Adjusting Screen brightness using Potentiometer

I'm trying to make the Crystal Ball Arduino, and I've build the board and everything. When the screen lights up, all I can see is blocks - no letters. I don't know how to connect the potentiometer and I really need help!

Can you provide a link to what it is you are trying to make, and what screen it is you have?

Digital Magic 8 Ball/ Crystal Ball
and I'm using the Liquid Crystal display that comes with the starter kit

I FINALLY GOT IT TO WORK. The pictures in the book don't match up with the description it gives - everything is flipped.

IMG_1345.JPG

Good news!