In reply to:

http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/safire/safire00.html

Well, that's dashed the last tattered illusions I had about my standards of literacy! I have already found myself consciously working to reduce the number of em dashes I use since coming here. Something seemed to tell me that it was just too sloppy and lazy, traits of which I have always inordinately proud. Now if you'll excuse me, I must dash off - I have to climb to a high fen.