What is Domino?

Domino is a tile game played with tiles arranged edge to edge in a horizontal line, each edge marked with numbers, with each face featuring either blank or identically patterned tiles. Each domino also features an edge divided visually into two squares called ends; depending on its value and number of spots on these ends (known as “pips”) on either end, its weight (known as “heaviness” of value). A domino with more spots or “pips”) than others will be considered “heavier.”

The word domino may refer to either the game itself, its mathematical theory behind it, or any of a variety of games played using dominoes as their basis. Originating in Italy and France around 1750, dominoes have since spread all across Europe with similar games often using this system. They originated during the mid 18th century with its first recordings likely being made during that century’s French and Italian Revolutions; their name comes from Latin dominum meaning “heavy” or “majestic,” suggesting early pieces were composed of blacks and ivory whites to contrast against clergymen’s white surplices worn when playing by clergymen wearing white surplices while playing their domino system games against one another.

Most domino games involve positioning: placing each tile edge-to-edge against another in such a manner that its markings match or total up. The player with the highest total is declared victorious; traditionally, tiles are drawn out from a bag at random before an initial player (either determined through random drawing of lots or holding out their hand first) starts the game.

After placing the initial domino, additional tiles may only be placed at open ends of the layout. A double is a special tile with two matching ends positioned crosswise across a domino’s end; usually additional tiles must be played against only its long sides, however some games allow exceptions and enable short sides as well.

As well as traditional positional games, domino-art techniques have emerged over time. Some involve simple straight lines while others utilize more intricate curves or stackings of lines or grids that form pictures or even three dimensional structures such as towers and pyramids for decorative displays or for playing fun games.

Hevesh makes use of slow motion filming when she begins creating new works of domino art, then uses the footage for precise corrections. Her aim is to get every section working according to plan; therefore she creates test versions of large three dimensional sections prior to joining them together into complete tracks. Once one section is perfect she begins adding flat arrangements before linking all sections with lines of dominoes.

Hevesh says this method of planning and working can be an invaluable asset to writers. She points out how it is often hard to predict what impact a scene will have until it is written and put in context, after which point one can see if its effects are too subtle and do not add tension in the preceding scene; otherwise a writer can adjust its direction, making small tweaks as needed until everything falls into place successfully. If necessary, writing could nudge dominoes in another direction to try again if necessary.

Singapore Prize Winner Announced

The NUS Singapore History Prize is administered by the Department of History within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at National University of Singapore (NUS). Established by an anonymous donor in 2014, this Prize aims to recognise works that explore Singaporean history more broadly including traditional literary genres of English, Chinese and Malay literature as well as creative works like films, manga, comics or graphic novels. Awarded every three years.

The winner receives both a cash award and plaque; shortlisted entries will also be announced publically and featured on the program website. Book-length works relating to any time period, theme or field in Singaporean history will be considered; those interested should include some aspect of its history in their work.

Prof Miksic of the NUS History Department stated that Ms Hidayah’s book was both elegantly crafted and meticulously researched; thus offering us an in-depth exploration of Singapore’s past, and serving as evidence that anyone can create history books without needing professional knowledge of historical writing.

Ms Hidayah, who serves on the NUS History Prize jury, took five years to write her book, with two-three years spent interviewing people from Kampong Glam area and consulting primary sources such as maps and historical records for research. Her book covers 1786 to 1822 era history; an invaluable source for researchers and students of Singapore history alike.

An environmental prize launched by Prince William of Britain will host its inaugural awards ceremony in Asia on Nov 7th. Known as the Earthshot Prize, this global environmental award offers grants up to PS1 Million for innovative projects that target climate change or protect the planet. Winners may be presented with grants as large as PS100,000. At this event, globally-acclaimed musicians and artists may also perform.

The awards will take place at Singapore’s state-owned Mediacorp theatre and be co-hosted by actors Hannah Waddingham and Sterling K Brown, while notable attendees such as Cate Blanchett, Lana Condor, Donnie Yen and wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin will all attend. Celebrities will walk a ‘green carpet’ made of recycled materials. Prince William donned an eco-friendly outfit from his closet dating back 10 years paired with an Alexander McQueen recycled shirt to adhere to this year’s sustainability theme. This event will also be streamed live online and prizes awarded in honor of President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “Moonshot” speech committing the US to landing man on the moon within 10 years. Additionally, winners’ solutions to climate change and environmental protection will be showcased during a ceremony featuring award winners including solar-powered dryers that combat food waste to making electric car batteries cleaner.