In a recent conversation with some colleagues here at The Point, I discovered that there are several of us who harbor a strong dislike for the silly, no, stupid childhood film The Brave Little Toaster. Little did I know when I viewed this film as a small child that it would haunt me for life, right along with Disney's Bambi.

Don't laugh. It's true. Personally, I think that Disney's personification of animals is cute... but dangerous absent a sound reality check. (Gotta love this). Yet even knowing the "truth" of the matter rarely alters some deeply ingrained childhood memories. (No wonder the sheer number of animal rights activists has fairly multiplied like rabbits since Disney's big debut.)

But, let me tell you, things reach a whole new level of absurd when our imagination personifies appliances. If you think I'm being overdramatic, I can assure you, I'm not. I could share lots of stories of how The Brave Little Toaster turned me into an emotional wreck whenever I contemplated our family cars or appliances being taken to a junk yard, but I'd rather not jeopardize what little respect you may have left for me.

In the meantime, I think I'll go burn my copies of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and the Little Engine That Could in a senseless purge of all things personified. My therapist said such an action would facilitate healing. :-) Just kidding.

(Image © Disney)