Ray Routhier

Press Herald

Ray Routhier writes about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues. In more than 23 years at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, he has been continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. The word he uses most for stories he’s drawn to is “quirky.” He’s written about the changing cable TV and Internet landscapes, and what those changes mean for the future of information and entertainment. He’s dug clams, raked blueberries and rode on the back of a garbage truck, all in pursuit of stories about real Mainers. He’s had a ball interviewing a range of celebrities from Anna Kendrick and Patrick Dempsey to Billy Joel and Tony Bennett. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, N.H., he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two daughters.

Latest

Published
November 18, 2012

Holiday table seating arrangements a blend of science, history

If you peer down to the head of your Thanksgiving dinner table on Thursday and think “There’s Grandpa, in his proper seat because he’s the head of the family,” then you’re not thinking deeply enough.
Published
November 16, 2012

MPBN ending “Down Memory Lane”

The popular nostalgia and music show has been on the air since 1979.
Published
November 15, 2012

Time Warner modem charge prompts two class-action lawsuits

When Cindy Peterson was told in October that she had to start paying $3.95 a month for a Time Warner Cable modem that she’s had in her home for years, it was the last straw.
Published
October 29, 2012

Green Day postpones Portland concert for singer’s rehab

“Obviously, the timing for this isn’t ideal, but Billie Joe’s well-being is our main concern,” said one band member.
Published
October 27, 2012

Even in Halloween mask sales, candidates face off

A national retailer links ‘victory’ at the cash register to victory in the presidential race — but skeptics say it’s not so.
Published
October 21, 2012

‘Amazing Race’ contestant from Maine

Being on the CBS globe-trotting reality show “The Amazing Race” was not the first time James Davis had been around the world. But it does mark one of the few international trips Davis has taken with his shirt on for substantial periods of time.
Published
October 4, 2012

‘World of Warcraft’ gamers puzzled by Republican attack on Lachowicz

Mick Pratt thinks drawing attention to a political candidate’s video gaming habit is sort of like telling folks not to vote for someone because they go to football games with their bodies painted New England Patriots’ colors.
Published
September 1, 2012

Slimmed-down Disney figures inspire backlash

Lydia Belden doesn’t want a skinny Minnie. The 17-year-old high school senior from Cape Elizabeth wants the Minnie Mouse she loved as a preschooler, the round little mouse who was cute and funny and made her feel good about herself.
Published
August 17, 2012

Dish TV keeps WGME — for now

WGME announced on its website Thursday morning that its owner, Sinclair Broadcast Group, has reached an “agreement in principle” with Dish Network on a new contract to allow Dish to carry Sinclair stations.
Published
July 19, 2012

Emmy nominations include Mainers

The list of nominees includes Cape Elizabeth resident Glenn Close as lead actress in “Damages,” and the comedy “Veep,” which features Readfield native Tim Simons.