How is it that Data can speak so many languages (or even far more difficult aspects of English), yet he cannot handle simple English contractions, linguistic devices that some languages cannot be spoken without?

Answer: Start Trek:TNG creators weren't using their positronic brians when they wrote that tidbit in.

Apparently, 3PO even came stock with the functional equivalent Data's coveted emotion chip, so that mitigates his puss factor somewhat. But then Data could please the ladies, so wth?

My knees are such that this sort of thing may be my only way of continuing my passion for backpacking. I can go up and up and up, but a half hour downhill and my knees send bolts of pain through my body like no other.

I am a gear weight freak; but this may soon be my only option.