The metric system was adopted in France where it was developed on this day in 1795. Today, more than 200 years later, the system still is trying to make inroads here in the United States. Whether with metric or customary inches and feet, have you ever measured and cut and yet, no matter how hard you try, things just don't fit right? It might merely be how you measure and mark your cut. If you line up your straight edge or square first, and then draw your cut line, you could be off by the thickness of the lead tip. And, if the pencil tip is dull, that could mean as much as an eighth of an inch off. The answer? Do what the pros do -- measure and place the pencil tip exactly where the cut goes, then slide the straight edge up to it, and make your mark. For even greater accuracy, mark your cut line with a utility knife, instead of a pencil. For more tips, visit our Web site at onthehouse.com. And that's the On The House tip for today.