Tape measures have come a long way

The first tape measure was patented by Arthur J. Fellows in 1868. More than 130 years later, Fellows would be hard-pressed to recognize his invention 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 an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) window on top. And 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. It can hold them in its memory chip and even repeat them back to you with its voice chip -- then or even days later.

Some have laser beams that read and record distances, too, while others even allow limited voice recording for verbal notes and thoughts.

Maybe it's time for you to go to the hardware store to take a look. You'll be amazed how these new space-age rulers measure up.