BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhuanet) -- SpongeBob SquarePants, the fictional character of Nickolodeon's animated television series, is 10 years old. Designed by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillengurg, SpongeBob first hit television screens in May 1999. The character, a naive and goofy sea sponge who lives in the fictitious underwater town of Bikini Bottom, has been a favorite for both adults and children alike. Voiced by actor and comedian Tom Kenny, the character has also courted controversy and been seen by some as promoting homosexuality. In the cartoon series SpongeBob is often seen holding hands with his friend Patrick, something which...
