Pat Summerall Remembered During Memorial Service As 'Voice Of The NFL'

PLANO, Texas -- Veteran sportscaster Pat Summerall was remembered Saturday during a memorial service as "the voice of the NFL" and a venerated figure who maintained a humble approach despite the praise his broadcast work received for decades.

Thousands gathered Saturday at a Baptist church just north of Dallas to pay tribute to a broadcaster who called some of the most memorable games in NFL history, and also was known for his coverage of Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the Masters golf tournament and other sporting events.

The former NFL kicker died Tuesday at age 82 of cardiac arrest at a Dallas hospital.

With his deep, resonant voice, Summerall called 16 Super Bowls and was the primary television play-by-play voice of the NFL.

Former NFL analyst John Madden said Saturday that his broadcast partner's steady presence made Summerall the voice of the league. Madden, once a fiery NFL coach, was seen by many as the storm alongside Summerall's calm. The two teamed for 22 years covering games for CBS and then more briefly for Fox.

"I got up this morning and I thought, `Pat, I need you,'" Madden told the mourners. "I couldn't get the tie straightened, a button buttoned. It was the same old thing."

Madden described his first year with Summerall in the broadcast booth in 1981 as riddled with confusion as the former coach struggled with the craft and fumbled with headsets and other equipment. But Summerall "didn't look down on me," he said.

"He didn't tell you he'd pull you through, he just damn did it," Madden said.

After talking at length, a despondent Madden looked upward.

"I know Pat's up there saying, `brevity, brevity, brevity.' But just one more time I'm going to talk over you," Madden said, before reminding the audience of the deep faith Summerall developed in his later years.

One of Summerall's sons, Kyle, said his father had battled alcoholism for years but with the help of his faith had kicked it aside.

Summerall often shared his testimony with Christian groups and told his story when speaking before other organizations. In his 2006 book, "Summerall: On and Off The Air," he frankly discussed his personal struggles and professional successes.

Saturday's memorial service was powered by a group of church singers, a choir more than 300 strong, and NFL Hall of Fame players including former Cowboys quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, ex-Dallas running back Emmitt Smith and former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin. Fullback Daryl Johnston was among other past Dallas players who also attended, along with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett.

Summerall, who spent his final years in the Dallas area, living in Southlake, was a member of the North Texas Super Bowl host committee for the game played there in February 2011 in the $1.1 billion Cowboys Stadium that opened in 2009.

Another of Summerall's sons, Jay, said his father made time for as many people as he could, no matter their lot in life. The elder Summerall often spent time answering fan mail, sending along autographed photos, and serving as an ambassador for the Betty Ford Center.

Summerall in 2004 received the liver of a 13-year-old junior high football player from Arkansas who died unexpectedly from an aneurysm, and Summerall had remained in touch the teenager's family.

"There was no big shot in him," Jay Summerall said.

Added Madden: "If there ever was a book about good guys, he'd be the star of that book."

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'The Vampire Diaries': Who's Playing Who During Damon And Elena's Trip To New York? (VIDEO)

'The Vampire Diaries': Everybody's Playing Everybody Else During A Trip To New York City

"The Vampire Diaries" took a trip to the Big Apple with Damon and Elena. He told her they were there to feed -- as he'd enjoyed doing back in the '70s when his humanity was turned off -- but Daman had an ulterior motive. It was a secret that was spoiled when Rebekah showed up. Or perhaps Elena knew all along, and she'd been playing Damon.

She certainly started trying to play Damon via manipulation and seduction, but those are Damon's moves. So that wasn't going to work. He was as determined to find the cure and force Elena to take it as she was to never take it. When her seduction ploy failed, Rebekah showed up and snapped Damon's neck.

"What was that you said about handling things yourself?" she asked Elena. Okay, so time for Plan B.

That meant a girls-only road trip -- in Damon's car, of course. Rebekah wants to take the cure to have a family and live a normal life while Elena wants to not take the cure to enjoy her newfound freedom as a vampire without humanity. TVLine enjoyed the move, saying this just got fun. Hollywood Life loved the new team-up as well, writing, "It was like 'Thelma and Louise,' only better! ... Can we get an Elena-Rebekah spin-off please?!”

We're already getting a spin-off with "The Originals," so they should probably focus on one at a time. For now, Elena and Rebekah can enjoy their adventure in "The Vampire Diaries," Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

TV Replay scours the vast television landscape to find the most interesting, amusing, and, on a good day, amazing moments, and delivers them right to your browser.

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Kate Middleton Gets Heel Stuck In Grate During St Patrick's Day Parade (PHOTOS)

Even royals can't avoid the pesky pitfalls that come with wearing high heels.

Kate Middleton attended the rainy St. Patrick's Day parade at the Aldershot Barracks today, looking absolutely stunning in a green Emilia Wickstead dress coat (the same one she wore last year!), a black hat, the Queen Mother's gold shamrock brooch and Emmy pumps. The only hitch? The duchess nearly fell in her trusty black heels when they got stuck in a grate.

Colonel of the Regiment Prince William, dressed in ceremonial uniform, seemed to giggle while a soldier stood still in salute as Kate was forced to bend down and pull her stiletto out of the drain. Thankfully, it was only a minor malfunction and the Duchess of Cambridge was able to get back to her official duty of presenting sprigs of shamrocks to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.

Naturally, much of the attention focused on Kate's growing baby bump, which was just barely visible under her pre-pregnancy coat. The 31-year-old reportedly even gave a little insight into the desired sex of the baby during a chat with a soldier in the Guardsmens' cookhouse, according to Guardsman Lee Wheeler:

"I was talking to her about the baby, of course. I asked her, 'Do you know if it's a girl or boy?', and she said, 'Not yet.' She said, 'I'd like to have a boy and William would like a girl'. That's always the way."

Hm, very interesting. Guess that "daughter" slip-up wasn't as telling as we thought. Check out Prince William and Kate Middleton at today's St. Patrick's Day parade -- including the duchess' unfortunate heel situation -- and tell us what you think!

Related: Remember when Kate played hockey in high heels?

PHOTOS:

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The Duchess of Cambridge gets into costume with locals at Vaiaku Falekaupule during a visit to Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, during a nine-day royal tour of the Far East and South Pacific in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Duchess of Cambridge leaves the addiction charity's Hope House treatment centre in Clapham, South London following her visit.

The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, as part of a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific, with the Duke of Cambridge, in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, as part of a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific, with the Duke of Cambridge, in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to the Kranji War Memorial in Singapore, as part of a nine-day tour of the Far East and South Pacific, with the Duke of Cambridge, in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Duchess of Cambridge plays hockey with the GB hockey teams at the Riverside Arena in the Olympic Park.

Duchess of Cambridge watches the Olympic Laser Radial medal race off Weymouth today.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 9: Prince Harry and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit athletes at Team GB House in the Westfield Centre on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Women's Hockey bronze medal match between New Zealand and Great Britain on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Riverbank Arena Hockey Centre on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 30: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leaves the Velodrome after watching cycling events at the London 2012 Paralympic Games on August 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 30: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Aquatic Centre in the Olympic Park to watch the evening swimming session at the London 2012 Paralympic Games on August 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge claps on day 1 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Velodrome on August 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge takes part in the medal ceremony for the Men's Discus Throw - F42 on day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Gold medalist Aled Davies of Great Britain is presented his medal by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the medal ceremony for the Men's Discus Throw - F42 on day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Miles Willis/Getty Images)

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Eton Dorney venue to watch the days rowing competitions on day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Eton Dorney on September 2, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Thistle Service for the installation of Prince William, Earl of Strathearn as a Knight of the Thistle at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh on July 5, 2012

Kate Duchess of Cambridge arrives at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, London as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations Tuesday June 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Tim Hales, Pool)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she visits Vernon Park during a Diamond Jubilee visit to Nottingham on June 13, 2012.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 29: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends a reception at the Imperial War Museum in London on April 26, 2012.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge listens to a welcome speech in Leicester City Centre as she accompanies The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Leicester on March 8, 2012. The visit marks the first of Queen Elizabeth ll's Diamond Jubilee tours of the UK.

The Duchess of Cambridge as she presents shamrocks to The Irish Guards at their St Patrick's Day Parade at the Mons Barracks in Aldershot. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday March 17, 2012. Members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards will receive traditional sprigs of shamrock from the Duchess of Cambridge at their St Patrick's Day parade today. See PA story ROYAL Barracks. Photo credit should read: Paul Vicente/Sunday Times/PA Wire

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge officially opens The Treehouse Children's Hospice in Ipswich on March 19, 2012.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the National Portrait Gallery on London on February 8, 2012.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the UK Premiere of War Horse at the Odeon, Leicester Square on January 8, 2012

SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 12: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits Gardens by the Bay on day 2 of the Diamond Jubilee Tour of the Far East on September 12, 2012 in Singapore. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on a Diamond Jubilee Tour of the Far East taking in Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and the tiny Pacific Island of Tuvalu. (Photo by Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images)

File photo dated 21/04/12 ofthe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Santa Barbara Polo Club in California, USA, where the Duke will play in a charity match.

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, attends a rodeo demonstration at the Calgary Stampede on Thursday, July 7, 2011, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the BMO Centre after a Rodeo reception, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her visit to the Canadian Museum of Civilisation in Gatineau, Quebec, where she and the Duke of Cambridge watched new citizens receive their Citizen certificates on Canada Day.

The Duchess of Cambridge waves to well-wishers, as she and the Duke of Cambridge arrive at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa Canada.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Parliament Hill in Ottawa for Canada Day celebrations on the second day of her visit to the Commonwealth country.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Calgary Airport, Canada.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch the Canada Day's Evening show on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for Canada on the second day of their visit to the Commonwealth country.

File photo dated 05/07/11 ofthe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Blachford Lake near Yellowknife.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives in the province of Prince Edward Island during their visit to Canada.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Royal Albert Hall in London to attend a concert in support of the Prince's Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry on December 6, 2011.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch Event at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on September 29, 2011 in Sutton, England.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Royal Albert Hall in London to attend a concert in support of the Prince's Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry on December 6, 2011.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive at the 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch Event at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

File photo dated 30/04/11 ofthe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walking hand in hand from Buckingham Palace in London the day after their wedding.

The Duchess of Cambridge leaves Clarence House to travel to Buckingham Palace for the evening celebrations following her wedding earlier.

Catherine Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey with her sister and Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton to marry Prince William on April 29, 2011.

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge stand outside of Westminster Abbey after their Royal Wedding in London. AP Photo/Martin Meissner

The wife of U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama (R), talks to Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, in London May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama on Tuesday begins a visit to Britain where he and Prime Minister David Cameron will review NATO action to help end conflict in Libya and Western policy towards uprisings in the Arab world. REUTERS/Toby Melville (BRITAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY ROYALS)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on September 29, 2011 in Sutton, England.

TETBURY, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 10: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Kate Middleton watches Prince William and Prince Harry play in the Chakravarty Cup polo match at the Beaufort Polo Club on July 10, 2010 in Tetbury, England. (Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)

CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 23: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Kate Middleton attends Harry Meade & Rosie Bradford's wedding at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Northleach, on October 23, 2010 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for photographs in the State Apartments of St James Palace on November 16, 2010 in London. After much speculation, Clarence House today announced the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton. The couple will get married in either the Spring or Summer of next year and continue to live in North Wales while Prince William works as an air sea rescue pilot for the RAF. The couple became engaged during a recent holiday in Kenya having been together for eight years.

File photo dated 16/11/2010 of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a photocall in the State Apartments of St James's Palace, London to mark their engagement.

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Large Explosion Reported In Kabul During Hagel Visit

KABUL, March 9 (Reuters) - A blast was heard in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday during a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

The explosion was heard near the Afghan Defence Ministry, said a defence official. An ISAF spokesman said Hagel was nowhere near the explosion. (Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)

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Linden Schaffer: 5 Tips for Staying Well During Hibernation Season

Linden Schaffer: 5 Tips for Staying Well During Hibernation Season HPFB.init();
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GET UPDATES FROM Linden Schaffer   Like 8 5 Tips for Staying Well During Hibernation Season Posted: 02/09/2013 1:20 am Follow   Happiness ,   Sleep ,   Wellness , Tea Health Benefits , Emotional Wellness , Flu Season , Hibernation , How To Fight Winter Blues , Wellness Tips , Winter Blues , Winter Health , Winter Health Tips , Winter Wellness , Healthy Living News
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In the cold-weather months when daylight wanes and snowflakes and blustery weather keep you indoors, you should not sacrifice your health and well-being just because you feel the familiar tug of hibernation. While hibernation is an essential part of some animals' survival strategy, you can stave off the feelings of the winter blues and keep your spirits high by taking care of your body with a few simple wellness tips.

1) Sleep Longer -- Honor your circadian rhythm, which responds to your environment's light and darkness. In the wintertime when the sun sets around 6 p.m., use this as a reminder to wind down. Leave your work at the office, keep the lights in your home dim and give into those feelings of sleepiness. Creating a sanctuary of calm in your bedroom with cozy blankets and your favorite pillow will have you dreaming in no time.

2) Sip Tea -- Chamomile, Earl Grey, oolong, the list goes on, as do the benefits. Want to stay warm and prevent the flu this season? Stock up on green tea. Improve your antioxidants and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by drinking three cups of black tea a day. In the UK, the Tea Advisory Panel commissioned a study that concluded that tea is just as hydrating as water. So no matter your favorite flavor, put the kettle on and warm your hand around a mug.

3) Add Spice -- If tucking into comfort food is the first thing you like to do at the hint of cold weather, considering adding some spices to your recipes. Cilantro is an important spice in the ayurvedic diet, and is used as a medicinal herb to aid digestion. Dr. Michael Murray, a natural medicine doctor and author of The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, suggests trying nutmeg, which may encourage sleep by mirroring the effect of serotonin. Combat your irritable mood or low-level depression by sprinkling turmeric in your dish for a quick pick-me-up.

4) Take a Steam -- If the idea of heading to the beach makes you feel instantly relaxed but you just can't get away, head into a sauna or steam room this winter instead. While sweating it out in a heated room has not shown any medical benefits to the body, the de-stressing and relaxation effects may be just what your body ordered.

5) Curl Up With a Book -- Have you been meaning to catch up on the classics, or did you buy a beach read that sat in your bag on the sand? Substitute a night of TV watching to focus instead on sharpening your memory and concentration with a literary romp. You might be surprised to learn that cracking open that hardcover may even make you smarter by expanding your vocabulary and cultural sensitivity.

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FOLLOW HEALTHY LIVING Like 45k   Get Alerts #ad_bottom_article_text {margin-bottom: 15px} WellnessSleepEmotional WellnessHappinessIn the cold-weather months when daylight wanes and snowflakes and blustery weather keep you indoors, you should not sacrifice your health and well-being just because you feel the familiar tug of hiber...In the cold-weather months when daylight wanes and snowflakes and blustery weather keep you indoors, you should not sacrifice your health and well-being just because you feel the familiar tug of hiber... Related News On Huffington Post:  
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