Dominoes (also known as bones, pieces, men, or cards) are small rectangular blocks used as gaming objects. They are normally made of rigid material such as wood or bone and may have a variety of markings on both sides to distinguish them from each other. The identifying marks, called spots or pips, range from six to none or blank and indicate a value such as point or rank, color, or suit. They are typically doubled in size to facilitate re-stacking after use.

A domino set contains all the tiles required for a particular game, including some spares, and may be marked with the rules for that game. Depending on the game, dominoes can be arranged in straight lines, in curved lines, or as grids that form pictures when they fall. 3D structures such as towers and pyramids are also popular. Some sets of dominoes are used in a domino show, where builders construct complex chains and reactions before a live audience of fans.

Domino shows are a form of skill competition in which participants attempt to build the longest and most impressive domino chains possible. Contestants use a variety of materials such as wood, brass, and glass to construct these elaborate structures. The winners are awarded prizes for their creations, and the winners of a given show are generally crowned champions.

The domino effect is a principle of narrative structure that states that a scene, or a series of scenes, will influence the next scene in a similar way to how the first domino topples and triggers the rest of the chain. Whether you are a panster who writes a manuscript off the cuff or a plotter who uses an outline template program such as Scrivener, the process of writing your novel boils down to one question: What happens next?

A key to understanding the domino effect is that plotting a novel is not about action but reaction. Taking the time to analyze what will happen as a result of your scene choices can make the process of crafting a story much easier.

Domino’s Pizza, which was once one of the biggest pizza delivery companies in the United States, was once a household name that was considered a national icon. However, in the mid-2000s the company was struggling financially and losing market share to competitors. The company’s leadership change at that time was the catalyst for a revitalization effort, which included an emphasis on technology and introducing new products like pizza-by-text and online ordering. Domino’s also increased its workforce in order to meet the growing demand for pizza and other products. By 2007, the company was in better financial shape and had regained its position as a top pizza company. The company continues to innovate and introduce new products, as well as develop new ways for customers to order their pizzas. In addition to expanding its menu, Domino’s has also begun to deliver orders using autonomous vehicles. In an attempt to reduce costs, the company has invested in an automated system that allows employees to monitor production levels and adjust accordingly.