A domino is a small rectangular block, usually of wood or plastic, with one face numbered and the other blank or marked by an arrangement of spots or dots that resemble those on dice. It is used as the base for a game in which players place other dominoes on it, either by throwing them or by placing them edge to edge so that the pips match or form some specified total. Dominoes can be played in a variety of ways, with the most popular games involving blocking or scoring. The standard domino set consists of 28 tiles, though many games can be played with fewer or more.
In the early 18th century, dominoes appeared in Italy and southern Germany before becoming a fad in France. The name domino does not appear before that time; it was probably derived from a French word meaning “hooded costume” used for masquerades.
The earliest known use of the term domino is in a Latin manuscript dated 1415. The word has also been translated as “little fox” and “little lamb.” In the Latin language, it is used to refer to a small or delicate thing.
A domino effect is an event or trend that leads to other events, like a chain reaction. A domino effect can be a result of a systemic failure or human error. For example, a patient may enter the hospital with one infection and leave with a different or worse infection due to a medical professional’s negligence. The term is also sometimes used in the context of social and political events.
One of the most common uses of the domino theory is to justify military interventions in foreign countries. The United States, for instance, has frequently employed the strategy in Latin America. In the 1977 Frost/Nixon interviews, President Richard Nixon explained his policy of destabilizing the Allende regime in Chile on domino theory grounds. He argued that a Communist Chile and Cuba would form a “red sandwich” that could trap Latin America between them.
Domino’s Pizza, founded in 1984 by David Monaghan in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was among the first major chains to use the domino theory as a business model. The company focused on putting its stores near college campuses so that it could target young customers and build brand loyalty. The strategy was successful and the company grew rapidly until it became a multibillion-dollar enterprise.
In recent years, the company has faced challenges due to the labor shortage. Its reliance on delivery drivers has made it difficult to meet customer demands. As a result, some of its stores have reduced their hours. The company is working to address this problem by increasing its focus on its digital channels and carryout services. It is also increasing its incentives for delivery drivers. In the long run, Domino’s believes these investments will pay off. In addition, the company is preparing to open new stores to keep up with customer demand. This will allow the company to offset the current labor shortage and continue its growth.