Domino is a small tile that features a line down the center and has numbers on each end. The most common domino set contains 28 tiles and has the number “double-six.” Larger sets with more pips on each end exist, but are less commonly used for games. Dominoes can be arranged in straight or curved lines, grids that form pictures, or 3-D structures like pyramids and towers. They can also be stacked in columns. When a domino is shook or flicked, the tiles fall in a chain reaction. This is known as the Domino Effect.
The idiom domino effect refers to any event in which one small trigger initiates a larger chain reaction. It’s often used to describe the spread of Communism, but it can be applied to many situations. The earliest use of the phrase is attributed to journalist Alsop Williamson, who wrote about Dwight Eisenhower’s decision to send American military aid to South Vietnam in the 1950s. He described the decision to aid South Vietnam as a “domino effect” in which a single action could result in a chain of events that would lead to Communism’s spread throughout the world.
Lily Hevesh has loved playing with dominoes since she was 9 years old. She remembers setting them up in straight or curved lines, then flicking the first one and watching the whole line fall. She’s also created some of the most intricate domino art, including large 3-D arrangements and a grid that forms a picture when it falls.
She begins each project by carefully testing the individual sections to make sure they’ll work correctly. She then begins putting them together, working from the biggest to the smallest pieces. She’s careful not to disturb the original setup, as even the tiniest change can have consequences.
In addition to creating art, Hevesh uses her skills to teach children about science and math. She says domino can help children develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and it teaches them about pattern recognition and sequencing. She’s also found that domino can foster a sense of pride and achievement. She says that her students are often shocked to see how much of their work they can accomplish when they focus on a task and keep at it.
Domino’s leadership changes were a domino that tipped the company into decline. CEO David Brandon’s departure led to a decline in profits and employee turnover, which were both major concerns for the company. The next CEO, Doyle, focused on a few key core values, including championing customers. He took the time to listen to employees and to address customer complaints directly.
Before players draw their hands, the tiles must be shuffled. This is typically done by placing the tiles face down on a flat surface, and then moving them around randomly while keeping the tiles from touching each other. The player who draws the highest double goes first, and each player then draws a hand of seven tiles. The tiles that are not drawn remain face down and are sometimes called the boneyard.