Languages of the real and artificial - Latest Comments in Smiley Socket

Re: Smiley Socket

Oliver — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:05:38 -0000

Haha, funny insight, I wonder if the face does actually attract them? Although, I'm probably talking absolute rubbish!

Cheers

Re: Smiley Socket

Scott Moonen — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:36:16 -0000

Interesting observation! My hypothesis is that babies love outlets for the same reason they love little ants crawling across the floor, cracks in the wall, etc. They are an intriguing -- even distracting -- interruption of the normal.

As to outlets being installed upside-down, I believe that it is normal to install an outlet upside-down only if the outlet is partially switched. E.g., if a switch in the room controls the bottom but not the top socket, then typically the outlet is installed upside-down as an indication of this fact. I don't know if this is a matter of building codes, but it does seem to be a very common practice.

Re: Smiley Socket

Antun — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:29:39 -0000

The outlets don't have to be installed face-side-up. It's perfectly acceptable (although less common) to install them with the "mouth" at the top.

Actually, outlets remind me more of Much's scream than a cute face :O

Re: Smiley Socket

Josh — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:58:29 -0000

An interesting thought. I personally believe it is because they resemble the "put a block into a slot" style games - and babies seem preoccupied with inserting things into slots, especially their own mouths.

Of course, your hypothesis could be tested. It would make a nice experiment.

Re: Smiley Socket

ultrasaurus — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:36 -0000

Looks like a frowny face to me... :)