announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. hello, everybody. so good to see you. it's winesday wednesday. october 30th. one day to go until our big halloween show. >> it looks like the rain is going to hold off and we'll be out on the plaza. >> it looks like the rain is going to hold off. >> it's a big reveal. we can't tell you our costumes. you guys have been sending us some of your halloween costumes. >> you been going to parties and all sorts of stuff.

>> we did get a couple of them. eileen and farrah went as us. >> it was just an excuse to drink. >> there they are. >> as us. >> the one is holding the picture of frank and the other is holding the picture of blake shelton, which is really troubling. >> that's cute. dress up tomorrow because we're going to have that big costume contest. who's got the greatest one? >> come out. come out early. but stay for us. at 10:00 we'll do our own little costume party. >> we'll be out on the plaza. they rarely let us. >> all right, we would like to apologize for something. apologize. here's why -- there is a global wine shortage. >> it's coming. >> i'm so sorry. >> apparently it's happened

globally. since we started our show. we think we are partially responsible for the global wine shortage and there are some reports that what production hasn't kept up, it's down 12% -- the world's wine production. what do you think of that? >> why? because of nature. >> because people are consuming more. >> they'll have to make you are more. >> try to do something about it next year. i can't reveal it now. can we see what natalie had to say? >> some scary news just in time for halloween, there is a possible wine shortage on the horizon. according to a report from morgan stanley research, the global supply of wine warily bt the demand last year. is on the way if we continue drinking at the current pace.

at least if kathie lee and hoda continue drinking at the same pace. >> anyway, we were busy yesterday. because, if you guys watched dr. oz. >> take a look. >> kind of you like dr. oz. >> no more blushing on the set. >> all right. can we say we slept with you now? >> everyone saw it. millions of people saw it happen. >> we went to bed with you. i get scared. >> i'm serious. >> i'm the biggest wimp in the world. >> only when it comes to things like that or ice skating. >> only if you think you're going to fall. >> if he hadn't held onto the two of us, he would have eaten that thing. a much bigger reveal. we learned more during that. the interesting thing about pillows. let's take a look at that. >> is it true that you should

change your pillow every two years? what you got inside your pillow is knock but nothing but the fecal pellets of mice? >> that's true. when that pillow gets nice and soft, get rid of it. >> i'm going to bring it on the air next week, we're going to cut it open and see, because i have had it for 20 years. >> you have no idea. this is my pillow. i sleep with two of them and so does frank and we love them so much. who knew you're supposed to change them. i always put a cover over them. i said, oh my gosh, where are you going to find this? it says bloomingdale's. >> we're going to cut it open. >> and we're going to put whatever is in there in a plastic bag and send it to a lab. >> be careful. flying fecal pellets. >> what are you doing? sorry. >> no, indeed.

>> so, we're going to put it in the lab. >> that is enough. >> wait a minute. look at it. your favorite thing. >> i don't want to eat it. >> we're sorry, jer. >> it doesn't look good. hoda, look. oh, my gosh. oh -- >> let me see. >> oh, that can't be pretty. >> we'll send it to the lab and let you know what is in klg's pillow. thank you, jerry. on jimmy fallon, apparently, jimmy decided to have a little fun with us yesterday. let's take a look. >> tonight, we'll be taking a look at the pros and cons of being dracula. pro, drinking the blood of a virgin gives him immense power. con, drinking the blood of hoda and kathie lee gives him a hangover. >> that's 40 proof.

>> here is a video that's so moving. one of those videos that shows you the power of music, you don't have to understand the lyrics or anything, you just have to feel it. here's a mom from canada, her name is amanda singing to her baby. >> mary lynn. >> please watch this. ♪ ♪ you don't know how strong your weakness is or how much it hurts me ♪ ♪ because when you say it's all right is the ♪ ♪ i want to believe it's true ♪ ♪ i'm going to wake up missing you, wake up missing you ♪

>> are you crying? are you crying? mommy's done. okay. >> oh, my gosh. that's the most moving thing. some people are upset because they think she's being cruel. that's the only song that gets that response. they made the video to prove to her husband. >> her husband didn't believe it. she shot that. she got 5 million views on youtube. >> 5 million and 1. >> my assistant said to me yesterday, you got to see this video. suddenly it's a huge thing. honestly, kathie. >> anyway, i want to say, you guys, i went to california to see my daughter who's in college there and saw cody as well. we had a great, great time. i'm sadly muzzled and can't tell

you about anything. but last night, i went to charlotte, north carolina, there's an organization down there called harvest center, where they transition -- there's my dear friend, ann nielsey, she's a brilliant artist. that i think is the gentleman who runs the organization, and the other one is the lady who is in charge of it last year, the dinner. i was a speaker at this. they transition homeless people and they feed their bodies and their souls and they teach them how much god loves them and they transition them into new, beautiful life. you know, i don't do a lot of that stuff anymore. i try to at home. that way i'm not traveling as much. but this is worth it. they are the most hospitable people. i turned on billy graham parkway, and i felt like i was at home. any town that has a billy graham parkway is home. >> if you have been traveling a lot, on the planes, you see these videos to buckle your seat belts.

>> everyone ignores it. >> virgin america has decided to make sure you took notice. take a look at their new inflight video. >> instruct that it's something you want to hear. ♪ before we move into the stratosphere ♪ ♪ we won't be leaving you hanging ♪ ♪ don't worry, oxygen flow ♪ if you're traveling with someone put your mask on first ♪ ♪ >> oh. >> i love that. what else, too, it's geared towards kids who haven't flown

as much. they'll watch it. >> that's the hip airline anyway. if you go on virgin american or virgin atlantic, everything, the mood, the lighting is different, the music is different, the entertainment system is different, they're hip and cool. >> and you can get a pedicure and a back massage in flight. stick and stones may break their bones but names can never harm them. >> how to help your kids develop a thick skin. how you can do it yourself coming up. we want to hold these up because this is the last time for the month of october. >> breast cancer awareness month. >> go online for this wonderful t-shirt. >> cheers. >> cheers, hodie, i missed you. [ female announcer ] this is laura.

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whether you're dealing with bullying on the playground or negativity at the workplace it can be hard to maintain a thick skin. >> but you can train yourself to bounce back when you're knocked down by learning how to be resilient. here to help is psychologist jennifer hartstein. and alexander levy, a teen ambassador for stop that bullying. hi, guys. welcome. >> we talked a lot about how terrible bullying is and it sounds weird to say, there may be some positive aspects to bullying because it shows kids

that they have to sometimes toughen up. >> right. we have to think when it gets to the safety point, we have to step in. we're not talking about that level of bullying. the earlier parts, we have to figure out how to be able to walk the talk, walk with confidence, to act, as my friend nancy said, to act opposite to vulnerability. to be able to say that hurts me, but if i show you how much that hurts me, you know my weak spot and you're going to keep poking me. you're going to keep. if you can say, i don't like your sweater, you can say, i do, and walk away. go talk to somebody who's more positive in my life and get some support from them. and that gives me confidence. i feel better about myself. >> alexander, when you were getting bullied, how did you do it? >> well, i think the important aspect to remember, not too much is the growing thick skin

aspect, i don't like that term, i think it's more the empowerment and to find something that inspires you. i like this sweater, a comeback like that, you need to find something that's an inspiration to you. >> it happened -- it started early for you, right, you were quite young, you went to a different school and it got better and then it got worse again. >> it started in fifth grade and it escalated in the second school to the point where my arm was broken. >> the second time the school did something. >> the second time the school came out in support of me. >> kids who are bullied or picked on they don't know how to say something or what to say, it takes a lot of courage to stand up to someone who's popular in the school. how were you able to do that? >> the problem was just being a fifty grader, especially a school that goes up to twelth

grade, it wasn't just fifth graders picking on me, it was sixth graders. it got to the point where i stopped going to school. >> your grades probably suffered as a result? >> it's not extreme like it was here and for kids who are getting picked on in school, what are some tips they can take away to learn to stick up for themselves? >> who in their circle of their life is supportive. if they can't remember that, because what happens when we get into a negative state, all we see is the negative and we don't see the positive. if we can give them a note or get them on the phone to problem solve, what can i do. sometimes it's bigger than us. >> if your school won't support you or your teachers won't support you, that's an issue. the world needs to know it's not cool to be a bully. >> thank you. did your teacher make the grade? we'll reveal the finalists for our teacher of the year contest. we've been waiting for this. and then, one of the broadway's biggest hits come to our plaza. "wicked."

they're going to do a number for us. but first these messages. ♪ ♪

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time has arrived when we reveal teacher of the year contest finalists. we received some wonderful submissions nominating teachers who are really making a difference in your lives and the lives of your kids. >> we had to narrow it down to just three. here they ar along with the women who nominated them, we begin with a teacher whose classroom was destroyed when storms ripped through her tennessee community. ♪ >> i feel that mrs. billie yardley deserves to be teacher of the year because she not only encourages students to not only do their best but think their best. this year has been difficult for her, because over the summer, her classroom collapsed and she lost 30 years' worth of supplies, personal items andhe started over this year with nothing.

but she did not give up. >> i think it was 36 years and i have never received such recognition as this. so, just the fact that i was nominated by parents that thought i had made a positive influence on their children is just completely overwhelming. ♪ >> mrs. bull sees that all children have the ability to learn, and she positively impacted our life in one small schooler. i have a child with special needs, and susan just found a way to teach her. she found a way to inspire and challenge her. she came home a different child. >> i'm not really comfortable getting all of this attention. when i realized that this incredible mother took time out

to nominate me, how else can you feel but humbled, honored and so loved. ms. deborah young has been an integral part of my children's lives, not only does she care about the students' well-being, she cares about their family life as well. in 2011 i lost a son. she and a few colleagues made sure i didn't have to worry about cooking dinner for my family for a couple of weeks, and that was a wonderful thing. no one shows kind gestures like that anymore. >> my initial reaction was, shock. for anybody to take time out of their lives to tell you, thank you for what you're doing, you just feel appreciated and like you're making a difference and that's really all any teacher can ask for. >> we love all of them. we love the people they nominated and we love the people

who did the nominating. that's what makes the world go around. >> god bless. for more information on each teacher, go to klgandhoda.com. don't forget to vote for the teacher you like best. you have until november 4th, we'll announce the winner right here live in two weeks. we're about to test your olympic iq, we'll play "who knew" with johnny weir and he's crazy. >> he keeps laughs coming after all of these years. six-time emmy winner and all-around awesome guy, tim conway. love him. right after these commercials.

♪ we're back with more of "today." we're ready to play our weekly trivia game called "who knew." we're 99 days out from olympic games in sochi. kathie lee is ready to hand out 100 bucks to those who get the questions right and those who get it wrong get kathie lee's

cd. here to help me out in the studio is a very special man. a two-time olympian and the newest figure skating analyst in sochi. his name, of course, is johnny weir. >> hello. >> i like your outfit. >> i wanted to do very graphic black and white for you today. >> i'm into it. are you ready? >> tell johnny hi for me. this lady is from metropolis, illinois, which is the home of superman. which of these events is new to the 2014 sochi olympics? men's downhill, ice dancing, ice sculpting or biathlon mixed relay? >> ice sculpting. >> wonderful news, she gets "scandalous." >> lucky girl. tell us. what is it? >> first of all, i want that cd.

i'll get every question wrong for as many copies of that cd. >> the correct answer is -- >> i can make that happen. >> biathlon mixed relay. >> oh, really. >> that's apparently skiing, cross country and shooting and there's a mixed team of gentlemen and ladies that will go across russia. >> oh, my gosh, that sounds interesting. >> it sounds terrifying. >> it does, back across to kathie. >> here from columbus, ohio, who's the most decorated winter olympian of all time? shaun white, apolo ohno, dick button or bonnie blair? >> shaun white? >> good day for me. >> who is the most decorated olympian? >> apolo ohno and "dancing with the stars'" champion as well. >> he's a nice kid. >> he's friendly, nice guy, incredible speed skater. looks great in tights. >> look at you, johnny.

>> back across to kathy. >> johnny is going to be an awesome addition to our winter coverage. he's so delightful. he's from chicago. al and matt have teamed up to try all of the following olympic sports except? >> wrestling? >> no, they did that. >> what a day! >> you are so popular. okay. what is the one thing they did not do? >> they haven't figure skated. they synchronized. >> this was my favorite. is this the luge? and matt was on the bottom. matt was on the bottom. >> stackable. >> that and the wrestling was one of my favorites. >> that's so sexy. >> this lady is from washington state. >> which one is not a mascot for the sochi olympics? >> the snowman?

>> how did you know that and break my record? >> oh. >> they have multiple mascots? >> russia was very specific in choosing very russian animals, a leopard, a hare, a polar bear. bins winter theme animals they have all across russia. >> that's cute. time for one more. >> from santa fe, new mexico, which is the following is not a term associated with figure skating? >> hammerhead? >> wow. nice. >> she has bummed out. >> that is not one of the terms? >> hammerhead is a shark not a figure skating term. >> what is your outfit going to be? >> i haven't quite decided yet. it's going to have sparkles. i will outshine them sitting in my little chair. >> thank you for coming to see

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here's a question, if you asked who's one of the greatest comedic actors of all time, one name stands out among the rest, tim conway! >> bob hope he says. >> from "mchale's navy" to "the carol burnett show," he won six emmy awards. should have been 60. his side-splitting comedy should have landed him in the comedy hall of fame. take a look. >> hi. i'm a lepper. >> reporter: for 11 years, tim conway he won hundreds of applause on "the carol burnett show." to the old man routine. to the novice dentist afraid of

his first patient, conway could be counted on to crack up his cast mates as much as his audiences. creating classic moments that earned him a place in entertainment history. how happy are we to look at -- >> take your time. >> i mean, just to watch those sketches and then to see what you're up to now. tim, we love you. >> we do. >> hi. i know. >> tim and julia andrews in one week. >> he said, i know. >> how is your book? >> i haven't read it. but it looks good. it's about 200 pages. it took me almost three days to write it. please, get a copy of it. >> it's such a fun book. >> really. >> you know what's funny, you have been in the studio for about 20 minutes and you have people from all different generations cracking up. your humor seems to transcend.

>> to flow, as they say. >> flow. >> that's amazing. that really is. am i through? no. >> we know you so much from the carol show. >> you don't define yourself that way. >> you talk about everything in this long journey. >> yes, well, i have to. >> i didn't realize that -- >> it's 265 pages, you know? >> they didn't make you regular right off the bat on "the carol burnett show" -- >> no. they did 33 shows a year and i did 32 the first year. and the last week, i said i had to have off in case i had to guest somewhere. and thoen i then i did guest on the same show. >> are you guys all still close? >> no, i never liked anybody on this show, especially carol. >> we lost harvey. >> we lost him, but we know where he is. >> harvey, you described harvey

as the same man but just taller. something like that. >> yes. >> you felt so simpatico with him, didn't you? >> simpatico -- >> you like the guy and he liked you, and you worked seamlessly together? >> we did. >> you know what -- >> yes. >> i'll be over here if you need me. >> what's funny about these sketches, one thing in common is you're cracking jokes and everybody's choking back laughter -- >> very poor performers i worked with, especially carol. awful. >> it was so well known that you went off script a lot. >> well, i can't read, so, where am i going to go? >> you did have a dyslexia problem growing up. >> i still do. >> yes. >> was that a way to cope with humor growing through school?

because you weren't a great student, were you? >> no. yes. no, i wasn't. for those of you who have ds and fs, please keep trying because that's what i had. >> i could take a pencil and make a b out of a d. >> a little creative -- >> my parents never knew. >> i had two mothers but not a father. >> gracie and george -- >> the birth thing was unbelievable. first one would yell, then the other. >> we love a lot of your characters. which one do you get asked to do? >> i do x a lot. well, i think -- >> i love x. the little golfer. >> yeah. tudball.

yes, they used to bury me in the ground and put the shoes on my knees and one day i was buried in the fairway and a dog came over and took a leak on me. they cut that out. >> there you are. >> there you are. >> tim, we love you. >> i don't know why a man of this stature gets only three minutes. they should be fired. the book is terrific. it's in stores. it's a terrific book. >> tim, thank you. >> i can take a note of rejection. do you want me just to quietly go? >> coming up. yeah. coming up, his story has inspired millions around the world. [ laughter ] >> we'll have more coming up right after this.

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hmmm. uh... yeah, can you find a take where it's a bit more dramatic on that last line, yeah? yeah i got it right here. someone help me!!! i have a flat tire!!! well it's good... good for me. what do you think? geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. laura's being healthy and chewing her multivitamin. with one-a-day vitacraves for women! it's a great-tasting gummy multivitamin designed for women with more calcium and vitamin d. it's gummies for grown-ups. get $2 off at oneaday.com.

even after his death nearly two years ago on christmas day, texas teen ben continues to inspire millions after his passing. >> ben lived most of his 18 years knowing his heart could fail at any moment, and it did four times, but he was comforted each time by a white light

confirming his belief in heaven. ben shared his experiences on flash cards and his message has been viewed more than 12 million times. >> his sister has penned a book "when will heaven begin." she's here with her parents. >> so nice to have you all here, even if it is after tim conway. >> what an inspiring brother you had? i mean, how many times have you watched that video of him with the flashcards? >> actually, i have only watched it maybe three times. >> really? is it just too hard, honey? >> it's very emotional to watch it and i like to think of the memories that i have with him and not so much him not being here. >> he had such a wonderful message, tell us about your son's message? >> i think his message a beautiful one, if he takes the whole idea of his flashcard statement, i'm very proud of him for recognizing that god was in his life his whole life. he wanted god to be a part of his life, and that's where his joy and his peace came from.

>> so many people that struggle or suffer, struggle with also the question of, why me? if there is a god, then why me, god. he wasn't like that. i'll ask your dad. >> he didn't seem to let his heart condition get him down, he kind of wanted to live life just like everybody else, he pushed the limits a lot of times and stretched us. >> that had to scare you so much >> how so? >> well, he was a big wakeboarder and he like to do and do tricks out on the water and it was one of the few sports that he could do because the boat was pulling him rather than him exerting himself. >> allie, he's going to impact a lot of people's lives with this book, but he had an impact on yours? >> he did. i really believe that life is a gift and ben taught me how to live that way. >> each moment? >> yeah, just by the suffering he went through, he woke up

every day with a huge smile on his face. he made the decision to live positively. >> it seems like it's contagious among your whole family. who's with you? >> parents in law. my parents in law. their son jake and uncle rusty. >> you're a beautiful family. >> you're a great family. >> thank you all very much. one of broadway's biggest musical, "wicked" celebrates a big milestone. >> they celebrate on the plaza. first, this is "today" on nbc. ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ i'll help you be popular >> announcer: the toy yoconcerts brought to you by toyota. kristin chenoweth, love her voice. the musical "wicked" marks ten years on broadway. >> a special anniversary i edition of the grammy-award winning recording is being released. >> we sign off with "wizard and i."

♪ ♪ ♪ when i meet the wizard once i prove my worth, and then i meet the wizard what i waited for since ♪ ♪ since birth ♪ and with all his wizard wisdom by my looks, he won't be blinded ♪ ♪ do you think wizard is dumb ♪ or, like munchkins, so small-minded ♪ ♪ no he'll say to me, "i see who you truly are ♪ ♪ and that's how we'll begin the wizard and i ♪ ♪ once i'm with the wizard, my whole life will change ♪ ♪ because once you're with the wizard no one thinks you're strange ♪

♪ no father is not proud of you, no sister acts ashamed ♪ ♪ and all of oz has to love you, when by the wizard you're acclaimed ♪ ♪ ♪ what a pair we will be the wizard and i ♪ ♪ and what a pair we will be the wizard and ♪ ♪ my future is unlimited ♪ and i've just had a vision almost like a prophecy ♪ ♪ i know it sounds truly crazy ♪ and true, the vision is hazy

but i swear someday that there will be a celebration throughout oz ♪ ♪ that's all to do with me ♪ and i'll stand there with the wizard ♪ ♪ and though i'd never show it, i'll be so happy ♪ ♪ i could melt ♪ so it will be for the rest of my life and i'll want nothing else ♪ ♪ when people see me they will scream ♪ ♪ for half of oz's favorite team ♪ ♪ the wizard and i ♪

[ cheers and applause ] i'm here to help. you and i will get through this together. ♪ ♪