Um. Turtle, you okay today?

Just to reiterate for the OP, who describes himself as "knowning
nothing about electricity": you really need to turn OFF the circuit,
then don't turn it back on until an electrician takes a look at a few
things. Specifically:
- the receptical will need to be replaced
- the circuit box itself may need to be replaced
- some of the wiring may need to be replaced
- the circuit breaker may need to be replaced
- the plug on the air conditioner may need to be replaced
- other outlets or wiring in the house may need to be repaired or
replaced.

And since this just seems to be a once in a lifetime love-fest of
agreement on usenet, with the exception of turtle, that is), I'll give
a hearty nod to whoever said not to be afraid of caling the
electician. It may well turn out to be just some very quick and easy
repairs, due to loose wires, or some other simple cause. Or your house
might burn down tomorrow.

-Kevin