined professionally.

7

4Being 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 re-turn in Germany could reduce your tax burden significantly.

5What 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.

Please note: This is not a legal advice, each indi-vidual case must be examined professionally.

CPCon Inc. Expat Tax Solutions

8

Let’s learn German!For your career, for culture, for travel, for family and fun.

Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta

Colony Square, Plaza Level1197 Peachtree St., NE

Atlanta, GA 30361-2401, USA

Tel. +1 404 8922388 Fax +1 404 8923832

Corporate courses

Custom programs for international companies.

Located in Midtown’s Colony Square office

building. Parking is validated for members. It is a shared facility with Alliance Fran-çaise d’Atlanta.

The 10,000th student completed German

language course at the Goethe-Zentrum this past year, and was recognized by Goethe-Zentrum.

• Executive Director : director@german-institute.org

• Cultural programs: program@german-institute.org

• Language Courses: language@german-institute.org

• Marketing: marketing@german-institute.org

• General Information: info@german-institute.org

• Membership: memebership@german-institute.org

Goethe -Zentrum AtlantaDirect Contact to your Goethe Team in Atlanta

Adult courses in Midtown

Goethe-Zentrum in Mid-town

www.goethe.de/atlanta

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New language courses starting January 14th 2013.

Goethe-Zentrum/ German Cultural Center

…more than a language school!

Since 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 world-wide. 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.

Join us on Facebook!

Goethe Event Calendar

www.facebook.com/goetheatlanta

See our Goethe Online Calender for

upcoming Events!

Photo Goethe-Zentrum

10

THE GEORGIA-PACIFIC TOWER

1The building is on the former site of the Loew’s Grand Theatre. In 1939 the pre-

miere of the film “Gone with the wind” was held in this Theatre. Due to being a historic landmark the theatre could not be demol-ished until 1978 when the Theatre burned down. The circumstances of this fire still remain to some locals mysterious and per-haps more than coincidental paving the way for the new highrise, the Georgia-Pa-cific building.

2Architects 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 Con-sulate-General of the United kingdom is located in the building.

3In 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 terror-ists was shot at the Georgia-Pacific Tower.

Three interesting facts about the 212.45 m (697.0 ft) Georgia-Pacific highrise in downtown Atlanta.

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 down-town 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, ex-cept for the African American actors that were separated. Georgia artist Davis Cone painted the Loew’s Grand in his series “Popcorn Palaces” .

11

KäseknödelDumplings

with Cheese

PrEPArAtion timE AboUt 30 minUtES

rECEiPE for 2 PEoPlE (4 DUmPlinGS)

Put the Knödelbrot (bread cubes) in a bowl and salt eve-rything lightly. Add milk, eggs, onion, parsley, chives, cele-ry and cheese and knead everything well with your hands.

Due to the fact that the dough is very sticky sprinkle the dou-gh with 1 level tablespoon flour, knead everything briefly.

Shape the dough with wet hands into four round dumplings and place them on a plate.

The dumplings are boiled in salt water swimming for 15 minutes.

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.

inGrEDiEntS

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

1 tsp finely chopped celery

80 g tilsit cheese cut in small pieces (alternative Cheese: Edam, bianco)

1 level tablespoon flour

1 heaped tbsp butter for basting

tHE DUmPlinGS CAn bE froZEn PErfECtly in An UnCooKED/ rAw StAtE for lAtEr USAGE.

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Photos Eric langley

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The 20Th CenTury PosTCard look

This unique style of Eric Langley, an Atlanta photographer, is based on using an iPhone with a specialized filter app that allows adjust-ments to each of the several filters needed.

“I have spent the past seven years working primarily as a photojour-nalistic 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.

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

Eric LangleyPhotographer

Photos Eric langley

Georgia German Golf Club - Golf Picture Prints Collection 2012

Pictures by C. Porsiel

16

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.

“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. “

1FLUID IS

...energetic, active, fun, new, vibrant, differ-ent, creative, visionary, out-of-the-box, clever and affordable.

3TREND IS

...high quality content, smart, funny, useful, thoughtful, helpful, valuabel, with a story, shareable.

4WE ARE FLUID

Jimmy Gilmore and Tim Holt. Their clients include corporations, advertising agencies as well as non-profits.

About & Why www.fluid-films.com

Fluid IdeasProductions of video and television commercials

our Goals are To beCome The reGions Premier resourCe for film and video ProduCTion of branded ConTenT, ProduCT and CorPoraTe videos, and CommerCials.

3ATLANTA IS

...a great location for us or anyone. Atlanta ranks third in cities for the most Fortune 500 companies.

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Fluid FilmsAtlanta’s Moving Pictures

ALLIANCE PREMEIRE

Opening video for the Alliance Theatre’s 2011-2012 season by Fluid Films.

See Video online.

REEL 2012

Fluid Films discovers through an organic process how best to engage, motivate, and inspire audiences to act. .

See Video online.

BOOTING DIALOG

New management needed to communicate they understood their customer’s concerns. See Video online.

CITY OF REFUGE

Fluid Films helped City of Ref-uge tell the stories of those they serve. See Video online.

VIEWER RECOGNITION

Customers need to connect with their audience on an emotional level. See Video online.

DEALER ANTHEM

Manheim showed they under-stood their customers by tell-ing their stories. See Video online.

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The Black VultureGeorgia’s protected Birds of Prey

Black Vultures are pro-tected birds that nest

on the ground in wooded areas, in hollow logs, sel-dom higher than 3 meters above the ground.

The 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.

Cattle hunting VulturesGregarious birds forageing in groups

The Black Vulture may decorate his nesting

area with bits of colored plastic, shards of glass, or metal items such as shiny bright bottle caps.

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Island FordTrail lenGTh: 3.1 milesTyPe of Trail: Loop; easy, partly uphillCharaCTerisTiCs: 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 MapChecklist of Reptiles & Amphibians

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

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.

ATL Economy

There are about 1,900 German companies in the U.S. Many are organized in the German American

Chamber. In this survey about 12% participated.

ixPOS 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.

iXPos relaunChbiz Trends 2013

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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

www.BRGP.co

Steve BoyceBoyce Real Estate Group

Real 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.”

Relocation Service

Housing, Utilities Support, Transportation, Tours, Or-ganizational Services.

Atlanta Buckhead

Commercial Real Estate

Office space, Warehousing and Storage. Consulting on Localization/ Commercial concepts.

Residential Real Estate

Specializing in the Metro Atlanta Market for rentals, home purchasing and new construction.

22

Lagerstroemia Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle was intro-duced in Charleston, South Carolina, by the French botanist André Michaux around 1790. Colors vary from deep pur-ple to red to white, with almost every shade in be-tween.

There are around 50 spe-cies of these evergreen, beautifully blooming trees and shrubs originally from the Indian Subcontinent, southeast Asia, northern Australia and parts of Oce-ania. Crape Myrtle is culti-vated in warmer climates around the world.

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 „buckhead boy“ and „Super buck!“. it was quite surreal having these over-sized statues in our home, and equally surreal trying to paint them whilst perched on a ladder! i added some accessories, i.e. an aluminum cape to „Super buck“. i am thrilled and hono-red to have been part of this project.”

Vicki CimkentliBritish-Atlantian Artistvbc207@aol.com www.vickicimkentli.com

all of my PainTinGs are noW available as GreeTinG Cards!

“i am a self-taught artist origi-nally from England. my pain-tings reflect my love of bold, vi-brant colors and my inspiration is found in everyday life. The

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.

GlühweinA 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

Carolina Georgatou | legal Code

25

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Fire/ Police / Ambulance

call 911Poison Control

call 404-616-9000

Railroad Emergencies

call 800-232-0144

Fish & Wildlife Commission

call 770-717-3333

Steve Boys Real Estate

3777 Peachtree Rd. #221, Atlanta, Ga. 30319

678.525.9950

Rivermont Country Club

3130 Rivermont Pkwy Johns Creek GA 30022

770-993-2124

Chattahoochee Nature Center

9135 Willeo Road Roswell, GA 30075

(770) 992-2055

Fluid Films

Atlanta Film and Video Production Company

404 357-0301

Mulling Corporation

5445 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30342770-395-3131

Alston & Bird LLP

One Atlantic Center 1201 West Peachtree St. Suite 4200, Atlanta, GA

30309, 404-881-7000

A. Porsiel Steuerberater

5445 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30342404-771-4332

CPCon Caroline Porsiel

Expat Tax | Expat Health Insurance |

Atlanta Expat Magazine404-771-4332

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

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 PorsielAtlantaExpat@cpcon.biz