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.
Put a Sheet of Aluminum Foil in Boiling Water, Even Wealthy People Do This: The Reason…
A straightforward household hack involving a sheet of aluminum foil proves to be a remarkable solution for revitalizing old cutlery. In the aftermath of a meal, the immediate washing of dishes is often preferable to avoid a daunting pile in the sink.
While dishwasher owners may escape this chore, those relying on hand washing, for various reasons, encounter the challenge of restoring old and seemingly irreversibly tarnished cutlery.
In response to this common woe, an ingenious method emerges, utilizing the transformative power of aluminum foil. The process begins by heating water in a pot, to which a spoon of sodium bicarbonate and half a spoon of sugar are added.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, a sheet of aluminum foil is cut in half, creating four equal parts. Each segment is then rolled into a ball, and these aluminum balls are introduced into the boiling pot.
Surprisingly, this method proves ideal for rejuvenating old cutlery. Spoons, forks, and knives that have lost their original luster are immersed in the pot for a mere ten minutes.
Following this brief treatment, the cutlery is removed, washed with water and soap, completing the revitalization process. The result is astonishing – the once-dull cutlery now shines brightly, almost as if brand new.
This cost-effective solution, utilizing the potential of aluminum foil and the cleansing properties of sodium bicarbonate, stands as an extraordinary alternative to discarding old cutlery and purchasing replacements.
By employing this simple yet effective method, individuals can breathe new life into their kitchen essentials, saving both money and resources. The brilliance and clarity reminiscent of the cutlery’s original state are restored through this ingenious combination of everyday items.
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