Business
A Literary Voice Shaping Culture
What does it mean to build a life around ideas instead of outcomes?
For Mara Naaman, it means choosing process over praise. It means writing, teaching, and thinking in ways that resist shortcuts. And it means leading in a field where cultural work still matters.
Naaman is an independent scholar, writer, and editor based in New York. She is a former professor of Comparative Literature and Arabic at Williams College. She is also at work on a novel.
But her path to this point did not follow a straight line.
Early Life and Education: From Dance to Arabic Literature
Mara Naaman was born in Oakland, California. She grew up in Michigan with a single mother who painted at night. She is an only child. Her grandparents were Iraqi immigrants. Family gatherings were filled with Iraqi cousins, large tables of food, and stories.
Art came early.
She trained seriously as a dancer through high school and college. She attended Interlochen Arts Academy, a boarding school for the performing arts. There, she studied dance and won a Young Artists Award in creative writing.
The shift from dance to literature was gradual, not dramatic.
“I don’t like to think in terms of success or outcomes,” Naaman says. “Being invested in process means being able to learn for the sake of our own enlightenment.”
At Wesleyan University, she majored in English, while continuing to dance. She began studying Arabic. She wrote her senior thesis on Magical Realism in Arabic Literature and graduated with honors in 1996.
That decision shaped the rest of her career.
She later entered a PhD program in Arabic Literature at Columbia University. She lived in Cairo for several years. She traveled across the Middle East to deepen her language skills. Her dissertation focused on literary representations of downtown Cairo. It received high honors in 2008.
Today, she is also pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the City College of New York.
Academic Career: Teaching, Research, and Leadership
After completing her PhD, Naaman built a strong academic career.
She served as Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature and Arabic at Williams College from 2007 to 2014. She also held roles at Columbia University, Hofstra University, and New York University. From 2015 to 2017, she worked as Associate Director of Programs at the Modern Language Association in New York.
In 2022, she received a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.
Her research focuses on contemporary Arabic and American cultural production. She also studies gender and working-class identity. Her work connects literature to daily life. It asks how cities, labor, and identity shape the stories we tell.
“I consider myself a culture worker,” she says. “What we contribute to this world, how we treat others, and human connection are what’s most important.”
That mindset guides both her scholarship and her teaching.
She does not frame education as a race. She sees it as immersion.
“Thinking beyond a ‘success mindset’ means fully immersing ourselves in our lives,” she explains. “It means seeking fulfillment and a sense of purpose.”
Fulbright Scholar and Global Experience in Cairo
Naaman’s career includes several major fellowships. She was a Fulbright IIE Scholar in Cairo from 2006 to 2007. She also earned multiple fellowships through Columbia University, including a President’s Fellowship and a FLAS Fellowship in Arabic.
Her time in Cairo was not just academic. It was lived experience.
She studied at the Center for Arabic Study Abroad at The American University in Cairo. She walked the streets she later wrote about in her dissertation. She observed how literature reflects real neighborhoods and real lives.
That mix of scholarship and lived context defines her work.
She does not separate theory from experience.
“Being who I want to be in the world means a willingness to embrace uncertainty,” she says. “To accept that the world is tragic and that I am deeply flawed but to still go on seeking inspiration and trying to be a force for good.”
Writing, Process, and Life in New York
Today, Naaman lives in New York with her husband and two children. She balances teaching, writing, and family life.
Her routines are simple.
“Write lists, look at my calendar, keep screen time to a minimum,” she says.
She runs. She practices yoga. She cooks when time allows. She reads widely. She is a member of the Association of Writers and Poets.
When asked what keeps her going, she points to her mother.
“I remember how much my mother has had to fight to survive all her life,” she says. “I keep reading.”
Her focus now includes fiction. She is working on a novel while continuing her scholarly and editorial work. The move toward creative writing feels like a return, not a pivot. After all, she began as a dancer and a young writer.
Why Mara Naaman’s Work Matters Today
In a culture driven by metrics and visibility, Naaman offers a different model of leadership.
She resists efficiency language. She questions the idea that worth equals output. She encourages students and readers to slow down and think deeply.
“Being ‘success-oriented’ distracts us from what is most important,” she says. “The journey matters.”
Her influence spans classrooms, conferences, and cultural institutions. She has trained students in Arabic language and literature. She has shaped programs at the Modern Language Association. She continues to publish, teach, and write fiction.
Naaman’s leadership is quiet but steady. It is rooted in human connection. It is grounded in scholarship. And it is shaped by a belief that culture is not a luxury. It is essential.
In her words, “What we create and how we treat others are what’s most important.”
That idea defines her career. And it may define her legacy.
Financial analyst by day and a seasoned investor by passion, I’ve been involved in the world of investing for over 15 years and honed my skills in analyzing lucrative opportunities within the market.I specialize in uncovering high quality dividend stocks and other assets that offer potential for long term-growth that pack a serious punch for bill-paying potential. I use myself as an example that with a solid base of classic dividend growth stocks, sprinkling in some Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds can be a highly efficient way to boost your investment income while still capturing a total return that follows traditional index funds. I created a hybrid system between growth and income and manage to still capture a total return that is on par with the S&P.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of DGRO either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
SlateStone Wealth chief market strategist Kenny Polcari discusses Wall Street’s oil dilemma on ‘Varney & Co.’
Gas prices moved higher Friday as the conflict with Iran continued to roil global energy markets, pushing crude oil sharply upward and raising concerns about fuel supplies.
The national average price for regular gasoline rose to $3.32 per gallon on Friday, up from $3.25 on Thursday and $2.98 a week ago, according to AAA. Analysts say the increase reflects a surge in crude oil prices as geopolitical tensions intensify in the Middle East.
U.S. crude settled at $90.90 per barrel on Friday, a 12.2% jump on the day.
“Gasoline prices have been following crude prices higher as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacts supplies,” Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, told FOX Business in an email.
A gas station attendant pumps diesel into a car at a filling station (Sean Gallup/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Oil markets have been on edge since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran last Saturday. Iran has since moved to block tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical shipping lane that handles roughly 20% of global oil flows, according to Reuters.
Lipow said the disruption has prevented tankers from loading in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, forcing some production shut-ins.
Missile strikes have also hampered refinery operations in Israel, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, tightening global gasoline and diesel supplies. Additional pressure is coming from China, which is limiting exports of refined petroleum products, according to Lipow.
“All this is leading to higher gasoline prices and the national average is likely to hit $3.50 per gallon [very] soon,” Lipow said.
Cars are pictured driving on the highway. (Jonas Walzberg/picture alliance via Getty Images / Getty Images)
FOX Business contributor Phil Flynn said futures markets suggest pump prices could continue rising in the near term, depending on how events unfold.
“We’re going to probably see some increases right now,” Flynn told FOX Business. “That may slow if we get good news out of Iran.”
Flynn noted that while prices have climbed quickly, the spike has not yet reached the levels seen during past geopolitical crises.
“I’m hopeful that we see the peak of gasoline next week,” Flynn said. “The reason why I say that is I have a lot of confidence in the US military and Israel, and I really think Iran is on its last legs right now.”
MAJOR TECH COMPANIES BACK TRUMP PLEDGE TO PAY MORE FOR DATA CENTER ELECTRICITY AHEAD OF SIGNING
A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world’s oil and gas passes on March 1, 2026. (Sahar AL ATTAR / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
President Donald Trump told Reuters on Thursday he was not concerned about the rise in prices.
“I don’t have any concern about it,” Trump told Reuters. “They’ll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit.”
Rising heating oil prices are hitting Northern Ireland harder than the rest of the UK – here’s everything you need to know.
Sionna Therapeutics chief legal officer sells shares for $347,018
Unum Group board approves amendments to corporate bylaws
Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo on March 4, 2026, its most affordable laptop ever at a starting price of $599, drawing widespread acclaim in early hands-on reviews for delivering premium aluminum construction, a vibrant Liquid Retina display and solid everyday performance powered by the A18 Pro chip — all while undercutting competitors in the sub-$600 category.
The 13-inch MacBook Neo, available for pre-order immediately and shipping March 11, targets students, first-time Mac buyers and budget-conscious users who want the Mac experience without the $1,099+ price tag of the refreshed M5 MacBook Air. Education pricing drops it to $499, positioning it aggressively against Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops.
Apple’s press release highlighted the Neo’s durable aluminum enclosure in four eye-catching colors — blush, indigo, silver and a new citrus — alongside a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with 2,408×1,506 resolution, 500 nits brightness and support for 1 billion colors. It supports up to 16 hours of battery life, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with dual mics, side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio, the Magic Keyboard and a large Multi-Touch trackpad running macOS Tahoe with full Apple Intelligence features.
The core innovation lies in the processor: the A18 Pro, borrowed from the 2024 iPhone 16 Pro lineup, features a six-core CPU (two performance cores, four efficiency cores) and five-core GPU. Apple claims it’s up to 50% faster for everyday tasks like web browsing and up to 3x faster for on-device AI workloads — such as photo effects — compared to the bestselling PC with the latest Intel Core Ultra 5.
Hands-on impressions from outlets like CNET, PCMag, Ars Technica and Daring Fireball emphasized the Neo’s surprising quality for the price. Reviewers described it as feeling “every bit like a MacBook” with solid aluminum build, a comfortable (though non-backlit) keyboard using the same mechanism as recent models, a responsive trackpad and surprisingly good side-firing speakers. The display earned praise for crispness and outdoor usability at 500 nits, matching the MacBook Air.
CNET called it a “premium laptop for $599” with “just the right feature mix,” noting its nearly Air-like thinness and fun color options that make it stand out. PCMag dubbed it “2026’s breakout budget laptop,” highlighting how it fills the gap left by the discontinued low-end M1 Air while offering better value than expected.
Ars Technica noted the Neo preserves Apple’s premium feel despite compromises: base model includes 8GB unified memory and 256GB storage (no Touch ID), with a $699 option adding Touch ID and 512GB. It has two USB-C ports (one USB 3, one USB 2), a 3.5mm jack and lacks True Tone or Force Touch trackpad. The A18 Pro, while capable for browsing, streaming, light editing and AI tasks, trails the M5’s 10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU in heavier workloads.
Daring Fireball’s John Gruber called the $599 price (or $499 education) a “slam dunk,” arguing it’s vastly superior to typical budget Windows or Chromebooks. He praised the bright display, good speakers and overall polish, suggesting the Neo could dominate the sub-$1,000 segment.
Comparisons to the M5 MacBook Air (starting $1,099 with 512GB and 16GB RAM) show clear trade-offs: the Air offers superior performance for demanding tasks, Wi-Fi 7, a slightly larger 13.6-inch screen and more ports. Yet reviewers like 9to5Mac argue the Neo suits “most people” for common uses — web, email, streaming, schoolwork and light creative hobbies — especially with Apple Intelligence integration.
Critics noted potential limitations: 8GB RAM may feel constrained for multitasking or future-proofing, and the A18 Pro’s efficiency shines in battery life but lacks the M-series’ raw power for pro apps. Some questioned longevity versus higher-end models, though Apple’s ecosystem and software updates mitigate concerns.
The launch generated buzz as Apple’s boldest entry-level play in over a decade, challenging Chromebooks head-on while maintaining Mac quality. Early sentiment across forums and YouTube leaned positive, with many calling it a “reincarnation” of the classic budget Mac ethos.
As pre-orders roll in and full reviews emerge post-March 11 launch, the MacBook Neo appears poised to reshape the budget laptop landscape, offering accessible Apple silicon performance and premium design at an unprecedented price point.
Form 4 AleAnna Inc For: 6 March
McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD) shares declined modestly in trading on March 6, 2026, reaching $324.27, down $3.09 or 0.94% from the previous close, amid broader market fluctuations and profit-taking following a near-record peak earlier in the week.
The fast-food leader’s stock has traded in a 52-week range of $283.47 to $341.75, with the recent high hit around March 2, 2026. Intraday trading saw the shares range from approximately $321.35 to $326.29, with volume around 1 million shares in early sessions, below the average of over 3 million.
McDonald’s market capitalization stands near $231 billion to $233 billion, depending on intraday fluctuations, maintaining its status as a mega-cap stock with a low beta of about 0.50, indicating lower volatility compared to the broader market. The forward price-to-earnings ratio hovers in the mid-20s, while the dividend yield remains attractive at roughly 2.2% to 2.3%, supported by a forward annual dividend of $7.44.
The dip follows a strong close to 2025 and positive momentum into the new year. On February 11, 2026, McDonald’s reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that exceeded Wall Street expectations. Global comparable sales increased 5.7% in the fourth quarter, with positive traffic and performance across all geographic segments. U.S. comparable sales rose 6.8%, driven by value-oriented promotions and digital channels.
Consolidated revenues climbed 10% year-over-year to $7.01 billion, surpassing estimates of around $6.85 billion to $6.81 billion. In constant currencies, growth was 6%. Systemwide sales grew 11% (8% in constant currencies) for the quarter, pushing full-year systemwide sales above $139 billion, up 7% (5% in constant currencies) and adding nearly $9 billion in incremental growth.
Adjusted earnings per share came in at $3.12 for the quarter, beating consensus forecasts of $3.05. Net income reached $2.16 billion, or $3.03 per share, up from the prior year. Loyalty program strength was a key highlight, with sales to loyalty members surging 20% to nearly $37 billion across 70 markets. The company ended 2025 with close to 210 million 90-day active loyalty users.
CEO Chris Kempczinski emphasized the success of value strategies in a press release and earnings call. “Our focus on delivering unbeatable value has resonated with guests,” he said, crediting consistent pricing, app-exclusive deals and limited-time offers for traffic gains amid economic pressures.
For 2026, McDonald’s executives noted the year is “off to a strong start” but anticipated more moderate comparable sales growth in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter’s robust performance. The company plans significant expansion, targeting about 2,600 new restaurant openings globally, with net additions of around 2,100. This is expected to drive roughly 2.5% systemwide sales growth, excluding currency effects.
Capital expenditures are forecasted at $3.7 billion to $3.9 billion, funding new builds, remodels, technology enhancements and supply chain improvements. Menu innovation continues, with plans to introduce new beverages later in 2026, including energy drinks, fruity refreshers and crafted sodas in the U.S. and select international markets. These draw from insights gained through the CosMc’s test and prior beverage trials.
Analysts largely maintain optimism on MCD. Consensus price targets range from about $338 to $349, with some higher calls reaching $354 (KeyCorp), $370 (Truist), $375 (Jefferies) and up to $385 (Tigress Financial). Recent adjustments include KeyCorp raising its target to $354 from $340 on March 3, 2026, while maintaining an overweight rating. Other firms like Argus upgraded to buy, citing digital investments and new launches.
The overall analyst consensus leans toward “Buy” or “Moderate Buy,” with roughly 16 to 17 buy ratings, 13 holds and a few sells. This reflects confidence in McDonald’s defensive positioning, global scale and ability to navigate consumer challenges through value and digital strategies.
Shares have gained about 7% to 8% year-to-date in 2026, building on resilience in a mixed economic environment. The franchise model generates steady royalty and rent revenue, while digital ordering, delivery partnerships and loyalty programs bolster growth. International markets, including foundational and emerging regions, provide diversification against U.S. softness.
Recent news includes McDonald’s ambitious goal to reach 50,000 restaurants by 2027, underscoring long-term expansion plans. Partnerships, such as renewed tech collaborations with Capgemini, aim to enhance digital capabilities. The company also faced lighthearted industry banter over promotional videos but remains focused on core execution.
As a bellwether for quick-service dining trends, McDonald’s continues to draw investor attention for its stability, dividend reliability and growth potential. With value initiatives proving effective and expansion on track, the stock appears poised for steady performance despite short-term pullbacks.
Business
Encore Capital Group, Inc. (ECPG) Presents at 47th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investor Conference – Slideshow
Encore Capital Group, Inc. (ECPG) Presents at 47th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investor Conference – Slideshow
Asia’s stock markets declined sharply, with South Korea experiencing a 12% plunge—its worst since the pandemic—and Thailand facing its biggest sell-off. Concerns over an oil shock and escalating Iran tensions are fueling fears that these conflicts could harm the region’s economies. South Korea’s currency also hit a 17-year low amid these uncertainties.
Rising Oil Prices and Stock Market Declines in Asia
Oil prices are steadily increasing as Asian stock markets continue to decline, with South Korea experiencing a sharper plunge than during the 2008 global financial crisis. This sharp decline is largely due to the region’s heavy dependence on Middle Eastern crude oil imports, making the economies vulnerable to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. If the war persists, South Korea’s economy could face severe deterioration, already evidenced by long queues at fuel stations.
Economic Risks and Government Responses
The international situation has caused concerns over fuel shortages and rising costs, especially as Asian countries do not produce sufficient oil domestically. The rising dollar exchange rate adds to the worry, leading to increased fuel prices and economic strain. Governments are trying to reassure their populations, with some nations stockpiling oil reserves to mitigate short-term disruptions. South Korea and Japan are actively working on diversification strategies to reduce dependency on Middle Eastern oil.
Global Implications and Future Outlook
A disruption in the supply chain, particularly if the Strait of Hummer remains closed, could significantly impact global inflation and economic growth. Alternative oil supplies will likely be more expensive due to soaring shipping costs. China has been pressing Iran to reopen key maritime routes, which could ease supply pressures. However, a prolonged conflict may deepen economic pain in Asia, underscoring uncertainties ahead as global tensions and energy prices remain volatile.
Other People are Reading
‘Princess Bride’ Star Cary Elwes Honors Rob Reiner On First Birthday Since Murder
Anthropic will fight US ‘supply chain risk’ designation in court
Till Reiners – Inside Finanzunternehmen
-
Politics4 days agoAlan Cumming Brands Baftas Ceremony A ‘Triggering S**tshow’
-
Tech6 days agoUnihertz’s Titan 2 Elite Arrives Just as Physical Keyboards Refuse to Fade Away
-
NewsBeat6 days agoAbusive parents will now be treated like sex offenders and placed on a ‘child cruelty register’ | News UK
-
Business10 hours ago
Form 8K Entergy Mississippi LLC For: 6 March
-
NewsBeat6 days agoDubai flights cancelled as Brit told airspace closed ’10 minutes after boarding’
-
Sports7 days ago
The Vikings Need a Duck
-
NewsBeat7 days agoThe empty pub on busy Cambridge road that has been boarded up for years
-
NewsBeat5 days ago‘Significant’ damage to boarded-up Horden house after fire
-
Tech2 days agoBitwarden adds support for passkey login on Windows 11
-
Fashion6 hours agoWeekend Open Thread: Ann Taylor
-
Entertainment5 days agoBaby Gear Guide: Strollers, Car Seats
-
Sports1 day ago499 runs and 34 sixes later, India beat England to enter T20 World Cup final | Cricket News
-
Politics6 days ago
FIFA hypocrisy after Israel murder over 400 Palestinian footballers
-
NewsBeat6 days agoEmirates confirms when flights will resume amid Dubai airport chaos
-
NewsBeat4 days agoIs it acceptable to comment on the appearance of strangers in public? Readers discuss
-
Tech6 days agoViral ad shows aged Musk, Altman, and Bezos using jobless humans to power AI
-
Video5 days agoHow to Build Finance Dashboards With AI in Minutes
-
Fashion5 days agoOn the Scene at the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards: Teyana Taylor in Black Ashi Studio, Colman Domingo in Yellow Sergio Hudson, Chloe Bailey in Christian Siriano, and More!
-
Business3 days agoGuthrie Disappearance Enters Fifth Week as Family Visits Memorial
-
NewsBeat5 days agoUkraine-Russia war latest: Belgium releases video showing forces boarding Russian shadow fleet oil tanker