h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have the misfortune of working in an office where a paper clip is actually needed on occaision for clipping papers together. At that time, it is disheartening to find that every paper clip in the office is somehow involved in a large chain as described. By the time one is able to remove one clip from the chain and return the chain to its rightful owner, it is usually simpler to open another box of paper clips - of course this box will fall victim to "chaining" by the time you need another paper clip.