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STILL LIFE

Clipping truths!

A lot of office stationery gets used and misused. Perhaps the most vulnerable of all these, is the humble Paper Clip. In its many years of serving as a paper holder, it is also often used as a wire mess, abstract art, decorative chains, hooks and toothpicks. I wonder how many actually end up as paper holders.

clipping felix

Paper Clips have been in existence ever since offices came into being. Since then, Paper Clips have gone from strength to strength. They now spot attractive looks in various shapes and colours. The age of computers have not dithered them. They have in fact, made it to the desktop in an animated format, much to the annoyance of countless users. This is probably because you cannot physically hold it down and twist it to your imagination.

In reality, Paper Clips are an over-worked lot, often abused physically at their work place. Most idle hours are turned into a personal hobby by twisting the Paper Clips to one's fancy. I do not think a committee for 'Cruelty to Paper Clips' has been formed as yet. Look at the enormous challenges such a committee could take up. Its membership alone could run into millions. The office staff could be educated to treat the Paper Clip with dignity. Abuse to the Clip in any form could come up in a court of law and create headlines. A lawsuit against Microsoft for deforming the animated office assistant 'Clippy', itself could run into Millions of Dollars. I say; Paper Clips of the world unite!

Paper Clips are something that we have learned to live with at the office and cannot do without. For it might help ease a person's tensions by nervously twisting Paper Clips, but can spell panic to a person who discovers that he has just run out of paper fasteners. Delighting and depressing as all this might sound to an average soul, Paper Clips have come of age and will live on. They will continue to descend on your tabletops like an army platoon and hold on to your papers and your fantasies.

So the other day, the cute little secretary at our office, was making conversation over the phone as she passionately twisted the Paper Clip to her desire. A bachelor in the vicinity saw her fingers wrapped around the metal Clip and heaved…

He said, 'I wish I were a Paper Clip!'

— Felix Martires


In advertising not to be different is virtually suicidal.
— Bill Bernbach