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 Your Partner Puts a Clothespin on the Shower Head, Here’s What It Could Mean
In today’s world, life hacks and home remedies are just a click away. The Internet has become a treasure trove of helpful tips, many of which were once passed down from generation to generation.
Some hacks seem logical, while others are so unusual that they leave us scratching our heads in disbelief. Have you ever stumbled upon a tip that made you think, “Wait, does this really work?” Well, this one might surprise you!
If you notice a clothespin clipped onto your shower head, it’s time to applaud your partner’s creativity. Clothespins are traditionally used for hanging clothes, but their versatility extends far beyond the laundry room.
Here’s how this humble household item can give your bathroom a refreshing makeover:
The Secret Behind the Clothespin Hack
To try this hack, you’ll need a wooden clothespin and a bottle of your favorite essential oil, such as eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or any scent that brings you joy. Follow these simple steps:
Soak the clothespin in a few drops of essential oil.
Clip the scented clothespin onto your shower head or shower curtain.
When you take a hot shower, the steam will diffuse the essential oil, filling your bathroom with a soothing, spa-like aroma. This easy DIY trick can elevate your shower routine, turning it into a relaxing and luxurious experience.
Give It a Try!
Don’t just take our word for it—try it yourself and see the difference. Once you do, you might find this hack to be an inexpensive and delightful way to enhance your daily routine.
If you love this idea, share it with your friends and family on Facebook so they can enjoy it too!
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