Just over a month ago, I received an out-of-the-blue e-mail from friendly fellow named Ryan, who works for a word-of-mouth marketing site called BuzzParadise. Ryan invited me to try out a new line of earphones, called Coosh, and even though Ryan’s timing was annoyingly shitty — I’d just caved in and bought a new set of noise-canceling, in-ear ‘phones to replace the painful and lame set that came with my iPod — I agreed. Mostly because I like getting stuff for free, but also because I’ve always wanted a fancy set of high-end audiophile earbuds.

So I signed up. And what should arrive at my house a few days later but this goofy-looking package:

Kind of…weird…but creative, right? Plus, bonus points for giving my nine-month-old son something to chew on for a few minutes. (Don’t judge me. If it’s non-toxic and it keeps him out of the cabinets, it’s all right in my book.) (more…)