It’s a myth that Twinkies last forever.  And just as these childhood staples will expire, it appears that the iconic brand behind them has also finished its run.  Hostess filed for its second bankruptcy in January and has since been trying to come out from under a mountain of debt.  These efforts came in the form of negotiating new contracts with members of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM).  Sadly, on Friday November 16, 2012, Hostess announced “It’s over,” and that it would be closing its doors and shutting down.  The death knell for the financially struggling snack cake brand came on November 9th when members of BCTGM went on strike, effectively crippling Hostess.  As reported by the Associated Press, the nationwide strike came after Hostess proposed a new union contract, which cut a “$100 million a year contribution to pension costs to workers to $25 million a year, in addition to wage cuts and a 17 percent reduction in health benefits.”  The union rejected this offer, went on strike, and Hostess waved the white flag.  Twinkie lovers felt a glimmer of hope on Monday November 20, when Hostess and the union attempted mediation to resolve the conflicts plaguing the company.  Alas, mediation failed and Hostess has moved forward with its plan to liquidate.  Hostess’s liquidation means the closure of 33 bakeries, 565 distribution centers, and 570 bakery stores nationwide, not to mention the thousands of jobs lost.  In the aftermath, people are paying $100 for a box of Twinkies on EBay to preserve childhood memories.  Remember…they don’t last forever.