Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Hmm. I grew up here, yet never knew of this place. (long long time ago though)
Going back soon. Maybe I'll give it a try. (after I get my fill of In 'n Out)

"This is the kind of doughnut that makes babies cry."
Ha ha! Boy, I know exactly that doughnut.
However, I sort of disagree about the Breezy Farm Apple Ciders. They are sort of as you describe, but I find them pleasant none the less. I've always considered them something different than an "actual" "real" doughnut. I don't know how to describe it. If I want a "regular" doughnut, I won't buy the apple ciders. But sometimes I like them just as some kind of doughnut "like" confection unto themselves.

I really love these, but they can sometimes be hit or miss. Sometimes they can be a little too heavy; a bit soggy. But when they are good, they're great.

Hmm. What's even weirder is that the cat actually looks like Patrick Stewart playing the Maitre D' at L'Idiot in the movie "L.A. Story"

Braeburns are good this time of year (not so much other times)
Below is a link to a "Good Food" KCRW (L.A.) podcast.
The podcast starts with the "Market Report" (Santa Monica Farmer's Market), beginning with an interview with an heirloom apple purveyor (pictures too). Interesting, if you're into apples.
http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/gf/gf081004vertical_farming_ste

As others have suggested, I don't understand why you didn't do a comparison of Trader Joes Pumpkin quick bread to a homemade pumpkin quick bread?

I have not tried the Boylan diet cola (love their Birch Beers)
That said; cola is SUPPOSED to taste mediciny. (think Compari) Cola originally WAS medicine. Most colas are the furthest thing from what a cola is actually supposed to be. Want a real cola? find a bottle of Fentimans "Curiosity Cola". Mmmm!