Dominoes are one of the most versatile toys available. They can be used to build structures of great complexity, as a game of chance or strategy, and to illustrate basic concepts in mathematics and science. They are also used to demonstrate the so-called “domino effect” — how one object can knock over something much larger than itself. Today’s Wonder of the Day is all about this fascinating phenomenon!
A domino is a small, flat rectangular block of rigid material, typically made of ivory or bone, with either black or white pips (or dots). A complete set consists of 28 pieces. Dominoes are often arranged in lines and angular patterns to form an overall shape. They are used in a variety of games, including a form of checkers, called domino gammon. Other games include domino baseball and domino football, in which players hit a ball with a bat or football to knock over dominoes laid out on the ground in a pattern similar to a field.
In the past, dominoes were sometimes used to teach arithmetic and counting skills. In addition, they have been used to develop the motor skills of young children. Today, they are a popular toy that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Despite their simplicity, dominoes can be complicated to build and are mesmerizing to watch fall. In a way, they are a metaphor for some learning challenges that students face. When compensating for a learning difference, students can end up like a row of falling dominoes – each small movement causes the next to fall.
One of the ways that Domino’s has adapted to changes in its industry is by focusing on customer service. In fact, the company’s CEO, Don Meij, was featured in the TV show Undercover Boss, where he went undercover to see how employees at various Domino’s restaurants handled their work and their customers. He quickly realized that the Domino’s culture needed to change, and he acted accordingly. He instituted new leadership training programs, relaxed the dress code, and introduced a college recruiting system. He also emphasized the importance of listening to employees and acting on their feedback.
While some people may think that Domino’s is trying to be too corporate, it is important to remember that the company started out as an entrepreneurial venture. The founder, Tom Monaghan, came from a family of entrepreneurs who worked in retail and wholesale. He was the first to introduce delivery services in the United States, which helped his business grow. Moreover, Domino’s is one of the few companies that publicly admits that it has made some mistakes in the past. This self-awareness has been a crucial part of the company’s successful turnaround.