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.
Famous country singer killed in horror crash just a day after her birthday
The cherished late country singer’s vehicle is seen in horrifying photos after the driver was killed in a collision.
“La Rancherita de Chanco,” also known as Ivana Pino Arellano, perished in a horrific vehicle accident. A popular country singer, she was.
Her automobile had rolled over on the side of the road and was severely damaged, according to photos taken immediately after the collision.
The photos show an orange sheet covering the rear of the totaled vehicle. The vehicle is leaning against a wall on its side.
Just one day after celebrating her 32nd birthday with a celebration hosted by family and friends, the singer crashed her automobile.
It took place in the Maule Region in the heart of Chile, close to the town of Pelluhe, on the M-80 highway.
Arellano passed away at the scene of the collision, and her passenger suffered severe injuries.
Although the exact reason of the accident is still being investigated, it is believed that the singer lost control of her vehicle due to the wet road, causing it to topple over.
Arellano was a well-liked member of her community and a rising star in the country music industry. She had four children of her own.
Everyone in that community is in mourning following her untimely and awful death.
Due to her stunning voice and fascinating stage presence, Chanco developed a sizable fan base in her native Chile. Her admirers adored her, and the local government even provided for her.
Arellano was a talented artist who combined more contemporary sounds with classic Latin American sounds.
She frequently incorporated aspects of folk, pop, and indie music, giving these classic genres a fresh and meaningful sound through the use of acoustic instruments, sincere lyrics, and rich voice.
She wrote a number of songs on love and personal development. Their honesty and deep emotional depth won them over a lot of admirers.
The terrible news was confirmed by the Municipality of Chanco in a depressing statement that was shared on social media. “Unforgettable figure whose charisma will resonate eternally in our lives,” they said of the singer.
“To us, the name ‘Ivana’ will always represent joy and happiness in its most basic form,” they declared.
“Your passing leaves a vacuum that cannot be filled, but your legacy will live on and serve as a constant reminder of the kindness and beauty in your heart and spirit.”
These sentiments were shared by the local council, who also commended Ivana for her dedication to public service and her unshakable love for her family.
Regarding the singer who passed away, they said, “Ivana personified the spirit of public service with passion and love, always ready to help others and find solutions even in the most difficult moments.”
“The most significant aspects of her life and the driving force behind her actions were her spouse and kids,” they stated.
She was buried at the Curanipe Parish Cemetery in Pelluhe on June 17. Fans, family, and friends showed up to pay their final respects.
“We appreciate you, Ivana, for providing us with days full of light and peace,” the Municipality of Chanco stated in a message.
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