Understanding the Domino Effect

domino

A small rectangular block, the face of which is either blank or marked by dots resembling those on dice: 28 such dominoes form a set. Domino (singular) also refers to a game played with such blocks, typically in positional play where one player places a domino edge to edge against another so that the adjacent faces match or add up to some specified total.

A domino effect occurs when one event causes an additional effect that results in a cascade of events, such as a person losing their job and then getting fired and then having a hard time finding another job and so on. The term was coined in the 1930s by an economist named Egon von Bismarck to describe the way in which a country’s economic situation can spiral downwards, leading to a loss of confidence among investors, which in turn leads to a collapse in currency values and a banking crisis.

In order to understand the phenomenon, it is useful to consider what is happening at each stage of a domino effect. The first is the trigger, which can be anything from a natural disaster to a terrorist attack. The second is the response, which can be a government intervention or a business acquisition, for example. The final stage is the chain reaction, where the impact of a single domino can ripple through an entire economy.

As a result of the economic crisis, credit unions have been acquiring each other at an alarming rate. Some experts are concerned that this will lead to further government takeovers and mergers, which will have a domino effect on the wider economy.

In the case of the credit unions, there have been concerns that this could lead to a lack of competition and higher prices for consumers. This is something that the industry needs to address as a matter of urgency, but this will not be easy and will require cooperation between all stakeholders.

Domino Art

There are many different ways to make domino art, from simple lines to curved shapes and grids that form pictures when they fall to 3D structures like towers and pyramids. It is an interesting pastime that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Plotting a Novel

While it may seem counterintuitive, the domino effect is a useful tool for creating a strong story. Whether you plan your manuscript out with careful outline or compose it off the cuff, the basic process is the same. The triggering event sets off the domino effect, which travels down the line at a constant speed and without losing energy, much like a nerve impulse traveling down an axon.

When a domino is stood up upright, it stores potential energy in its position as it resists the force of gravity. When it falls, much of this energy is converted to kinetic energy. The effect is similar to a chain reaction, but the pulse of a falling domino moves faster and is all or nothing, just as a nerve impulse is all or none.