User:Chip Brown/Bikini Bottom
| Location | Under Bikini Atoll, Pacific Ocean |
| Former Names | Bikini Bottomshire,[1] Planktopolis[2] |
| Main Industries | Franchising,[3] retail,[4] automaking, film making, manufacturing, publishing, banking, computers, airplane manufacturing, telecommunications, petroleum, chemicals, food packaging, fashion, pharmaceuticals |
| Population | 46,857+[5] |
Bikini Bottom is a fictional city that appears in the Nickelodeon animated television series, SpongeBob SquarePants. Located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean,[6] it is where the series' main characters live, and where most of the episodes take place. Bikini Bottom consists of various businesses, including restaurants, stores, and manufacturers. This city has a stable economy, a balanced education and health systems, a structured government, and a less than competent law enforcement system. There are even stadiums, amusement parks, and other recreational facilities.
History
The history of Bikini Bottom can be traced back to the Permian period (which looked more like the Tertiary period in the prehistoric Bikini Bottom). During a time travel, Squidward Tentacles accidentally made his way to this era, and inadvertently invented the sport of jellyfishing.[7] Years later, in a more advanced prehistoric time (possibly the Cretaceous era, since a pterodactyl was seen flying at the opening scene; however, the prehistoric Bikini Bottom looked more like the late Quarternary era), SpongeGar, Patar, and Squog (possible ancestors of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward, respectively) discovered fire.[8]
In the Medieval Era, Bikini Bottomshire was under the rule of King Krabs (ancestor of Eugene H. Krabs) and was under attack by the evil wizard, Planktonomor (ancestor of Sheldon J. Plankton). SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star were transported to this time after a jousting accident. They were expected to arrive in this era because they were the "prophecy." According to Princess Pearl, "the prophecy" was that they (SpongeBob and Patrick) were the ones to save the kingdom. Princess Pearl (daughter of King Krabs) was kidnapped by Planktonomor's fire-breathing jellyfish, and taken hostage at Planktonomore's tower. Fulfilling the prophecy, SpongeBob and Patrick saved Princess Pearl and defeated Planktonomor. Later, during a parade while celebrating SpongeBob and Patrick's heroic deeds, King Krabs invented the Krabby Patty, which would be passed down through the Krabs family, and the formula being kept secret.[1]
The modern era is very quite similar to the real world, in that sporting events began, as well as the establishment of businesses, and the growth of the city. In the early 20th century, about 1902, a sporting event called the "Great Snail Race" was started, and Lightning Larry Luciano won the first race. However, not much more information about the Great Snail Race is known, until 102 years later. Around the 1920s and 1930s, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy were born. Mermaid Man first used his utility belt around 1937. From there on, he used his belt to protect Bikini Bottom from evil. He would later join with Barnacle Boy to fight crime together.
In the present time, Bikini Bottom has had various occurrences of destruction. In Dying for Pie, a bomb pie fell on Squidward's face, causing a nuclear explosion (with Squidward dead center). In "Sandy, SpongeBob, and the Worm", an Alaskan Bull Worm struck Bikini Bottom, which made Sandy hunt it down. Bikini Bottom was moved away, but the worm crushed it. In "Wormy", while Sandy was out of town SpongeBob and Patrick were given the duty of taking care of her pets, one of which was a caterpillar named Wormy. Wormy grew into a butterfly overnight, which caused SpongeBob and Patrick to freak out, thinking Wormy's dead. They then proceeded to cause a mass hysteria that lead to the city's destruction. Global warming also took effect in the short "The Endless Summer."
Years later, Mr. Krabs opened a second restaurant, namely the "Krusty Krab 2." Plankton initiated his evil Plan Z, and stole King Neptune's Crown, thereby framing Mr. Krabs. He was frozen because of this; however, SpongeBob and Patrick set out toward Shell City to retrieve Neptune's crown, and then saved the day. These events are depicted in the SpongeBob SquarePants film.[2]
Geography
Bikini Bottom's geography is shown as consisting of mountains, dense forests, lakes, lagoons, caves, grasslands, reefs and rivers. In "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie", volcanoes, trenches and deserts are shown in the surrounding regions. Major geographic features have colorful names including Goo Lagoon, Sand Mountain, Kelp Forest, Jellyfish Fields, Make Out Reef, Mount Climb-Up-and-Fall-Off,[9] and the Mermalair (a man-made underground cavern).[2]
Bikini Bottom is located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, next to its signature island, Bikini Atoll, according to Stephen Hillenburg. There are many instances of proof on the show: After being scared off by ghosts, Sandy evacuated to Texas. She was seen flying east from the Pacific Ocean.[10] In the Employee of the Month computer game, a fish mentions that Bikini Bottom is located in the Pacific Ocean. In The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, when SpongeBob was singing the "Goofy Goober Rock", the camera rose out of the water into outer space. When it did, it came out of the Pacific Ocean. In the TV commercial "Plankton's Holiday Hits", Bikini Bottom is revealed to be part of the United States, and its residents Americans. Bikini Bottom is placed beneath its namesake island, Bikini Atoll, in the Pacific Ocean. Bikini Bottom's location at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean is mentioned or referred to in several different episodes,[11] and in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. In the TV commercial, "Plankton's Holiday Hits," Bikini Bottom is revealed to be part of the United States, and its residents Americans.
Climate
Since Bikini Bottom is in the Pacific Ocean below Bikini Atoll, it should have a sunny subtropical climate. It receives rain and snow from the nearby icebergs and having its own ski resort which sometimes receives snow. The clouds are shaped like flowers, which SpongeBob does not notice until "Pressure" where he says "You know what that cloud looks like? A flower", and Sandy replies "They all look like flowers, SpongeBob, all the time."
Cityscape
Bikini Bottom contains most of the features and landmarks found in a typical American city, though presented in an aquatic style; the citizens, for instance, drive wheeled boats instead of cars. Buildings in Bikini Bottom often resemble aquatic items such as wooden ships and anchors; in the center of the city, the citizens work and live in large, grey or multi-colored, funnel-shaped buildings that are made of metal. Most of Bikini Bottom's citizens live in simple gray, cylindrical metal houses made from parts of sunken submarines and boats. However, the homes of the series' main and supporting characters tend to be more distinctive. Water ways, such as rivers and lakes in which the citizens fish and swim in, are in the form of goo instead of water.
The city is divided into various districts, including Downtown Bikini Bottom, Goo Lagoon, Rock Bottom, Sand Mountain, Jellyfish Fields, Kelp Forest, the Flying Dutchman's Graveyard, Residents' Row (SpongeBob's / Patrick's / Squidward's homes),[12] Make Out Reef, Ancient Mariner Valley (the location of Neptune's Paradise.)[13] and Palm Bay.
The city is divided by its main road, Conch Street, which runs from downtown and past the homes of SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick, through the Krusty Krab restaurant, the Chum Bucket and the Reef Theatre cinema. The road intersects with Barnacle Road and Coral Avenue. Anchor Way is not far off from Conch Street. Conch Street runs north-south as revealed in the SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom video game. Downtown Bikini Bottom is located in the northernmost point of the city, while SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick's House are on the southern part of the road. Goo Lagoon is located west of the road, while Jellyfish Fields is to the east. Other establishments are located more southerly, including Sandy's house, Shady Shoal's, the Krusty Krab, the Chum Bucket, and the Movie Theater. The Kelp Forest is located more southerly.
The county line is the boundary of Bikini Bottom[2] and in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie video game, it is very close to downtown Bikini Bottom. This is very fitting, given that it serves as the northernmost district of Bikini Bottom, according to the SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom video game.
In every episode in which the skyline of Bikini Bottom is shown, features such as buildings, houses, and anchors can be seen. This is most likely Mr. Krabs's house. In earlier episodes of the series, a red flower arch can be seen, which now no longer appears in the skyline. The Sea Needle, which is the tallest point in Bikini Bottom, is oddly never seen in the skyline. The Sea Needle only appears in two episodes of SpongeBob, Pre-Hibernation Week and Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy II. The Sea Needle also appears in the video game, Battle for Bikini Bottom where it is shown just outside of downtown Bikini Bottom. In some episodes, a lighthouse appears in the skyline, most likely Mrs. Puff's Boating School. Other episodes feature the Krusty Krab's Marquee. A fan-shaped structure, most likely a propeller from a ship, is seen in some episodes.
Demographics
The population of Bikini Bottom is uncertain. The creator of the show, Stephen Hillenburg, confirmed that Bikini Bottom is a large city. Before almost leaving the city, Sandy Cheeks sang a song about the city, describing it as "crowded and smoggy,"[14] which are the characteristics of Los Angeles, although the physical look & feel of Bikini Bottom suggests that it is in fact a much smaller city. A one-time, Pretty Patties joint created by SpongeBob attracted 46,853 customers. Almost everyone from the city is there, which may suggest a population of around 50,000.[15] In the episode Squilliam Returns, Squidward mentions Bikini Bottom is a "hick town", meaning it is probably quite small like most hick towns. Also, in Krusty Towers, Squidward mentions Bikini Bottom is in the middle of scenic nowhere, which could mean it's very small, which is the criteria of isolated cities.
Bikini Bottom's populace, like that of the rest of the series, consists of various anthropomorphic fish, whales, crabs, sponges, octopuses, starfish, anchovies, lobsters, sharks, and most other forms of sea life, including sea monsters. Some forms of sea life, like jellyfish, seahorses, snails, and worms aren't sentient however, and are treated like pets or wild animals. An example of this is SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary. The first known land creature to live in Bikini Bottom was the Dark Knight, an ancestor of Sandy Cheeks, before the 12th century (Bikini Bottom was then known as Bikini Bottomshire).[1] Sandy Cheeks, a squirrel from Texas, is (along with Jerry the Snail and Wormy the caterpillar) the only land creature seen living in modern Bikini Bottom.
Animals
In Bikini Bottom, animals are similar to those "animals" in the real world. Some are treated as pets, while others live in the wild.
A majority of "animals" live in the wild. First and foremost, jellyfish are similar to bees. There are many types of jellyfish that live in Bikini Bottom. Pink are the most common, blue are uncommon, green are rare, purple are very rare and only one albino jellyfish exists. White and orange jellyfish are seen in the videogame Lights, Camera, PANTS!. Jellyfish reside mainly in Jellyfish Fields, which has a population of four million jellyfish. They make and live in hives, another similarity to real-world bees. In earlier episodes, jellyfish were plain pink, but later on, more jellyfish began to appear with spots, but plain pink ones still exist. Jellyfish are similar to cows in that they can be "milked" for their fresh jellyfish jelly. Second, scallops are similar to birds. They are usually found in groups at Goo Lagoon, particularly acting as seagulls. Scallops are usually orange or purple. There is also a colossal clam named Clamu in the Bikini Bottom Stadium. It's currently a mother of one. Third, seaslugs were seen in the video game, ESB: SuperSponge. They are known to dislike everyone. Fourth, seahorses, which are similar to horses, can be ridden and are very interested in food.
Fifth, the Alaskan Bull-Worm is a large, omnivorous worm that attacked various parts of Bikini Bottom in its sleep in "Sandy, SpongeBob, and the Worm". It eventually went on to destroy the entire city. Sixth, sea urchins, which are small "bug-like" creatures whose bites cause severe itchiness (a possible similarity to fire ants or mosquitoes). Seventh, Nematodes which are worm like creatures that travel in groups and consume common objects by eating or drinking them (a possible similarity to termites). They once destroyed SpongeBob's house by sucking the pineapple juice out of it.[16] Other "animals" are treated as pets. Two well-known "pets" are snails and worms. Snails are similar to cats and are common as pets, but they are also known to lurk in alleys and forests. A well-known character Gary the Snail is one of them. Worms are similar to dogs, and are also common as pets. At one point SpongeBob also owned a worm and a jellyfish.
Law and government
Bikini Bottom's government, although uncertain, are set up just as they would be in the real world. Three different types of governments rule over Bikini Bottom: Monarch, Republic, and Totalitarian (although temporarily).
The earliest known monarch, existed in the Medieval era, before the 12th century. King Krabs ruled over Bikini Bottomshire in this time, and his daughter, Princess Pearl, was the heir to the throne.[1] Not much is known until the present time, in which King Neptune governs over the sea and, for example, punishes anyone who steals his crown. He lives in his own castle in Atlantis, which is very close to the Bikini Bottom city limits.[2] His daughter, Princess Mindy, is the heir to the throne after her father. She is Princess of the Sea, and will be Queen of the Sea someday.[2]
Bikini Bottom's known Republic form of government contains two known positions: the Mayor and the President. The mayor, (whose name is uncertain), has been known to open unfinished bridges and present the Great Snail Race. The president is elected by the residents of Bikini Bottom. Squidward ran for president, but was revealed to be the president of "The Secret Royal Order of the Good Neighbor Lodge".[17]
After initiating his evil Plan Z, Plankton brought Bikini Bottom's populace into slavery. He renamed Bikini Bottom as Planktopolis, and become its dictator. He created a Totalitarian form of government. By then, Plankton ruled the city as King Neptune was too busy worrying about his "thinning" hair and both the mayor and president were presumably under Plankton's control. However, SpongeBob and Patrick soon put a stop to this and Plankton was ultimately arrested for his actions. Control was then restored to the president and the mayor of Bikini Bottom, and King Neptune.[2]
These are some of the laws in Bikini Bottom, which are similar to that of United States laws, against the following actions: stealing, parking in a No Parking Zone, parking next to a fire hydrant, littering,[18] driving blindfolded, public nudity, and others. Bikini Bottom has a courthouse, in which trials take place like any American city court, except there was no prosecutor. The only known trial is Krabs vs. Plankton. Plankton sued Mr. Krabs for falling on the Krusty Krab floor when there was no wet floor sign. Plankton sued for everything of what Mr. Krabs had. The trial was headed by Judge Stickleback, and due to a fall, Defendant Eugene Krabs' lawyer was unable to defend. SpongeBob LawyerPants became Mr. Krabs' new lawyer. The trial resulted in a victory for the defendant.
Crime
Bikini Bottom has its fair share of criminals such as Plankton and the Tattletale Strangler. Mr. Krabs has been known to steal, or "borrow" as he calls it.[19] Mrs. Puff or Squidward are always blamed for the crimes actually committed by SpongeBob or Patrick and are either arrested or fined to do community service. At one point, a bomb exploded in the Krusty Krab, blowing a hole in the rear of the building. The bomb itself, which had the total energy of a nuclear bomb[20] had been made in a factory, or so the pirates who sold it to Squidward said. There is also the punishment of execution by King Neptune, such as for stealing his crown.[2]
Bikini Bottom has two prisons: The Institution for the Criminally Tiny and Bikini Bottom Jail for everyone else. The underwater city has its own courthouse, headed by a female fish judge. In future episodes, the judge is a male. The Bikini Bottom Police Department is a reasonably fair organization, despite arresting citizens for no real reason whatsoever, and has been known to imprison SpongeBob and Patrick for their crime of stealing balloons and then releasing them to tell the two that it was National Free Balloon Day. They also once arrested SpongeBob for not inviting them to his party.[21]
Military
Besides the Bikini Bottom Police Department, Bikini Bottom has two known forms of defense. It probably has a military for in the episode Good Neighbors a military tank can be seen with a soldier inside. In the game SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab, the army makes an appearance. It seems the army is made out of helicopters with giant nets (used to capture Plankton), tanks that shoot blue flames, special laser machines, electric fields and bomb-throwing tanks. It is also unknown if Bikini Bottom has any military installations. Mr. Krabs served in the Navy, and the Navy has been mentioned in a few episodes.
Economy
Little is known about the economy in Bikini Bottom. However, its currency is based off the U.S. Dollar. There is one bank, First Nautical Bank,[22] in which checking and savings accounts are used. There is a credit card company, called Master-Carp, a parody of Mastercard. The level of commerce in Bikini Bottom is high. There are thriving stores, restaurants, recreational facilities, and even a three-story mall.[23]
Education
The public education system in Bikini Bottom consists of three schools which are Bikini Bottom Elementary, Bikini Bottom School and Bikini Bottom High (which features prom night in the gym). There are two schools which cater for driver's education. Those boating schools are run by Mrs. Puff (who is the major boating school teacher in Bikini Bottom) and Mrs. Flounder (who runs classes on Monday mornings). The best boating instructor, according to Mr. Fitz (the superintendent) is Sgt. Roderick, with his boot-camp like school. Bikini Bottom also has a community college, where Patrick Star and Flatts the Flounder once attended. Alternatively, adults attend the Adult Learning Center (where Squidward Tentacles was temporarily an art teacher) in Bikini Bottom.
Transportation
Bikini Bottom has a wide arrange of different transportation systems. As in the real world, roads and highways serve Bikini Bottom buses, taxis, and boats. (Boats are the underwater equivalent of cars.) An airport is run in Bikini Bottom as well as a lighthouse at Goo Lagoon helps ships who are traveling at night to see.
Bikini Bottom's main road is Conch Street. Conch Street runs from SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward's houses; past the Krusty Krab and the Chum Bucket; and stretches as far as downtown Bikini Bottom. It intersects with Coral Avenue, which is located in Downtown Bikini Bottom. A series of highways run just on the outskirts of the city and in the middle of downtown, a thruway is present. A road leads from Atlantis to Bikini Bottom, as seen in the SpongeBob SqaurePants Movie. Another road leads from Bikini Bottom to Rock Bottom which goes past the Glove World Theme park. An interesting feature of this road is that for a distance it runs straight down a cliff. The only ways up from the bottom are by bus or with a balloon. Other roads include Albatross Avenue, Anchor Way, Barnacle Road, Seashell Street, Shallow Grave Road, and Stormy Way.
The name of the city bus service is Snailways. This bus service stops at almost anywhere in Bikini Bottom and beyond (much like a Greyhound Bus).[24] Sandy Cheeks mentioned in a deleted scene of the movie that buses run from Shell City to Bikini Bottom, although SpongeBob and Patrick took alternative transport by riding David Hasselhoff.[2]
Despite being an underwater city, Bikini Bottom also runs an airport which has airplanes landing and taking off there. Bikini Bottom also has a ferry which only so far goes to Chum World theme park as seen in Revenge of the Flying Dutchman.
Health
The healthcare in Bikini Bottom is uncertain; however, the Bikini Bottom Hospital has been able to cure or have a cure for any patient, with the exception of food poisoning and eating bombs (Mr. Krabs has seen this case 11 times). Many different sicknesses have been cured, such as the Suds, car accident recovery, cash-coma, and others. Dr. Gill Gilliam is the most well-known doctor in Bikini Bottom. He always appears on the scene when a health issue is involved. There are also health insurance agents, which contributes to the health system, as mentioned by Mrs. Puff. Additionally, SpongeBob was recommended by a physician at the Bikini Bottom Hospital, Dr. Gilliam, to be admitted into Weenie-Hut General, which is a hospital for weenies. The Bikini Bottom's healthcare system also applies to pets and even objects. A Vet Hospital is located on Conch Street, where the Doctorfish is also a veterinarian. The veterinarians can sometimes mistake Squidward's clarinet playing for a dying animal. Ambulances usually appear the moment someone gets injured, which can be indicative of good healthcare.
Culture
The culture of the city is a caricature of contemporary American culture. The Arts give Bikini Bottom a better outlook on knowledge and creativity. Bikini Bottom houses two museums: The Fry Cook Museum[25] and the Fish Hook Museum.[3] Bikini Bottom also has a music hall, a convention hall, and an Art Society. Squidward Tentacles contributes highly to many of the arts and music Bikini Bottom has to offer.
Entertainment in Bikini Bottom contributes to the social interaction within the city. There is the Bubble Bowl, Goofy Goober's Ice Cream Party Boat (for the kids), Weenie Hut Jr., Super Weenie Hut Jr., and the Salty Spittoon club (for strong people only), the Thug Tug and Tough Tavern bars (for tough men only) and The Reef Theatre (cinema). The Krusty Krab houses entertainment with shows such as the Annual Squidward Tentacles Talent Show (featuring the unpopular Squidward Live segment), The Komedy Krab and "Live Nude Pranksters", which featured an unclothed SpongeBob and Patrick.
Media
Bikini Bottom has many forms of media. News, magazines, radio, and television contribute to Bikini Bottom's wide spread of news and entertainment.
- The city paper is called the Bikini Times. It features the regular news, as well as daily comics. One of the comics is called The Wisenheimers. There is another newspaper that is called the Bikini Bottom Inquirer, which is a parody of The National Inquirer.
- There are two science magazines called Fake Science Monthly and Boring Science Digest. Another magazine is called Fancy Living Digest. There is another magazine that is called Long, Tan and Handsome. There are two dance magazines: Dance Now and Interpretive Dance Quarterly. Another magazine is Frown Digest.[26] Other magazines include Lobster Home Journal, Jellyfish Weekly,Krusty Bottom Weekly, Urchin Weekly, Octopolian, CarpNews, and Snow Tires Weekly.
- There are four radio stations in Bikini Bottom, which are called WH2O (Hot Adult Contemporary, presumably) whose main DJ is Al BaCore (aka "The Tuneful Tuna"), KRUM (CHR/Dance music)[27] and KOLD (Classic Hits/Standards in the morning), which goes by the slogan "Your All-Oldies Station". There also appears to be boy bands and rock bands, including "Boys Who Cry" (an R&B that Pearl enjoys) and "Stingray 5000" (presumably Album Rock).
- It is unknown how many television stations there are in Bikini Bottom but we do know that there are programs such as Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy and The New Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy cartoons, Bikini Bottom News (television newcast anchored by Perch Perkins and Johnny), Retirement House Girls Gone Wild, The Rockfish Files and the list goes on. It is known that there is a separate channel featuring somebody playing the Goofy Goober guitar (as featured on SpongeBob's TV in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie computer game), a kids station (featuring cartoons), a sports station (football was only seen), a science channel as well as a boxing channel (both featuring boxes, seen in the episode Idiot Box), and an adult program featuring real life organisms dancing. The final channel was featured on "The Secret Box", it is actually the TV coloring station that is hard to access on all televisions, but SpongeBob refers to it as his "Secret Channel."
Religion
The main religion in Bikini Bottom is uncertain; however, the citizens of Bikini Bottom worship the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. The movie shows this, and there is evidence in the episodes. There are phrases such as "Oh Neptune!", "Neptune's gentle creatures", and "Where in the name of Neptune". However, Sandy may be Christian since she is a land critter from Texas and she brought Christmas down to Bikini Bottom (even though Santa Claus did not come and Squidward had to give away everything but his new clarinet instead).[28] In the episode, "Enemy In-Law," Mr. Krabs is shown stealing a hat from a church.
Sports
It is most likely that in Bikini Bottom, most of the citizens enjoy American football. SpongeBob frequently watches the sport in his spare time. Squidward had dreams of becoming a Wide Receiver. Sporting events occur in Bikini Bottom, such as the Fry Cook Games (parody of the Olympic Games), the Great Snail Race, and the Anchor Toss Competition.
- Every year Bikini Bottom has the Fry Cook Games (a spoof of the Olympic Games but with fast food). The Fry Cook Games are held at Bikini Bottom's Fast Food Coliseum. The first annual competition was held in 1980. Eugene H. Krabs and Sheldon J. Plankton went head to head against each other until the 21st Fry Cook Games in 2001. There, the Krusty Krab was represented by SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Chum Bucket was represented by Patrick Star. In the 21st Fry Cook Games, there were 8 events (The chocolate high dive, bun toss, butter skating, giant ketchup bottle toss, hurdles, while carrying platters, riding giant spatulas and samba dancing). The tie breaker was bun wrestling. The winner was never determined.[29]
- The Great Snail Race is an annual race between snails at Oyster Stadium, which is located in the Bikini Bottom Zoo. At the pre-game ceremony, of the 102nd Running of the Snail, Lightning Larry Luciano (The winner of the first race) lights the Torch of Good Sportsmanship (although very slowly). After the torch is lit, the games begin. The first snail to make it across the finish line, wins. The result of the 102nd race ended with Rocky (won by default, owned by Patrick Star, actually a Pet Rock) in first place, Snellie (owned by Squidward Tentacles) in second place, and Gary (disqualified, owned by SpongeBob SquarePants) in last place, disqualified due to the coach running on to the race track. Patrick had the trophy engraved to Squidward Tortellini (mistaken for Squidward Tentacles), because he had wanted to win very badly.[30]
- The Anchor Toss Competition is a contest of strong ocean dwellers tossing a large anchor on a 510+ yard field. A referee goes and measures the distance between the tosser and the anchor, but is constantly hit by it. SpongeBob was part of the contest, along with Sandy Cheeks, Don the Whale, and Larry the Lobster.
- Jellyfishing is a fictional sport that is similar to fishing. The first episode with jellyfishing was Tea at the Treedome but the sport's name wasn't revealed. Jellyfishing involves hunting jellyfish using a wooden net and a plastic jar. The sport was first introduced by name in the episode "Jellyfishing." In the episode, the characters SpongeBob and Patrick take their neighbor Squidward to Jellyfish Fields, where many episode plots involving jellyfishing would be set in. Nickelodeon, the cable TV network that owns the rights to SpongeBob SquarePants, has released two products based on the sport. They are slumber bags and wall borders.[31]
- 'Bubble blowing is another hobby in Bikini bottom. But the only bubble blowers known are SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star, although Squidward has blown bubbles before.[32] SpongeBob once set up a Bubblestand and charged 25 cents for bubble blowing; 25 cents for lessons. There is a special technique to bubble blowing: "First go like this, spin around. Stop. Double take 3 times: 1, 2, 3. Then, PELVIC THRUST. Stop on your right foot, DON'T FORGET IT. Then bring it around town. Then you do this, then this, and this, then this, then that, then this and that." Some awkward shapes of bubbles include an elephant (Patrick: It's a Giraffe!), butterflies, worms, among others. Two bubble-themed episodes are "Bubblestand" and "Bubble Buddy."
Other sports include those that are played by people in the real world, such as weight lifting, swimming, volleyball, karate, and hot dog eating contests.
- Weight lifting is very popular at Goo Lagoon. There are even weight lifting competitions at Goo Lagoon. SpongeBob even has a small fitness center at his house. However, instead of weights, SpongeBob uses stuffed animals (rabbits) as weights. SpongeBob has used a stick with two marshmallows attached to it, which he could not lift.
- Swimming is a very popular sport at Goo Lagoon. There are small circular pools elsewhere in the city.
- Volleyball Just like the real sport. In Bikini Bottom, volleyball is played at Goo Lagoon.
- Karate is a popular sport for SpongeBob and Sandy. Some Karate moves include the Double Overhand Squirrel Knot and the Squirrel and the Tin Cans. Two Karate-themed episodes are "Karate Choppers" and "Karate Island."
- A hot dog eating contest is briefly shown during the episode "SpongeGuard on Duty".
- Bowling also seems to be a sport since a bowling alley was shown in the PC version of "Battle for Bikini Bottom".
Holidays and events
There are popular events that take place in Bikini Bottom. Most of these events take place at Goo Lagoon. Such events include the Anchor Toss Competition, Hotdog Chug Contest, Sand Castle Competition, Surfing Competition, and the Weight Lifting Competition. An Art Contest occurs at the Bikini Bottom Art Society. Sporting events such as the Great Snail Race takes place at Oyster Stadium; the Fry Cook Games take place at the Fast Food Coliseum. The Bubble Bowl, a musical event in which the Bikini Bottom Super Band plays at takes place in a human football stadium. Bikini Bottom has a carnival, as well as an annual Scavenger Hunt, which SpongeBob has won three times in a row.
Bikini Bottom has its share of holidays. It has five main holidays, as in the real world: Valentine's Day (February 14);[9] Halloween (October 31); Christmas (December 25); Easter; and Independence Day (July 4). Three minor holidays are celebrated in Bikini Bottom, which humans know of. These are Opposite Day (January 25),[4] April Fools Day (April 1), and Leif Erikson Day (which the show claims SpongeBob made up) (October 9). Other holidays are not known in the real world, but are known in Bikini Bottom: Annoy Squidward Day (January 15), Bikini Bottom Zoo Annual Free Day, Best Friends Day, National Free Balloon Day, and Starfish Day.
Cuisine
Certain foods are parodied and given an aquatic theme, but others can be based on the real world. Like the real world, food ranges in many types such as potato chips, fast food, meat (beef jerky, burgers), and fancy foods. Kelpo, a cereal that looks similar to Fruit Loops, is one of several popular brands in Bikini Bottom. It is shown that many products are advertised throughout the series. Krabby Patties, which is a popular food to ordinary people, rich people, and food critics alike, holds a positive reputation as an edible food. The Krabby Patty passes on its taste to other Krusty Krab burgers, which adds on success as more creative products are made. Another fast food restaurant, the Chum Bucket, sells inedible food such as Chum Sticks, Chum Burgers, and other chum products. The cuisine in Bikini Bottom is centered on fast food, but many others prefer fancy foods from Fancy!
National anthem
Bikini Bottom has its own national anthem, which goes as follows:
- Oh, Bikini Bottom, we pledge our hearts to you,
- As faithful, as deep, as true, as blue,
- Bikini Bottom, we love you!
Other places
There are places and features outside Bikini Bottom. Most of them appear in video games. Other towns and cities in SpongeBob SquarePants include Apple World, Rock Bottom, Mount Kabloovious, Ancient Mariner Valley, Bass Vegas, Neptune's Paradise, Ukulele Bottom, Atlantis, Leisure Village, Tentacle Acres, Palm Bay and Bottoms Up/Waverly Hills, plus Bikini Atoll on the surface. Shell City (also on the surface) is six days away through a long and dangerous route beyond the County Line (the boundary of Bikini Bottom).[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 As seen in the episode, "Dunces and Dragons"
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 As seen in "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 as seen in the episode, "Selling Out"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 as seen in the episode, "Opposite Day"
- ↑ All the population plus Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward as mentioned in the episode, "Patty Hype."
- ↑ TV Shows on Nick. "SpongeBob SquarePants." 2007. [1]
- ↑ as seen in the episode, SB-129
- ↑ as seen in SpongeBob BC
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 as seen in the episode, "Valentine's Day"
- ↑ as seen in Pranks a Lot
- ↑ , Pranks a Lot
- ↑ as seen in ESB: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman
- ↑ as mentioned in the ESB: Employee of the Month computer game
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedChimps Ahoy - ↑ as seen in Patty Hype
- ↑ As seen in Home Sweet Pineapple
- ↑ as seen in Good Neighbors
- ↑ as seen in SpongeBob Meets the Strangler
- ↑ as seen in Life of Crime
- ↑ as seen in Dying for Pie
- ↑ as seen in Life of Crime
- ↑ as seen in Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy III
- ↑ as seen in Whale of a Birthday
- ↑ as seen in the episode, Have You Seen This Snail?
- ↑ as seen in Neptune's Spatula
- ↑ as seen in Employee of the Month
- ↑ as seen in Krab Borg
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedChristmas Who? - ↑ as seen in The Fry Cook Games
- ↑ as seen in The Great Snail Race
- ↑ Nickelodeon's shopping website. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
- ↑ as seen in Bubblestand