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SpongeBob Squarepants Premiered 25 Years Ago Today

SpongeBob Squarepants Premiered 25 Years Ago Today
May 1 2024 Share

“SpongeBob SquarePants” debuted on May 1, 1999, after creator Stephen Hillenburg’s journey from marine science to animation.

Initially an educational comic featuring “Bob the Sponge,” Hillenburg pitched the idea to Nickelodeon during his time directing “Rocko’s Modern Life.” The show’s preview, “Help Wanted,” aired after Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards, introducing iconic characters like SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and Gary.

Tom Kenny’s unique voice for SpongeBob contributed to its distinctiveness.

The series officially launched on July 17, 1999, surpassing popular shows in viewership. Its success soared with nearly 56 million viewers by 2002, and its first film grossed $141 million globally in 2004.

Hillenburg remained involved in subsequent projects despite stepping down as showrunner after the movie. The franchise expanded with spin-offs, video games, theme park rides, and a Broadway musical.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” remains popular, currently in its 14th season. The franchise’s retail merchandise sales exceeded $13 billion by 2017, showcasing its cultural impact and enduring appeal.

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Jake Vella Breaks Record As Youngest To Swim 100km In Pool

Jake Vella Breaks Record As Youngest To Swim 100km In Pool
May 1 2024 Share

The Malta Records presented Malta’s sport ambassador Jake Vella with his own record after he became the youngest local person to swim for 100km in a pool.

The presentation of the record took place in the Disneyland Section of Mater Dei Hospital, with the local record organisation highlighting Jake’s resilience.

At the age of 12 years and 4 months, Jake became the youngest person to achieve this record across 20 days between June and July 2021 in a total of 33 hours, 15 minutes and 39 seconds.

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Woman At Risk Of Dying After Losing Control of Quad Bike In Gozo

Woman At Risk Of Dying After Losing Control of Quad Bike In Gozo
May 1 2024 Share

Yesterday, at around 1430hrs, police were informed that an accident had taken place in Triq is-Sagħtrija, iż-Żebbuġ, Gozo.

Preliminary investigations showed that a 32-year-old French woman suffered injuries after she lost control of her quad bike Segway Snarler.

A medical team arrived on site and transported her to the Gozo General Hospital. She was later confirmed to have suffered serious injuries.

Police investigations are still ongoing.

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Malta Joined The European Union 20 Years Ago

Malta Joined The European Union 20 Years Ago
May 1 2024 Share

20 years ago, on the 1st of May 2004, Malta, along with 9 other countries, joined the European Union in the largest ever enlargement of the union.

Malta was joined by Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia in their accession into the European Union.

A referendum on EU membership was held in Malta on March 8th 2003, with 54% voting in favour of joining.

The referendum also saw the highest turnout in an EU membership referendum – with a whopping 91% turnout – but also the lowest support for joining of any of the nine countries holding referendums to join.

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Photo Source: Guy Verhofstadt FB