The OfficeMax website offers a holiday feature in which one can "Elf Yourself" by adding a face to dancing elves. One Stargate fan created an SG-1 version of the elfin dancers that can be seen here. To offer Richard a holiday smile, the OfficeMax link was forwarded to him, and it seems that Richard wasn't the only one who found it entertaining. He replied with a late-night email:

December 9, 2007

My kid amazes me. I opened up the Elfin link and showed her the "dance", which we both found to be oddly cool. In part because we had done something similar out at Universal City Walk and had a blast doing it. So I cut and copy, we watch, and Wylie realizes that we have the makings for our own musical madness...

So I lend her the helm of the computer with the link in full bloom, and bolt for the kitchen to prepare foodstuffs for dinner. Not six minutes later I hear Wylie cackling away in the office. She had dialed in the elements, mastered them, and produced her own little music short with her cousin's face, her own face, my brother, and of course, Dad's. Cute? Oh yes, of course. But it's the fact that Wylie immediately figured this thing out, and then creatively utilized the available pieces.

More on everything later. I sleep a fall.

Rick

Two days later, Richard followed up with a phone call. Again he got the answering machine, but he was able to leave a message with a bit more news.

First he wanted to acknowledge the group of fans on the RDA Forum that had taken up a collection to be donated to Sea Shepherd in Richard's name. They had raised $1850 in a very short time, and a certificate had been sent to Richard as a Christmas gift. In his message he mentioned, "I received the very wonderful package from the '$1850 Club' and want to get in touch with the folks and seriously thank them for the thought and beautiful spirit they exhibited through it all."

He described the weather has "beautiful, windy, crisp, and bracing," and added, "I got the clearance to start riding the motorcycle from the doctors. I'm trying to do that if the wind would calm down."

As for Christmas preparations, he admitted, "I'm pathetically behind in shopping." However, referring to his long term project, he exclaimed, "The new house! I'm very happy with it. It's not done. We've got about another month to go before we'll take residence. But I'm there every day, kind of detailing it to death. One word: Brass. Two words: Shiny brass!"

Then he closed by saying he would be heading back up to the house, and would try to touch base again.

On December 2, the University of Southern California School of Medicine hosted the 1st Annual Quench the Fire 5K Run & Walk at the El Dorado Regional Park in Long Beach, CA. The proceeds from the event benefited the USC Pain Center at the Keck School of Medicine at USC in its goal to raise awareness of neuropathic and other chronic pain conditions such as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. The funds raised will be directed for clinical research and trials, patient education, and community outreach events. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic neurological disease affecting an estimated 1.5 to more than 6 million Americans. To learn more about chronic pain conditions or to make a donation, visit the USC Pain Center website. Richard's doctor has been associated with the USC Pain Center, and in support of the work they are doing there, Richard made an appearance at the event as a guest emcee. He addressed the crowd before the race began, and he helped to announce the winners of the race and the raffle. He also mingled with fans (and dogs), posed for pictures, and signed autographs. Click here to see some pictures from the event.

New fires, pushed by Santa Ana winds, began on Saturday and swept through Malibu once again. Richard called on Sunday and left another message on the answering machine to say that he and his family were safe:

First of all, I'm okay. This set of fires came real close. They were across the highway and up the hill. We got a vantage point from a neighbor's balcony and we could see, not too many flames, but a lot of smoke coming our way. If I can figure out how to send a couple of pictures I will, but that's one of those iffy situations.

Richard phoned again to catch up with what has been happening lately, especially during a week that he described as "bizarre."

After several delays, Richard had finally undergone surgery on his right foot on Tuesday, the 16th of October, and due to the "horrific pain" he was experiencing afterward, they had kept him in the hospital for two extra days before releasing him. He still has "one more foot to go," (no date has yet been set), but once he regained his sense of humor after the initial pain, he joked that "suddenly my left foot felt an awful lot better!" He now has pins in two of his toes, and he will be returning to the doctor on Monday to check the progress of his healing. In the meantime, he is under orders to rest and keep the foot elevated for three weeks, which isn't easy for someone as active as Richard, who said that after just one week he's already going a bit stir crazy.

Only days after he returned home, the California fires struck on October 21st. He described the areas of Malibu that were destroyed, and the capriciousness of the fires that would level one building and leave the next one untouched. The fires missed his neighborhood completely, and his family in San Diego was also safe. Now, nearly a week later, the Pacific Coast Highway and other main roads are open again. The schools have opened as well, and life is beginning to return to normal.

He spoke about his recent visit to Ireland, which he enjoyed very much. It came about when Microsoft and their PR firm invited him as a spokesperson, mostly because of his image as MacGyver and his connection to science fiction. He admitted that he is not a gamer and had no experience with Halo3, (although Microsoft has now sent him an Xbox to try), but he had never been to Ireland before, and he welcomed the opportunity to visit. He was amazed by the warm reception he got there and hadn't expected such an interest in his appearance since "I'm living such an isolated life." He's not used to such attention, but it was all a positive experience.

He's been enjoying the opportunity to pick and choose projects and to work for causes that are important to him. He appeared recently at the Sea Shepherd 30th Anniversary Benefit in Santa Monica, and in December he will be lending his face and name to the "Quench the Fire 5K Run/Walk" at the University of Southern California to raise awareness and money for the USC Pain Center, an organization with which he and his doctor have been associated. More information about the event can be found at USC Public Events.

Next summer he will also be making an appearance at Gatecon 2008 in Vancouver, the details of which are still being finalized. Still a relative newcomer to conventions, he said, "I'm looking forward to it. I've never done it before." He welcomes the opportunity to raise money for Sea Shepherd and to meet with the fans, adding, "I've been spending a lot of the time away from television and show business to have more time with my daughter and to support other causes. I guess now's the time. I'm working for other things, and I appreciate all the people who have been so supportive all along." More details about Gatecon will be available at www.gatecon.com, www.stargateprops.com, and here at rdanderson.com.

He added, however, that this doesn't mean he has left acting behind for good. Once he is feeling healthy again, he'll be ready to consider stepping in front of the camera once more. But for right now, he said, "I'm doing what I always said I wanted to do - to be semi-retired, be a dad, and take care of my daughter." And with that the conversation wrapped up as Richard went to make spaghetti for himself and Wylie for dinner.

Richard left a phone message on the answering machine, just to let everyone know that he and his family have been fine throughout the ordeal of the California fires that began on Sunday, the 21st, and raged along the California coast from Malibu to San Diego. In the message he said that he had undergone the first surgery for his foot last week but that he was at home now and using a wheeled walker to help him get around during the healing process. He offered assurance that he and his family and their homes were safe from the fires, although he described the area as "an inferno," with powerful winds that "have been incredibly dramatic." With only time for a brief message on the machine, he promised to call back again soon.

The following announcement has been released by Legends Memorabilia:

News Release: October 20, 2007

We are in the process of working out the final arrangements but we can now confirm that Richard Dean Anderson and Capt. Paul Watson of The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) will be attending Gatecon 2008 - the Family Reunion in Vancouver. Gatecon 2008 will be focusing its charity fund-raising activities to support SSCS and its endeavors to protect the world's oceans and ecosystems (www.seashepherd.org). Consequently, Friday August 22 will be a very special day as several exclusive Sea Shepherd activities will take place involving Richard Dean Anderson and Capt. Watson.

For Stargate fans we can also confirm that in a rare public appearance, Richard will participate in the entire weekend activities. Legends Memorabilia will be bringing other surprise guests to the event which will run from Aug 21-24, 2008 at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver.

More details concerning this special event and its guests will be announced at www.gatecon.com and www.stargateprops.com.

Legends Memorabilia Inc.
Langley, BC

As new information is made available from Gatecon, the details can also be found here on rdanderson.com.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's 30th Anniversary Benefit, "Breaking the Ice," was held on October 13th at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. The gala event, which featured celebrity guests and Sea Shepherd members from around the world, was an opportunity to celebrate Sea Shepherd's accomplishments over the past 30 years and to raise funds to continue the fight to preserve and protect the world's oceans and marine life. Richard Dean Anderson, a member of Sea Shepherd's Board of Directors, was among the celebrity guests, which also included fellow Stargate SG-1 actor Beau Bridges as well as Dave Foley, Esai Morales, Jorja Fox, Melissa Joan Hart, Roseanna Arquette, Stuart Townsend, Tom Arnold, and Martin Sheen. Jennifer Coolidge and Chris Kattan were the M.C.'s for the evening which featured vegan delicacies, musical performances, guest speakers and awards presentations, a video retrospective, and a silent auction featuring donated items including Mick Jagger's autographed guitar, and an autographed electric car. Despite a wet start from heavy rains the night before, the gala evening was a wonderful success. Click here for pictures from the evening. For more information about the gala event, click here. For information about the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and how to make a donation, visit the Sea Shepherd website.

Richard made his first trip to Ireland last month to help promote the release of Halo3. When he returned home, he sent a brief message about his visit.

October 4, 2007

It may be a couple of days before I can determine if the few pictures I took are worthy of sharing. I will in time scratch something out re the experience, though I must confess that I didn't see much but the city of Dublin. Didn't get outside the town, nor did I do much more than walk walk walk walk all around the clock clock clock.... Pretty fair village in which to saunter. Found a great work clothes shop where I spent a couple of hours and a couple hundred Euros. Cool stuff. Not quite Carhartt, but nice.

RDA

Richard visited Ireland for the first time this week as part of the September 25th high-profile Irish release of Microsoft's new Xbox 360 game, Halo3. In anticipation of Richard's participation in the launch festivities in Dublin, Orla Sheridan of Microsoft Ireland said, "We are bringing Richard Dean Anderson to Ireland, which will be his first time in the country, for the launch, as the characters he has played such as MacGyver are heroes and pop culture phenomena like Master Chief. Both are ordinary individuals who, despite insurmountable odds, have stepped up to the challenge to come out of extraordinary situations. There is already huge excitement about his upcoming appearance." In addition to enjoying the sights of Dublin, Richard also participated in a number of public appearances, photo ops, and press interviews. Click here to view photos and to download some of Richard's interviews from his trip to Ireland.

Earlier this week, the results of a poll commissioned by the McCormick Tribune Foundation were released. The poll, designed to urge people to become better prepared for disasters, asked 1049 Americans whom among seven fictional heroes they would choose to ask for help in the event of an emergency. The results placed MacGyver significantly in the lead with 27% of the vote, followed by Indiana Jones (16%), John McClane (14%), James Bond (8%), Jason Bourne (8%), Jack Bauer (7%), and Lara Croft (7%). When Richard was approached by a Chicago newspaper for a comment about the survey results, he sent this response through the website:

September 15, 2007

My initial reaction was: Aw, shucks...

But then I'm thinking, well, yeah, he could handle it. In fact, truth be known, I'd want to be with Mac in any dire strait, too.

I am flattered by the vote of confidence. And if any of the 27% need anything, let me know.

For now,

"Mac"

In 2006, when Richard's daughter, Wylie, was seven years old, she participated in the "11th Annual Cray-Pas Wonderful Colorful World Contest." Students from kindergarten through grade 8 submitted original pieces of artwork, and the entries were judged on originality, creativity, use of oil pastel methods, and age appropriateness. Wylie's artwork was one of 150 finalists selected from among thousands of entries submitted nationwide. Wylie offered her prize winning picture to be shared on the website, and her artwork is proudly displayed here. Congratulations, Wylie!

Richard chatted over coffee and caught up with some of the busy events and travels of his summer. In addition to his road trip up the California coast, he also returned briefly to Minnesota and took the opportunity to revisit his old neighborhood in Roseville while he was there.

As summer vacation was beginning to wind down, Richard and Wylie took advantage of one last opportunity for some "away time" and booked a spur of the moment trip to Hawaii. There they spent several days at their favorite water park and had a fabulous time. On Maui they met up with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and several of his children, and they all spent the days together enjoying the sun, the rides, the scenery, and the ocean.

While they were snorkeling, Richard and Bobby came upon a sea turtle that had been caught by a large hook. They had hoped to rescue the turtle, and swam after it to try to capture it and remove the hook, but unfortunately it was too elusive and managed to evade them, so they were not able to reach it. Wylie, meanwhile, loved her snorkeling experience, and even let go of her daddy's hand to explore on her own.

They returned to Los Angeles on Friday night, and on Saturday morning both were in Malibu where Wylie was taking her tap dancing lessons and impressing her dad with her new routines. Afterward, looking tanned and happy, Richard posed for some pictures which can be seen here, and here. A final picture, here, was taken by Wylie.

Richard phoned today with yet another update.

He was anxious to get on the road this afternoon, with plans to head out on his BMW, meet up with his traveling buddy, and take a three-day road trip north along the coast of California. With the spectacular scenery and the glorious weather, he described his plans as an opportunity to retrace his tracks from his earlier days when he first came to California and would often explore the coastline and the mountains on his motorcycle.

Within the next few weeks he'll be facing surgery again. The abuse his feet have endured through years of ill fitting skates and skis has finally caught up with him, and he's decided it's time to proceed once more with corrective surgery. He hasn't settled on a date yet, but is hoping to have it all behind him before ski season arrives.

For the time being, he's been living his life in "little increments of adventure and travel," and has been enjoying a "glorious, quiet, and ocean-filled" summer with Wylie. His house is finally nearing completion, and he already has plans to move in by Christmas and to get another dog. His ten year old Australian shepherd, Zoë, is still part of the family and has been "vacationing" with his brother in San Diego, but he's looking forward to getting a new puppy, or maybe two. One will definitely be another Australian shepherd. Although his career hasn't ended, he admits he is enjoying the time his career has earned him, taking each new adventure as it comes.

Photo credit: BuzzFoto.com

Richard followed up his earlier message with a bit more news.

July 20, 2007

Earthquake turned out to be Air Force testing; more like an unintentional sonic boom. 'Twas very far away, therefore, very, very loud.

You may get wind of some paparazzi pix floating around of Wylie and me in Malibu (minding our own, private, business). With us in one "session" is Wylie's cousin, Chloë, another adorable little 9 year old. Later in the week I am leading the pack with Wylie and Chloë, and bringing up the rear in the pictures are the mothers of said cuties. Should make for a terrific "you fill in the caption" moment.

Wylie opens tomorrow with two shows. I spent the whole of the day yesterday at the theater and HONESTLY...the kid is good! Enormous role, and she gets it! Pride personified pour Papa.

I am easing toward an iPhone.

Incredible cherries this time of year here. Freezer stuffed with blueberries. Did I say, stuffed? Quite!

By,

radad

Richard and Wylie were spotted out shopping in Malibu early in July. He also dropped by with another note to keep in touch with some of the things that have been going on in his life.

July 16, 2007

I am off to the DMV right now, will be back in several hours. I'll try to check in later.

Hot? Oh, yes. In a word.

Went to the Santa Monica Pier with Wylie yesterday. Seven hours of carnival-style romping. Fill you in later. Fun: operative word.

radad

[And later...]

July 16, 2007

I passed, successfully and expeditiously. Found a wee, tiny Department of Motor Vehicles out in the Valley so low. Reservations? The only way to go.

I think we just had a small earthquake. Cute.

Big doin's this weekend: Wylie performs in "CARNIVAL," her fourth musical to date. She loves this stuff, a result of.......uh...mmmmm... I'm not sure what. Anyway, it's there.

rde anderson

Stargate Continuum, the second of the two Stargate SG-1 movies made for DVD, is currently in production in Vancouver, Canada. Richard Dean Anderson appears in several scenes in the movie, written by Brad Wright and directed by Martin Wood. In late March, Richard joined members of the crew to shoot scenes at the Navy's APLIS facility on the Arctic Ocean. Afterward, production resumed in Vancouver from May 22nd to June 14th, during which time Richard returned to the set in late May and again in early June to shoot several more scenes. In the movie, SG-1 gathers to witness the execution of Ba'al, the last of the Goa'uld System Lords, but suddenly history is changed, and SG-1 must journey through several alternate timelines in an attempt to set things right. On June 4th and 5th, the cast and crew were shooting the pivotal scenes in which SG-1 confronts their nemesis, Ba'al, and the events are set into motion that will send them through time. Several photographers, including Ivon Bartok, whose footage should appear as a special feature on the DVD, were on hand to document both the dramatic moments in front of the camera and the creativity behind the scenes. Richard shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to reunite with fellow castmates and crew, and he happily posed for some additional pictures. In one picture, seen here, he posed in Ba'al's throne room. Seated in Ba'al's throne, he smiled for a second picture, here, and when he was warned that Ba'al's emblem behind him gave the impression of horns, he grinned, "That's great! Take that one!" Stargate Continuum is expected to be available on DVD later this year.

Richard Dean Anderson makes his second and final appearance on Stargate SG-1's tenth season when he returns for the episode "The Shroud." In it, O'Neill returns to Stargate Command after Daniel has become a Prior of the Ori. Despite the decision of the IOA that Daniel must be killed, O'Neill and SG-1 choose to cooperate with him, even though his plan may very likely be a trap set by Adria. The Stargate SG-1 episode "The Shroud" airs on the SciFi channel on May 4th at 8pm ET.

Both Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis return to the SciFi channel on April 13th. In Atlantis, General Jack O'Neill and Richard Woolsey have been captured by the Asurans as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the mid-season cliffhanger continues, the members of the Atlantis team launch a rescue mission and return to the planet to assist O'Neill and Woolsey. Richard Dean Anderson makes another appearance on Stargate Atlantis as part two of "The Return" airs on the SciFi channel on April 13th at 9pm ET.

Richard sent a very brief message upon his return from the Arctic. He may have an opportunity to share more details about his adventure at a later date, but in the meantime he offered an enthusiastic review.

April 2, 2007

Yes, this would be a grand experience upon which to ponder for anecdotes... -58 degrees Fahrenheit upon arrival as an example. I loved it all!!

Hope all is spectacular with you!

Rick

Some pictures taken during the filming of "Continuum" at the APLIS facility in the Arctic have been added here.

LOS ANGELES, CA. March 20, 2007 --- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) today announced that Richard Dean Anderson will be reprising his role as General Jack O'Neill for the Studio's upcoming Stargate: Continuum.

Anderson will join cast members Ben Browder (Stargate SG-1's Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell) and Amanda Tapping (Lt. Col. Samantha Carter) in shooting on location in the sub-zero climate of the Arctic where the production is working in collaboration with the U.S. Navy's Applied Physics Laboratory Ice Station (APLIS) for the week of March 23 through 29.

"We're thrilled to have Richard join us for Stargate: Continuum," said Brad Wright, co-creator of the Stargate franchise and writer/executive producer for the latest installment for the property. "As General Jack O'Neill, Richard brings both a sense of history and familiarity to the continuing adventures of the Stargate team. And we all recognize his value as the much-loved hero among the Stargate fan base."

In addition to the frigid outdoor environments, the filming will also involve U.S. Navy submarine USS Alexandria (SSN-757). One of the most visually stunning and dramatic scenes to be filmed at the location involves the submarine as it bursts through the ice and into the cold Arctic air with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees below zero.

As previously announced, Stargate: Continuum will shoot a variety of scenes on location in the Arctic ice, located approximately 200 nautical miles north of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Martin Wood, Director of over 70 Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis episodes, is confirmed to direct Stargate: Continuum.

In January of this year, MGM made a commitment to continuing the Stargate franchise by giving the green light to Stargate: The Ark of Truth, which begins production on April 15 and Stargate: Continuum which will feature the epic ice camp scenes, and resumes filming on May 22. Written and produced by Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, Stargate: The Ark of Truth and Stargate: Continuum will include the following Stargate SG-1 cast members: Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Chris Judge, Claudia Black, with Beau Bridges and Michael Shanks.

About APLIS
The APLIS is operated by the University of Washington and was formed in 1943 at the request of the U.S. Navy to bring university resources to bear on urgent WWII defense problems. From a wartime beginning focused on effective torpedo exploders, APL-UW initiated acoustic studies and oceanographic research programs to understand how variations in the ocean environment affected the performance of Navy systems.

About Stargate: Continuum
While SG-1 attends the execution of Ba'al, the last of the Goa'uld System Lords, Teal'c and Vala inexplicably disappear into thin air. Carter, Daniel and Mitchell race back to a world where history has been changed: the Stargate program has been erased from the timeline. As they try to convince the authorities of what's happened, a fleet of Goa'uld motherships arrives in orbit, led by Ba'al, his queen, Katesh (Vala) and his first prime, Teal'c. SG-1 must find the Stargate and set things right before the world is enslaved by the Goa'uld.

Richard has been receiving a number of offers and requests lately, and he wanted the fans to know that he will indeed be appearing in the second of the two upcoming Stargate SG-1 movies.

March 5, 2007

I have recently (last few months) received more than a fair share of requests to do stuff... heh, heh...

And here, for you: I have agreed to play with the kids in Vancouver, again, in the form of a movie which we hope will stand on its own. In other words, I'll be doing Brad's movie; don't know how much or how little, but I'm in.

Note: I just finished an interview with Sci-Fi Magazine near 30 minutes ago but don't remember what I actually said. Mostly about Wylie and SG as a whole (hole), feelings and stuff... you know.

New assistant just came in. Must "confer" with her about stuff she's been doing for me. It would be rude not to acknowledge her standing in the room.

Gotta go...

RIDEAN (?)

Although he hadn't yet had a chance to read through all the birthday wishes this year, Richard sent a quick note of acknowledgement following his "excellent" birthday on January 23rd.

January 24, 2007

Again I will needs be reporting back to you somewhat later. Was breezing by the ominously massive collection of e-mail well-wishers from family and friends when, lo, I catch sight of your note.

I will return I know not when. Yet, dashing to auto I must go.

The day (of yester type) was excellent. Wylie began at 3:30 AM to make it so.

Rick

Although Richard has often attended the annual Celebrity Sports Invitational in support of the Waterkeeper Alliance, he did not attend the event this year in Banff. He wrote a brief message to share his thoughts during the weekend.

January 19, 2007

No, I'm not going to Banff. Part of the bottom line is that I am being rewarded lusciously for every breath I take in the presence of young Wylie.

I am running down to the market to pick up my ritual evening meal of wild salmon, massive green salad with a bumper crop of red cabbage shredded, handful of tiny carrots, oil & vinegar. This is the time of day I catch up with my TiVo'd programs: John Stewart, Simpsons (3 episodes per night), Extras, etc.

Market closes in ten minutes. I must fly.

RA

Following the fire that claimed several homes in Malibu two days ago, Richard wrote to reassure fans that he and his family were safe.

January 10, 2007

It was all an odd spectacle; sad, in many ways, but ultimately not a tragedy. No one died.

I was about 15 miles north and west of the first flames, riding home after a jaunt to Santa Barbara (on the new bike -- BMW R1200GS) when I saw the first "wisps" of new-mown smoke. I say "wisps" because the wind that day allowed for nothing more than horizontal discoloration near the ground.

My houses were in no danger at all of being affected, primarily because of the wind that would gust up to nearly 60 mph, but generally kept a hefty pace all day. (Incidentally: I had absolutely no business being on a motorcycle that day -- quite a humbling experience.)

I'll try to add to this later, but I must gather in Wylie from school. The bottom line to the fire thing: I am fine, not quite dandy, but certainly, fine. As is my family, dogs included.

Feliz Ano,

Ricardo