Cruciverbalists rejoice! New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz, widely considered the best puzzlemaster in the world, is speaking tonight at Cal Performances. Shortz was profiled in the documentary Wordplay and is credited with modernizing and popularizing crossword puzzles with witty clues, aesthetically satisfying designs, and pop cultural awareness. Folks like Jon Stewart and Bill Clinton (above, with the puzzle he made in yesterday's paper here) swear by Shortz's puzzles, and you will too (if you don't already) after tonight!

Shortz will be speaking on not only puzzle history and his own career, but also give tips on puzzle solving and puzzle design and -- the most exciting part! -- he'll be throwing out some stumpers for the crowd, like he does on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday. 8 p.m., Zellerbach Hall on the Berkeley campus off Bancroft Street, $20-32.

Other events:

--Alas, they're claiming the Britney Spears show has been cancelled (you know it's bad when you're too tired to even lip-sync) -- but no worries, you can still stop by the Modern Times book discussion (first of three parts) about how you can rise above your privileged class status to effect positive social change. Free, 7 p.m., at Modern Times (888 Valencia, x 20th St.)

--It's audience participation time where the hosts ask you questions about comedians, at the "Get It?! Gameshow" at the Punchline. 444 Battery Street (x Clay), $7.50, doors 7 show 8.

--And they're showing a movie about anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti at the Roxie tonight: 7 and 8:40 p.m., 16th Street (x Valencia).