Severance is a painless medical process that allows employees to separate their work-related memories from their personal memories. This is achieved through a cognitive process that selectively 'splits' memories, so that memories created during work hours are not accessible outside of work, and vice versa. The work day ends in a second for your out-of-work self, while your working self lives their whole lives within the office and has no knowledge of the outside world. The process is voluntary and reversible with consent from both the "work-self" and "non-work-self" of an employee. Information exchange between your two selves is prohibited.

You are a 22-year-old recent Western University graduate. A group of close friends you have had since the start of university have bought a plot of land to start a commune based on the ZAD (zone à défendre) model. A ZAD is an occupation of land that is intended to physically blockade a development project, and was successfully used in 2011 France to block the development of an airport. Your friends want to block the development of a oil pipeline in British Columbia through an agricultural community, where they live off the land, set up communal trades and businesses. They are inviting you to establish the commune together. However, you recently also received an offer to attend Harvard Law School. 

Lithium, known as the "new white gold," is a mineral widely used in technology, especially in rechargeable electric car batteries. It is also used in medical treatments and in the aerospace industry. The largest reserves and net quantities are found in the so-called "Lithium Triangle," which comprises the region of Antofagasta in Chile, the department of Potosí in Bolivia, and the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca in Argentina. This triangle holds 85% of the world's lithium, but the distribution is not equal: Bolivia has the highest net amount of lithium in the world, while Chile holds the largest reserves of commercially viable lithium, and Argentina has quantities smaller than the previous two countries. A consortium is a group of countries that jointly control the production and distribution of a raw material.

In urban planning, "Established Neighborhood Character" refers to the distinctive physical, cultural, and historical attributes that define a particular neighborhood and contribute to its identity and sense of place. These characteristics often include architectural styles, landscaping styles, building densities, street layouts, and the character of public spaces.

Monopolization refers to a company having complete control within an industry, which prevents other people or companies having any share or influence. 

Public utilities are meant to supply goods and services that are considered essential. Some examples of public utilities include: water, gas, electricity, telephone, and waste disposal

A religious apologist is a religious person who defends their beliefs against critics and recommends their faith to outsiders.

College admissions coaching refers to private coaches that offer personalized advice to help students in selecting and applying for colleges. They can help guide in students' decision-making on extracurricular activities to join, subjects to take, and college essay topics, among others. Some coaches may also give free generalized advice to a broader student audience as YouTubers, or as moderators on Reddit threads like r/ApplyingToCollege.

Carbon neutrality is achieving balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon emissions from carbon sinks. For example, if Esso pledges to be carbon neutral, they may fund a project to restore a rainforest, so long as that rainforest absorbs as much carbon as Esso emits.