A love for quirk and history make Maine among the most museum-ed states, according to federal estimate.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
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.
Singing salesman wins ’em over with his banana spiel
Biddeford resident and Southern Maine Community College student Jonathan Niederer is becoming known for his musical call of ‘fresh bananas heah’ and his bubbly personality, with help from comedian John Hodgman.
KahBang festival cancels concerts
Withdrawal of principal sponsors prompted organizers to drop the Portland festival’s musical portion, but arts and film events will proceed as planned.
KahBang festival moving from Bangor to Portland
The four-day festival will bring numerous musical acts and films to the city in August after organizers abruptly decide to relocate it.
The Internet is changing: What does it mean for you?
A convergence of mergers, deals and rulings could leave many of us feeling disconnected.
‘American Idol’ auditions Wednesday on Portland waterfront
Singers 15 to 28 are eligible to try out for the hit FOX TV show.
Filmmaker Kyle Rankin returns to Maine to make zombie comedy
Best known for HBO’s ‘Project Greenlight’ and film ‘The Battle of Shaker Heights,’ Rankin will film in Portland with Hollywood veterans Michael Cassidy and Ray Wise.
Two Maine lighthouses go on the auction block
The government is looking to unload the pricey structures off the coast, which can now be operated remotely, but let the buyer beware.
Best-selling Maine author Tess Gerritsen fights for profits tied to ‘Gravity’
Tess Gerritsen sues Warner Bros., claiming the studio owes her millions under a contract after using her ideas in the hit Sandra Bullock movie.
Maine psychic Vicki Monroe stars in new TV show
‘Cell Block Psychic’ debuts on the Investigation Discovery cable channel at 9 p.m. Monday.