Seattlest: Item! Trivia Scandal at the Old Pequliar

kford

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 15:54:36 -0800

I was a team member on the team that "won" trivia that infamous night three weeks ago. I would like to defend myself and the O.P. as there have been a lot of allegations made without many inquiries into the facts. Mainly this post is for the previous trivia master and the members of his team, the rightful winners that night. We went out for trivia that night to support our friend Word and have a good time. The members of the team were a youth minister, his fiancee, the owner of the Ravenna Alehouse and myself, his girlfriend. We played fairly well, our score was about three points off the lead at halftime. We were drinking and being merry, but trying to compete as well. We averaged about 5-6 points per round after halftime, but we weren't keeping a close watch as the most important thing on our minds was to have a good time. At the end of the final round we go to close up our tabs thinking that we probably did not win trivia that night. But low and behold our team name, Reverend Ordinand and the Holy Rollers, was called out as the winner. I admit I was surprised, but had Jeff (of the Ravenna Alehouse) go up to verify and collect the winnings. Perhaps we were naive to think we won trivia that night, but 1) we were not in "cahoots" with Word to defraud triva, 2) had a History Major from the University of Washington on our team and 3) would like to think that we could have won as we weren't bombing each round. We collected our winnings, which as we have always done in the past goes to the first place team and does not get divided up amongst the top three teams. We left the bar, but came back to say "good bye" to Word as he was leaving to go back to California the next day. When we came back to say "good bye" to Word he was visibly upset. We asked him why and he said because the current trivia master was being a jerk (that is the polite version of what he said). I did not question this as 1) I was feeling merry from 5 Mirror Ponds and 2) figured it was a cock fight between trivia hosts. So, here was the other team's opportunity to discuss what happened with us, but they sped off in the car apparently under duress. I feel saddened that the integrity of the Old Pequliar was sullied by Word. I am also upset that this put into question my integrity as well as my team members. Once we got wind of what happened we promptly gave the money back to Carl Rogers, owner of the Old Pequliar. I apologize that so many people were upset by what happened that night; however, I feel that the outcome was appropriate and fair. I just wanted to let the other team know that we are not fraudulent people, but decent people who were trying to have fun that night and got caught up in the middle of this maelstorm.

Just0ne

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 17:08:06 -0800

June 20th, stopped in at the Old P. around 7:30pm. Looked like it was set up for trivia, with a table and microphone setup. By 7:45pm the microphone was removed and our bartender came to our table and informed us that Trivia had been cancelled for the night. No specific reason was given. I guess it might be a while before trivia resurfaces at the Old P. ?? But I will keep checking back. It was too late to get to Murphy's or anywhere else, but maybe next time.

lissener

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 15:10:24 -0800

To the OP defender: you might need to read the original article again; the OP management was specifically held blameless for everything except allowing Word to host.

baguba01

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 22:23:26 -0800

does anyone mind if the old pequliar has a chance to defend itself? word was a great host while he was here. he moved away about a year ago, this was his first visit back, and my clear recollection is of HIM BEGGING US to host for a night. his behavior was appalling and inexcusable, but do you honestly think that they build business there by ripping people off? its slanderous and absurd to suggest so. the o.p. isn't for everyone, but i know these people and they would NEVER rig a trivia night, thats just stupid.

KJ

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 12:51:17 -0800

You might want to try Chanages also. Money and beer each round and the questions are fun but challenging. No neverious dealing there.

Frank Bruno

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:41:56 -0800

I've had similar experiences at the Old P. The trivia there is random and haphazard, and points seem to be awarded for no rhyme more reason. Sounds like it was the same guy. The host "miscounted" the tally, and so he and gave our prize money to someone else. He apologized for the goof and bought us a round, which was nice, but it was still kind of annoying that we had won and someone else got the cash. I think we got tapes from his porno collection as a second prize... yeesh. I understand it's all in good fun, but if you're goint to take my money, have the courtesy to take it at least a little seriously. :) I will have to try Norm's and The Jones. Thanks for the tips!

Steve M

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 16:17:34 -0800

Word as host way back when was one reason why I stopped going to trivia at the Old P. He often had ambiguous questions with arbitrary decisions on what would be allowed as an answer and what wouldn't be. He also often had a music round that involved a lot of 60s and 70s hard rock, with nothing else thrown into the mix. If I'd been in there and seen that he was the guest host, I would have walked out immediately.

Dan

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 15:20:44 -0800

Any word on how popular the George and Dragon evening World Cup replays have been?

James

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 15:05:37 -0800

Evan: Our friend the new quizmaster confirmed that he will no longer be hosting at the Old Pequliar. Return without fear. Everyone else: Thanks for the venue recommendations -- we'll be looking around for a new regular gig, though I suspect we'll dip our toe back into the George & Dragon next week, at least.

jason

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 14:09:01 -0800

my friends and i have been having much fun at kozak's trivia night the last couple of months. the current quizmaster is in germany taking in the world cup, but his replacement has done well so far. http://kozakstrivia.blogspot.com/

Todd

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 12:24:02 -0800

And thus began the Seattle Trivia Mafia ...

Suz

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:55:40 -0800

The Alex Trebek Project has started playing at Norm's in Fremont...the questions at the Old Peculiar were just too tough, here we're competitive. Also, the owner runs the trivia (I've heard his wife searches for questions each week) and I've never heard of any backroom trivia deals. Who knew Seattle had such a seedy trivia underground!

Fred

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:02:52 -0800

As the trivia writer and host at "The Jones" (best fries in Seattle!), "Finn MacCool's" (drunk college kids!), and "Redhook Brewery" (outdoor trivia!), I'd like to say that this kinda stuff really pisses me off. I'm always hardcore about our rules (team size, cell phone use, making sure I don't loiter around my friends, etc) - once you've blown the integrity of a trivia night, then everyone stops having fun. There are many other great trivia nights around Seattle: The Old Peculiar is dead to me!

Evan Doddleham

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 10:34:14 -0800

Does that mean the current quizmaster isn't going to be hosting anymore? I've stopped attending since he's been doing the quizes due to his terrible questions and condescending attitude. Maybe it's time to come back!