Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
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PublishedJanuary 27, 2011
Rockin’ Robyn
The Swedish pop star is poised to make it big in the U.S. this summer; on Saturday, Portland gets a preview.
At 31, Robyn is poised to have her big U.S. breakthrough with her new album “Body Talk” and the Grammy-nominated single “Dancing on My Own,” which is up against heavy hitters “Dance in the Dark” by Lady Gaga and “Only Girl (In the World)” by Rihanna.
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PublishedJanuary 26, 2011
New season of ‘American Idol’ features two Mainers
Portland’s Jessica Cunningham, who appeared last year, returns, along with a Winthrop teenager.
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PublishedJanuary 25, 2011
Mainer wants more face timewith ‘The Bachelor’
The stress of competing with as many as 30 women for the attention of one man is starting to get to Ashley Hebert.
The Madawaska native was seen on Monday night’s episode of ABC’s reality series “The Bachelor” emotionally distraught by her lack of one-on-one time with bachelor Brad Womack.
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PublishedJanuary 24, 2011
Maine at Work: Reporter discovers Amato’s secret ingredient: A flowchart
I’ve eaten enough Amato’s Italians in my time to feel confident that I would know exactly what went into one. Until I had to make one for a customer. I was relieved when sandwich maker Brenda Billings showed me the little flip cards that list all of the ingredients of Amato’s sandwiches — and pizzas — along with the amount of each item.
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PublishedJanuary 23, 2011
WHAT A PANE
If you have remarkable old windows and dread having them replaced, here’s a spot of good news: You may not have to.
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PublishedJanuary 22, 2011
‘American Idol’ audition:Winthrop teen’s Hollywood moment
Danielle Pease, 15, will be one of about 200 people competing for one of 20 slots in the televised semifinals.
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PublishedJanuary 20, 2011
Music and Nightlife: How does free sound?
At Stone Mountain, thanks to Carol Noonan, it sounds like up-and-coming acts playing a lot of great music.
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PublishedJanuary 19, 2011
Local actress wins award for horror film role
Sue Stevens wins Best Supporting Actress from a horror film website for her role in ‘The Wrong House.’
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PublishedJanuary 17, 2011
Bedding material might be soft, but it sure can be hard to handle
Maine at Work: Ray Routhier’s goose will be cooked if he can’t corral enough feathery down to evenly fill a comforter or a pillow.
At Cuddledown, Roode and others told me, “down” means the very fine, very soft substance found on the front of the neck of a goose or a duck. Because it’s so light and so fine, it’s not the easiest substance to work with.
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PublishedJanuary 16, 2011
Open House: West Side Story
It begins with a couple — Gene and Ruth Story — who fell in love with a John Calvin Stevens stunner in Portland’s West End, and set about restoring it to its former glory.