33 Thomas Street: The Odd 29-Storey Structure A building in New York without windows. What’s the purpose?
In the midst of Lower Manhattan, a weird 29-story tower with no windows rises lofty and enigmatic. Titanpointe is the code name for the location, which is 33 Thomas Street. This edifice has baffled New Yorkers for years.1.
Constructed in 1974, the structure was designed to resist nuclear explosions and was intended to house critical communications equipment. The architecture firm John Carl Warnecke & Associates viewed it as a communication center protected from nuclear threats.
This magnificent structure is still intact. A gray structure composed of granite and concrete, it soars 550 feet over New York City’s skyline. Because it lacks windows, this apartment building stays dark in contrast to the neighboring office and residential buildings. It casts a large shadow during the day and has an eerie presence at night. The soft hum produced by its square vents is frequently overpowered by the city’s cacophony.
33 Thomas Street, popularly referred to as the “Long Lines Building,” has long been regarded by New Yorkers as one of the most unusual and well-known buildings in the city. The true function of the enigmatic edifice, however, has mainly remained a mystery.
The Real Story at 33 Thomas Street
33 Thomas Street’s enigmatic façade conceals a darker mystery. This building appears to be more than just a venue for conversation. Based on information from architectural drawings, interviews with former AT&T employees, and papers obtained by Edward Snowden, there is proof that 33 Thomas Street was utilized as an NSA surveillance outpost known as Titanpointe.
The involvement of the NSA is more than a wild speculation. A sizable international gateway switch located inside the structure allows calls to be made from the United States to any nation in the world. These calls are believed to have been monitored by the NSA from a safe location within the AT&T headquarters. This covert monitoring program has targeted numerous nations, including friends of the United States, as well as global organizations including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations.
While AT&T and the NSA have collaborated on surveillance projects, little is known about the top-secret programs that are carried out out of locations like 33 Thomas Street. However, the Snowden documents provide previously unseen details regarding how NSA hardware has been linked to AT&T’s New York City network. The technology and methods used by the agency to extract communications data from the business’s systems are displayed in this integration.
Why Baggage Handlers Advise Against Tying Anything to Your Suitcase
Have you ever tied a bright ribbon to your luggage handle to make it easier to spot? You might want to reconsider after hearing this surprising advice!
Many travelers personalize their suitcases with ribbons, tags, or stickers to avoid mix-ups at busy airports, but John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, suggests these well-intended decorations may cause more problems than they solve.
It’s understandable why you’d want to make your luggage stand out. After all, nothing’s more frustrating than searching through a sea of identical bags at baggage claim. Some even go as far as attaching cameras like GoPros to track their luggage. But according to John, tying a ribbon to your suitcase might not be as helpful as it seems.
John explains, “If someone attaches a ribbon to their bag, it could interfere with the automated scanning process at baggage claim. If the bag can’t be automatically scanned and requires manual handling, there’s a chance it might not make it onto your flight.”
In other words, a simple ribbon could cause your bag to be overlooked, which is definitely not a risk worth taking. John also advises travelers to remove any old travel stickers from their luggage. Expired stickers can confuse the scanners, potentially causing delays or misplacing your bag. Even though those travel stickers might hold sentimental value, it’s best to part with them for smoother travels.
John also shared a practical tip: always place your suitcase with the wheels facing up when you’re checking it in. This helps prevent damage to the wheels, keeping your suitcase in better condition.
And here’s one for travelers with a sweet tooth: avoid packing marzipan. While it may seem harmless, marzipan’s density is similar to certain explosives, which can trigger a detailed inspection. This could cause delays and even risk you missing your flight—all because of a little almond paste!
So, while it might be tempting to add a personal touch to your luggage or pack some sweet treats, it’s best to leave ribbons and marzipan at home to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Stick to these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a smoother, more stress-free journey!
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