Using a small handsaw, cut about a half inch to an inch (1.3cm-2.5cm) off the bottom to aid water absorption.  Note: It is recommended that you don't cut the base at an angle, in a V-shape or drill a hole in the base. None of these methods help water absorption and they may make it more difficult to hold the tree safely in the stand. DO NOT cut the tree with a reciprocating saw or any blade that moves so fast that it will create friction. If the cut gets hot enough, the sap in the tree will seal the end and make water absorption impossible. A chainsaw or manual saw will work. That is how long a fresh tree can go without water before absorption is jeopardized. A Christmas tree should never be mounted dry. It is much better to place it in a container of water that is replenished on a regular basis. You can buy special tree cradles or stands which screw into the base of the tree and provide watering space. Or, you can go for the rougher but tried-and-true method of using a bucket filled with small rocks (put the tree in, fill the bucket with rocks around the trunk). The tree should be provided with 1 quart (950ml) of water for every inch (2.5cm) in trunk diameter. Note: ensure that whatever you use, the tree is stable. Don't whittle down the bark of the tree just so that it can fit in the stand - that outer layer is the part that absorbs the most water. It is a good idea for at least two people to put up the tree, one holding it stable while the other fixes the base. Always stand back to check that the tree is straight before you get busy decorating. Obviously, it is easiest to fix at this stage.  Before decorating let the tree sit for a while to "settle" into its shape. Some suggest just an hour or so, others overnight.
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One-sentence summary -- Prepare the base of your tree. Mount your tree within eight hours of cutting the base. Make sure the tree is straight.

Q: Any of your gang members that are following you will try to get into your car automatically. Get a four-person car to get the most firepower possible. Drive past enemy gang members and your recruits will start shooting automatically. If you have more than three gang members following you, you'll only be able to transport them by bus and they won't all shoot out of the windows. Your gang members will follow you around, though they are quite a bit slower than you are. Recruits will automatically shoot back at anyone that attacks you, and will fire on rival gang members and cops on sight. Make sure not to leave them behind if you're in a hurry. You can give your recruits a command to hurry to your current location.  PC: G  PS2: ↑  Xbox: ↑ If you want your gang members to hold their ground, or want to go on ahead without them shooting everyone up, you can tell them to wait.  PC: H while not targeting anything. PS2: ↓  Xbox: ↓ If you don't want your recruits to follow you anymore, press and hold the Wait button for a few seconds and they'll take off.  PC: Press and hold H  PS2: Press and hold ↓  Xbox: Press and hold ↓
A: Have your gang members help in a drive-by. Run around with your gang members. Tell your recruits to come to you. Tell your gang members to wait. Disband your gang.

Article: There's no point being in an unhappy relationship. You can't change the distance, but it doesn't mean that you can't have fun together. Watch movies, play games, take up hobbies together — find things that allow you to bond despite the distance. A lot of people in long-distance relationships dedicate one night a week to have a special, extended hangout with their significant other. Maybe you'll have a romantic video chat, or maybe you'll make dinner together. Do whatever appeals to you! There are countless online games that you can play together. Scrabble and Minecraft are popular choices. Co-write a funny story in a shared Google doc. Draw something together on FlockDraw. There are countless apps that allow you to share a virtual room with your partner and watch videos or listen to music. Google+, Rabbit and Gaze are popular apps for watching videos together.  TogetherTube lets you enjoy music and videos that appear on YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud together while chatting.  Web plugins (for example, ShowGoers for Google Chrome) also exist that can help you sync up your Netflix accounts, making the struggle of starting a movie or show at the same time much easier. Send your partner a book you think they'd like, along with their favourite cookies. Or maybe send some silly underwear for them to wear the next time you meet up. Get creative! Pick up a few books on the subject, read some examples, and then make it a contest to see who can write the most ridiculous love letter. Some more ideas to spice up your love letters:  Spritz the letters with perfume or cologne. Include dried flower petals in the envelope. Kiss the pages with lipstick on/seal the envelope with a kiss. Write on fancy stationery and use fancy sealing wax and a stamp to seal the envelope. Visiting each other as much as possible makes the whole situation better. Being able to spend some quality time in person with your partner is one of the best things in a long distance relationship. Just think, you can look forward to seeing them and it makes the time when you're together more special. Make sure that when you see each other you go out and visit places, and do things together!
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Commit to doing fun things together. Have a weekly date night. Play games together. Create together. Watch videos or listen to music together. Send each other presents. Send each other love letters. Visit each other in person regularly.