The first tape measure was patented by Arthur J. Fellows on this day in 1868; but 133 years later Fellows would hardly recognize his invention. Nor might you for that matter, because today's retractable wonders have gone digital, electronic and high-tech. Now as the 25-foot tape is extended, the precise measurement is displayed in the LCD window on top. At the touch of a button, you can convert it from inches and feet to centimeters or fractions or decimals. Have trouble remembering measurements you've just taken? No problem. You can hold them in its memory chip and even have them repeated back to you with it's voice chip. Some have laser beams that read and record distances, while others allow limited voice recording for verbal notes and thoughts. You'll be deighted at how these new rulers measure up. And that's the On The House tip for today.