CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
A plush toy is one of the many items marketing that lovable undersea character SpongeBob Squarepants.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob Squarepants! Pearl Highlands mall makes
SpongeBob holiday mascot
By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.comThe bright-eyed, knickers-clad sea creature may be goofy-looking, but he dazzles his young fans, and their parents, with his ability to do the right thing. Children and adults seem to have fallen for the odd character, who has stepped out of the Nickelodeon channel and into the home, represented in anything from spongy plush toys to bedroom accessories.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet SpongeBob and take photographs at Pearl Highlands Shopping Center from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in front of the food court. He will return to the center on Dec. 15.
"He's everywhere and seems to appeal to all ages," said Terri Hanson, president of Terri Hanson and Associates, who is promoting the appearances. "He is so popular that we decided to make him the mascot for Pearl Highlands Shopping Center during the holiday season."
Kids will be able to win a car full of SpongeBob Squarepants merchandise, ranging from bed-and-bath accessories to key chains, figurines and VHS cartoon tapes by guessing how many items are inside a car parked in front of Signature Theatres. Entry forms are available throughout the center. The grand prize winner receives all of the merchandise, an Ohana Outrigger getaway for four and two Signature Theatre movie passes. There will also be 49 winners of two Signature Theatre movie passes. Entry forms must be turned in by Friday.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
A secret button gets Dancin' Bubble Blower ($6.95) jumping and blowing bubbles.
THERE MAY BE more Signature appearances in the works now that SpongeBob -- along with his pet snail, Gary, and starfish friend Patrick -- is headed to the big screen. Creator Stephen Hillenburg is working on a movie script, for anticipated release in 2004.
For those hitting the stores tomorrow for Christmas shopping, here are some new SpongeBob Squarepants items:
>> The SpongeBob Sno-cone Maker: Turn ordinary ice cubes into frozen treats. Crank the handle and shave ice comes out of SpongeBob's mouth. One of the best parts -- no batteries are required. The Sno-cone making machine comes with a few cups, a tropical punch flavor packet and a spoon. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Although children can help, it really takes an adult's strength, unless you have a lot of time. And, remember to be patient -- it takes several minutes to make one small cone. Available at Thinker Toys for $16.95.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
SpongeBob Sno-cone Maker ($16.95) comes with tropical punch flavored packets.
>> Dancin' Bubble Blower: A press of a secret button has SpongeBob jumping, dancing and blowing bubbles, some of his favorite things to do under the sea. Includes a dipping cup and a 2-ounce bottle of bubbles. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Available at Hot Topic for $6.95.
Many items that are not available locally can be found on the Internet:
>> Jellyfish Soak 'N Splash: A toy modeled after SpongeBob and his best buddy Patrick's favorite game of catching jellyfish. The bamboo-like paddles have Spandex centers and are used to swat a fabric jellyfish around. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Available at www.bobswebstore.com/sponsquar5.html for $9.99, plus shipping and handling. Several other items, including a slumber bed can also be found on the site.
>> Soak N Grow Spongies: Thin, flat sponges come in the shape of SpongeBob and Patrick can be used for water play or at bath time. They magically expand into full form when placed in water. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Available at www.wonderfullywacky.com/spongebob.htm for $3.99, plus shipping and handling. The Web site has hundreds of items ranging from clothing to cuddly pillows.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Soak N Grow Spongies ($3.99) can be used for water play.
Wacky Web sites
>> The Church of SpongeBob: If you are looking to convert to the "YAP" (yellow, absorbent and porous) religion, visit www.churchofspongebob.org. Many SpongeBob fans apparently look to the little guy for inspiration. The following is the sacrament that allows one to convert to the church:In Genesis c.1 v.10 we read, "(Captain:) If nautical nonsense be something you wish," followed by v.12, "Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish." Stories are shared by others that found a sense of power flopping about.
>> What SpongeBob Character are you? Well, I took the quiz and turned out to be SpongeBob himself. It said that I'm "always ready for what lies ahead, no matter how difficult the task may be," and that I'm "carefree, relaxed (don't know about this one) and like to have a good time." If you want to know which character embodies your spirit, visit entropy.stratag.com/max/quiz/spongebobquiz.html.
Confirm the results with another quiz at www.geekular.org/JUNK!/sbsp%20quiz, which said I'm "a lovable, optimistic sponge who always does the right thing."
I'm beginning to wonder if everyone who takes the test is SpongeBob.
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