Former City Manager Tom Schwab says he covered up a potential scandal in 2003 by quashing a criminal investigation against then assistant city manager Steve Berry, who was suspected of embezzling city funds and filing false records.

Former city manager Steve Berry is suspected of giving contracts to John Carraznza, an inmate on work release program.  Carranza is suspected of purchasing excess window tinting material and tools on a city purchase order to benefit his own business.

More details on this window tint political scandal at sbsun.com.

This press release from SolarGard caught my eye today.  It was titled SolarGard Releases Nanotech-based Window Film for Cars that Blocks 99% of UV Rays. Although this sounds impressive, does it really mean that much?

What some people do not know is that most quality window films block 95+% of UV rays. Maybe the difference is performance?

It is stated that the SolarGard Ultra film can block up to half of solar energy.  The same can be said about SolarGard’s line of HP car tint as well.

Finally, it is not mentioned is that the SolarGard Ultra product costs 2-3 times the price of conventional film.

So is nano-tech window film worth the price?

TintCenter recommends against using nanotech for car tint, unless your state tint laws or personal preference require the tint to be very light rather than dark.

Stratford County Jail decided to not only tint the 37 windows facing the sun, but the entire 164 windows of the complex.  The reason isn’t for solar rejection and energy efficiency, but rather jail inmates have displayed lewd behavior from inside their jail cells whether intentionally or unintentionally.   Apparently, jailed inmates need their privacy as well.

More details in the Foster’s Daily news article.

An new report about legal window tint in Texas inspired some words of advice and thoughts.

The new law ,which goes into effect in September, says front window tint can be no lower then 35. “The lower the number the darker the tint,” explains Smith.

Often times, buyers of tint assumes that since the law requires 35 or above, they purchase 35 or above window tint.  Unfortunately, this is not exactly the case.  The glass itself also naturally reduces the amount of sunlight coming through, so it would be safest to go with 40% or above window tint.  More state tint laws from various states are available at TintCenter.com

The new law doesn’t apply to the back windows and Smith says don’t be fooled by the color of a tint. “Some folks think darker tint is better at rejecting the sun.” Smith says that’s not always true. Thicker film cost more but can do a better job of keeping your car cool, and keeping it within the law.

This comment is correct; however, to be more specific.  You should ask for multi-layer hybrid or metallic window film.  Stay away from dyed film, and especially single-layer dyed film.  The window tint shop should be happy to tell you what type of window film they use.   If there is any hesitation, you should take caution.

Those of you with homes that belong to Home Owners Associations (HOA) already know what HOA’s are for.  On the positive side, HOA rules and regulations help a community like uniformly clean and well-maintained; however, some HOA may be too restrictive and prevent homeowners from even re-painting their home to a different color.

In many communities, the installation of energy-efficient add-ons to a home like solar panels or window tint have been rejected on aesthetic grounds.  This means that the HOA thinks that these add-ons are unsightly and may hurt the value of the homes in the community.  It seems that this cold attitude towards energy efficiency may be shifting at last.

Here is a quote from an article regarding HOA’s in Colorado:

Highlands Ranch, where nearly 30,000 single-family homes come under the eyes of the development’s community associations, has seen about a 30 percent increase in applications for renewable-energy systems since HB 1270 became law, according to Mike Bailey, the supervisor of covenant compliance and assistance.

“We did very minor tune-ups once (the law) passed,” Bailey said, noting changes to policies on shading structures and window tinting. “We anticipated the solar aspect of things to really grow. You could tell this was the wave of the future, the next chapter.”

Homeowners who want to pursue energy-efficiency measures still must submit to architectural review. But Bailey said that while the committee might offer suggestions, the reinforced law has “made us cautious about where we’re restrictive” — and so far the association hasn’t denied an application.

If your HOA has kept you from installing window tint on your home, it may be time to revisit the subject with them.  The tide is turning, and national sentiment is growing more and more positive regarding energy-efficiency measure.

TAMPA – A Tampa woman poured gasoline in front of and around the side of an occupied business and threw a lighter on the gas before fleeing Monday afternoon, Tampa police say.

The incident occurred outside a window tinting business at 2604 N. 22nd St.

Cynthia L. Williams, 54, of Tampa, argued with a person about Williams “soliciting money for crack cocaine on his property,” a Tampa police arrest report states. “The defendant left but returned with a one gallon container of gasoline. The defendant then poured the gasoline in front of and around the east side of the structure while it was occupied.”

Williams was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with attempted first-degree arson.

“The defendant was questioned in reference to a close by structure arson but denied involvement,” the report states. “At the time of arrest, the defendant was in possession of the one gallon container of gas and two lighters.”

She remains in Orient Road Jail. Her bail has not been set.

From TampaBayOnline.

With the unveiling of a new global logo and website, Sunprotech is reaching beyond its traditional market to appeal to discerning owners who are looking for the best in quality and comfort.  Full press release.

V-KOOL® International is pleased to announce the appointment of a new area franchisee in Metro Manila, Philippines, as part of IQue franchisees worldwide expansion plans.  With a population of about 90 million people on an archipelago of some seven thousand islands, the Philippines government is increasingly advocating the use of energy efficient products for both homes and offices as well as encouraging its citizens to reduce their own carbon footprint.  Full press release.

Ever had the problem of laser mice on a glass desktop?  The mouse just does not seem to track correctly with your hand movements.  Lifehacker presents a fun solution by applying just a little window film.  You can also cut the window film to any shape and size you wish.

An article with excellent energy-saving tips on how a woman in Jacksonville Florida cut her energy bills by half, even during the summer.  Some of the tips mentioned in the article include:

• Replacing light bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs
• Making doors and windows airtight
• Raising the AC temperature to 74 degrees
• Use more ceiling and floor fans

Additional tips suggested included:

• Use a programmable thermometer so your AC is not running when nobody is at  home
• Install window tint on your windows to reject heat even before it enters your home
• Improve Insulation and Check AC Filters

One tip I have to object to is that the article recommended window tint to be purchased at Home Depot.  Home Depot does sell various shades of DIY window film, but they are not brands used by window tinting professionals.  Home Depot window films greatly underperform professional grade window film in various heat rejection metrics by a fair degree.

TintCenter recommends that you either:

• Get your home tint professionally installed by a licensed professional using quality window film
• Use a DIY home tint service like SnapTint.com that cuts professional-grade window film to the exact sizes you need

Additionally, going DIY to install home tint can pay off big in 2009 with a 30% Federal Energy Tax Credit up to $1,500.  More details about the window tint tax credit.  DIY Home Tint from SnapTint.com.

Came across this article highlighting the beauty of window tint as well as free advertising for Auto Lovers Tinting in Hudson Valley NY.  The article says:

I’ve written before about window tint and the difference between what is legal and what isn’t, but looking at some imports at the K104.7 Xtreme Rides show and the ones that were at the Rhinebeck Car Show, I realized that window tint is what makes the car. Not only does it protect your interior from cracking and fading, but also it looks dang good.

The window tint you find at car shows are often times illegal on the street.  The extreme colorings and high mirror-like reflectivity may look great on a show car; however, these films applied to a regular car may not be street legal in your state.  It is always best to check your state window tint laws before you choose a window film to apply to your vehicle.