Semicolons

If you write, or if you read a lot and have Opinions about writing, or if you teach and have Opinions of writing, could you please spend a few seconds thinking about the semicolon? Although I have my own opinion, I am curious what you think. Here are my questions about the semicolon.

1. In your opinion, when and for what reasons is the semicolon properly used?
2. Are there points of semicolon usage that bother you or disrupt the process of reading for you? What are they?
3. Does the semicolon have a place in contemporary writing, and if so, where? Feel free to use examples, if any spring to mind.
   

I am interested in seeing a variety of opinions on this topic.