At work we somehow landed on the topic of how many holes a human has, which then evolved into a heated discussion on the classic question of how many holes does a straw have.

I think it’s two, but some people are convinced that it’s one, which I just don’t understand. What are your thoughts?

  • Perhaps
    2•1 year ago

    So how does one “dig a hole?” Straight to China? Or whatever is opposite of you?

    • @SpaceNoodle
      3•1 year ago

      Topologically, yes. Buy you could also go down a bit, make a lateral tunnel, then pop back up.

      • livus
        4•1 year ago

        So what you are saying is, if I dig a hole that doesn’t go anywhere, then that’s not really a hole?

        • @SpaceNoodle
          2•1 year ago

          Topologically, yes. Coincidentally, “Hole to Nowhere” is the best Talking Heads parody album.

        • eu
          2•1 year ago

          In topology, yes. It must go through to count.

          • livus
            3•1 year ago

            That’s fascinating. So most of what I would call “holes” are what, in topographical terms, hollows? Depressions?

            • eu
              3•1 year ago

              I don’t even know if they have a name for that since it can simply be undone by stretching the object, which is allowed under topological rules.