The Ledger, Vol. 3
100 Essays on Medium, How Hawai’i became America’s Largest Aircraft Carrier, and a new series on Risk Management ~
100 Essays on Medium, How Hawai’i became America’s Largest Aircraft Carrier, and a new series on Risk Management
September 17th, 2025
A few short essays you might’ve missed ~ from risk management to Hawai’i’s burgeoning role in maritime power projection across the globe.
Welcome back to The Ledger, our monthly roundup of essays, milestones, and stories from The Balance Sheet.
This month brought a big first for the publication ~ our very first contributing writer joined the fold.
Economist and PhD Candidate Kenneth Kau wrote a sharp piece on Hawaii’s strategic role in the Pacific, connecting history, geography, and modern geopolitics.
I’ve been searching for like minded writers for a while now, and its exciting to bring on someone like Ken ~ you readers are in for a treat! Ken is bright thinker with a unique perspective.
Expect more clear, straightforward analysis from him in the future!
Recent Essays
Hawai’i’s Strategic Role in Countering China’s Pacific Influence
By Kenneth Kau
A native Hawaiian and U.S. Army veteran explains why (and how) Hawai’i became more than a vacation postcard ~ it’s the world’s largest aircraft carrier and the beating heart of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
What I Learned from Writing 100 Essays on Medium in 2025
By LP
What happens when you publish every week, track the numbers, and keep doing it for a year? A candid reflection on growing The Balance Sheet from zero followers to breakout stories.
Camp Mystic Evacuation Timeline ~ Why 30 Minutes Matters ~ Testing the Official Accounts
By LP
An expert’s reconstruction of the deadly Texas flood that claimed campers’ lives. Why half an hour of warning makes all the difference ~ and why official timelines reported in the news matter for the next disaster.
Risk Management vs Risk Analysis: What’s the Difference?
By LP
The language of risk is messy ~ two phrases, often used interchangeably, Risk Management and Risk Analysis are explored and explicitly defined. A coastal case study explains the difference.
What Is Risk? A Four-Part Framework
By LP
Hazard, pathway, consequence, and uncertainty. A practical framework for thinking about risk in personal, local, and global contexts.
Public vs Private Pay: Who Really Earns More?
By LP
A data-driven look at wages, benefits, and work-life balance across sectors. Spoiler: the answer isn’t as simple as most headlines suggest.
From the Archives
How Jack Stratton Hacked the Music Industry ~ The Man Behind Vulfpeck
By LP
From silent albums to sold out arenas ~ Jack Stratton’s life explained through his answers to a few different interviews. The article discusses his early life, unorthodox style, and recent live album triumph: Clarity of Cal.
Who’s Drinking all the Modelo? ~ Especial Report
By LP
This essay follows the story of the mexican beer Modelo and how the brand became the number one selling beer in America. Where is all this cerveza going? And who’s drinking it?
Looking Ahead
October will bring more essays on economics, risk management, and maybe even a Halloween special (Why do people bob for apples??).
We’re also hoping to add atleast one more staff writer to the pub in October. Contact me if you are interested in writing for The Balance Sheet!
Thanks, as always, for reading.
If you’ve been following along, consider sharing The Balance Sheet with a friend or colleague who might enjoy it.
Comment with topics you are interested in! We are curious thinkers and willing to explore almost any topic.
Thanks for your support ~ stay tuned for more honest, researched essays.
~ LP