The past two weeks I’ve highlighted some stuff in New York Times crossword history that served to give crosswords a bad name. That is, obscure, nobody’s-ever-heard-of-‘em words and their clumsy, who-gives-a-darn clues. My focus was exclusively on the Farrar and Maleska Eras, so called for the Times’ first and third puzzle editors.

2. Speaking Out - Thursday, March 08, 2012

For its 15th annual benefit luncheon Wednesday, March 7, the YWCA of Greater Memphis hosted its first ever male speaker – actor-turned-activist and best-selling author Victor Rivas Rivers – who traveled to the Bluff City to speak out against domestic violence.

3. Events - Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Cannon Wright Blount certified public accounting firm will continue its series of seminars about QuickBooks accounting software Wednesday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the firm, 756 Ridge Lake Blvd. Each two-hour class costs $75. Seating is limited. To reserve a place, visit www.cannonwrightblount.com/resources, and for more information, call Debbie Bossé or Cathy Russell at 685-7500.

4. Events - Tuesday, March 06, 2012

The Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, March 6, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Allen Godfrey, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, will speak. Cost is $18 per person. Email Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org for reservations.

5. Events - Monday, March 05, 2012

The Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, March 6, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Allen Godfrey, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, will speak. Cost is $18 per person. Email Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org for reservations.

6. Actor, Author Rivers To Speak At YWCA Benefit - Monday, March 05, 2012

For its 15th annual benefit luncheon Wednesday, March 7, the YWCA of Greater Memphis is bringing actor-turned-activist and best-selling author Victor Rivas Rivers to town to discuss his familial experiences with domestic violence.