Hello, product placement? Marketing data-miners?… …

Daily writing prompt

What are your favorite brands and why?

Really WordPress?! This writing prompt is making some vendors titter with glee. And the (good acting?) data-miners are salivating at this consumer intel. Sigh, ooooh kayyyyyy. Here we go:

Kubota tractors. They’re orange. They’re Japanese. They’re innovators in compact and full-sized agricultural equipment. I want one. I can barely afford one (used farm equipment, here I come). If they’re maintained, these machines have reliable diesel power-plants. Ask TS… whenever I pass the dealership in Springmount, Ontario, I start chanting pseudo-incantations for one of these semi-mythical devices. I also start humming and chanting a re-worded song, by ‘The Knack’… My Sharona (My Kubota).
Stihl Chainsaws. When I took my chainsaw safety course (sponsored by park ground-crew trade associations [and Stihl]), this was my first experience to these machines. Of course, I purchased a model that is favoured by utility crews. Is it overpowered for a gentleman forester like me? Yep. Is it reliable? Hell yeah. Is the powerhead forgiving and easy to maintain? I agree. Can one destroy chains with inexperienced handling and tensioning? Durrrrrrr…. guilty! Can it be repaired and get back to work? Yep. I loved my MS261 so much, I purchased a little sidekick, the MS162.
Schiit Audio Limited. Personal audio equipment can get ridiculously overpriced very quickly. Schiit’s value-to-cost are matched by few others (if I hadn’t gone down the Schiit rabbit hole, I would embrace JD Labs [based in Collinsville, Illinois, USA]). I like this manufacturer because it sells directly to their customers. Nobody NEEDS a headphone amplifier or a standalone DAC. One can get into Hi-Fi listening using Schiit audio kit that is SIGNIFICANTLY less than $500 CAD. My only irritation: I have to pay duty and finagle USD/CAD exchange rates, and get hosed by the 3rd party shippers (who tack on “handling fees”).
Black Dog Biscuits. Ha! I bet you didn’t expect me to include the product my spouse developed. Honestly, TS has developed a treat that makes ‘good‘ dogs make baaaad choices. If you don’t believe me, come and visit TS’ booth at the following events: