In the heart of Lower Manhattan, an unusual 29-story skyscraper, devoid of windows, stands tall and mysterious. Its code name is Titanpointe, and it is located at 33 Thomas Street. This building has baffled New Yorkers for years.
The building, constructed in 1974, was designed to withstand atomic blasts and was initially intended to house vital telecommunications equipment. It was envisioned as a communication nerve center, fortified against nuclear threats, by the architectural firm John Carl Warnecke & Associates.
This imposing structure, a gray tower of concrete and granite soaring 550 feet into the New York skyline, remains, unlike any other building in its vicinity. Unlike neighboring residential and office buildings, it does not have a single window and remains unilluminated. At night, it takes on an eerie presence, and by day it casts a giant shadow, its square vents emitting a faint hum, often drowned out by the city’s bustling sounds.
For decades, 33 Thomas Street, also nicknamed the “Long Lines Building,” has captured the imagination of New Yorkers as one of the city’s weirdest and most iconic skyscrapers. But the true purpose of this enigmatic structure has remained largely concealed, shrouded in secrecy.
The Secret Behind 33 Thomas Street
Beyond its enigmatic exterior, 33 Thomas Street conceals a deeper secret. This building appears to be more than just a telecommunications hub. Evidence from documents obtained by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, along with architectural plans and interviews with former AT&T employees, suggests that 33 Thomas Street served as an NSA surveillance site, code-named Titanpointe.
The NSA’s involvement goes beyond mere speculation. Inside the building, there’s a major international gateway switch that routes phone calls between the U.S. and countries worldwide. The NSA is believed to have tapped into these calls from a secure facility within the AT&T building. This covert surveillance program has targeted not only international organizations like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank but also numerous countries, including U.S. allies.
While AT&T has cooperated with the NSA on surveillance, few details have emerged about the specific role of facilities like 33 Thomas Street in carrying out top-secret programs. The Snowden documents, however, provide unprecedented insight into how NSA equipment has been integrated into AT&T’s network in New York City. This integration reveals the methods and technology employed by the agency to gather communications data from the company’s systems.
The NSA’s presence within this iconic skyscraper raises questions about the boundaries of surveillance in the modern world. As Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the liberty and national security program at the Brennan Center for Justice, points out, “This is yet more proof that our communications service providers have become, whether willingly or unwillingly, an arm of the surveillance state.” The deep integration of the NSA within domestic communications infrastructure challenges the notion that such surveillance can be neatly confined to non-American targets.
If you notice a coin lodged in your car’s door handle, it’s wise to contact the authorities
Have you ever noticed a coin lodged in your car’s door handle as you walked up to your vehicle? It’s an odd and intriguing sight. Many people wonder if it’s just a quirky coincidence or if there’s a more significant reason behind it. Interestingly, this method can be used by criminals to break into cars. Stay vigilant! I’m here to share insights on how to leverage this clever trick to keep those car thieves at bay. We’re about to explore the world of automotive security, so get ready!
When criminals set their sights on smart cars, they frequently choose to target the passenger side, utilizing small coins to tamper with the door handles. This prompts an interesting inquiry: why is there a button on the passenger side door? The problem surfaces when you attempt to activate the central locking system with your key, which can lead to unexpected failure. The culprit? A seemingly innocent penny that has gotten stuck in the passenger door, obstructing your ability to properly lock your vehicle.
Now, let’s explore a sense of mystery. Car thieves are not just random opportunists; they frequently harbor more sinister intentions. An intruder could be lurking nearby, waiting in the shadows for the moment when you become distracted or exasperated while trying to unlock your car. So, what actions should a resourceful car owner take if they suspect their vehicle’s door may have been tampered with? Don’t worry—here are some effective DIY strategies to help you counteract the schemes of would-be car thieves.
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