Don, thanks for your answers. The link answering my question on text wrapping was a very good explanation.
As for your comment on contrast control: I agree that the best practice is to refer to the manufacturer's datasheet. Unfortunately, in this case I have a "no-name" display board (the only thing stamped on the board is "20080617 Ver.B"), and Hacktronics didn't supply a datasheet (I have asked for one, no response yet). So I did the next best thing, which was to take the supplier's advice which a) works with this device, and b) is simpler than the variable voltage supply. True, if I change hardware, I might have to change bias circuit, but since it is "only" hardware, it shouldn't have any ripple effects on my code. BTW, the 1k resistor provides about 400 mV to pin 3, which gives better contrast than simply grounding the pin.