I’m trying to avoid heavily processed carbs these days, like a lot of people. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t keep a soft spot in my heart for those loop-frosted chocolate cupcakes and one of the United States’ contributions to the world’s wonderful but unhealthy food: the Twinkie.

So the news that Hostess’ parent company has filed for Chapter 11 protection is disturbing, even though I’m not snarfing the things. The thought of a world without Ho-Hos, Ding-Dongs, and the like just makes me feel like something has passed from our midst.