Dire Wolf
Moontower Munchies #105
Friends,
Back in CA, but the brain cycles are a bit more focused on markets than prose so here’s some some things worth checking out:
Future-Proof Your Career with AI
I’m loving my boy Khe’s current arc. Helping people get up to speed on AI. He launched another letter just focused on practical ways to use all the new tools. Khe has a very honest and practical approach to whatever he dives into so I’m personally stoked to have another guide in this area who I know is thoughtful and practically-oriented in a way I relate to.
His letter is free. This is a good example of an approachable, step-by-step way to get value from an LLM.
How I got AI to write like me (6 min read)
The letter is fairly new…this is an example of the posts:
This is his official copy:
AI is moving fast—so should you. We break down the most important developments in AI for busy professionals, with clear insights and practical takeaways.
You'll get only the AI updates that matter for your career Cut through the noise and get only the AI updates that matter for your career, in a quick, digestible format.
Real-World AI Applications Learn how AI is transforming industries and how you can integrate it into your work.
AI Tools & Tutorials Discover the best AI-powered tools and get simple guides on how to use them effectively.
Practical AI Strategies Actionable steps to leverage AI in your career, productivity, and decision-making.
Insider Case Studies Real-world examples of AI success stories and failures, with key takeaways for you.
But his text to me is really all you need to know:
I created the newsletter because I realized that the only way to really understand the landscape was to experiment and sample all the various models/tools. I’m not an AI-maximalist and not interested in the AGI and singularity discussions. I just wanna know how it can make me better as an entrepreneur and human being.
Exactly. Look if this thing is gonna cook us all, it’s not like I’m going be part of the savior crusade. I totally vibe with the idea of LLM’s as a put option on your weakest link. We were chatting and I have to admit I was surprised to learn of how many people were not using the tools yet.
Like I said, it’s free, sign up here:
Related from moontower:
The threat to online gambling sites
Danny Moses is one of the investors that worked with Steve Carrell’s character in the Big Short. This thread is very interesting:
The current regulatory landscape is creating headwinds for sports betting stocks like $DKNG and $FLUT. @Sportico has been highlighting these pressures for several weeks. This situation is accelerating with $HOOD now listing @Kalshi event contracts, which are available to clients approved for options trading.
The #CFTC is the key regulator overseeing @Kalshi, which is registered as a "Designated Contract Market" and "Derivatives Clearing Organization." This designation allows them to trade "Event Contracts" as an exchange. They gained prominence during the 2024 election for providing these contracts.
While the regulatory approval process and legal rulings surrounding @Kalshi's expansion are noteworthy, the upcoming confirmation of Brian Quintenz (Board Member at @Kalshi) as the nominee to run the #CFTC adds another layer of intrigue. Additionally, Donald Trump Jr. serves as an advisor to @Kalshi.
Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to legalize online gambling, $DKNG, $FLUT, and numerous other companies have been acquiring licenses to operate in these newly regulated markets, each with its own unique framework and tax regulations. This is where the current developments become particularly interesting.
There's a notable difference in the age requirements for online betting: you need to be 21 years old to gamble online in most of the U.S., but only 18 years old to open an account with @Kalshi and $HOOD. Because these "event contracts" are traded through an exchange, with Susquehanna acting as the market maker, regulatory oversight falls under the #CFTC, not individual states, potentially creating a tax arbitrage situation.
Consequently, @Kalshi is accessible in all 50 states, including the significant markets of California and Texas, where traditional online gambling is not yet approved. This first-mover advantage is crucial, as these "event contracts" represent not only a form of sports wagering but also a potential threat to established players like $DKNG and $FLUT.
These "event contracts" are offered both before and during sporting events. While the "before" market is interesting, the "during" market poses a more direct challenge. It mirrors the high-margin "in-game live wagering" that traditional sportsbooks offer, which gamblers frequently use to hedge or chase existing bets.
While the pricing mechanics of event contracts (a "Yes" outcome yields $1 with a 2-3% fee) differ from the higher embedded fees (vigorish) in traditional in-game money lines, event contracts present a viable source of profitability and growth for the incumbents and extend beyond major events like "March Madness."
More from Moontower:
Is Jurassic Park fiction?
This is, in fact, wild. I watched it with the boys who were captivated.
If you prefer a more detailed write-up this is the companion piece:
The Return of the Dire Wolf (Time)
Stay groovy
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You squeeze a lot in these!
Really appreciate the shout out, my friend