It depends on what you call an American pastime. None of the other countries on the North and South American continents seem as interested as USA in the game baseball, which, without the fancy gear and showmanship, looks uncommonly like softball.

Why is the United States dollar the standard world currency against which all other currencies are measured?

Because it is widely considered to be the most stable currency.

How long is a longboat?

About twice as long as a short boat.

What is hardtack?

Hard tack is a kind of hard biscuit Australian troops were issued with during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915. This kind of hard biscuit had a much longer shelf life than did bread, didn't need refrigeration and soldiers were known to break their teeth on it. I'd prefer Lembas bread myself.

What is tatting?

How lazy people say tattling I guess. (Also, apparently it has something to do with making doilies.)

How many new words does the Oxford English Dictionary add each year?

42. Exactly 42; if they've already reached 42, too bad for any words made after that, and if they don't have 42 yet, they make something up. (How do you think we ended up with floccinaucinihilipilification?)

What does floccinaucinihilipilification mean?

The act or habit of describing something as worthless

What two things are certain in life?

Death and taxes, or so the saying goes.

What is one thing everyone should do before they die?

Enjoy being alive, healthy, busy and happy at least once in your life?

Why is yawning contagious?

Because everyone is either really tired or really bored and you don't feel bad about admitting it after someone else has already done so.

When should you pick eggs?

After they've been laid.

What would you use egg whites for?

Whites of eggs fluffed up are essential for delicious meringues, crisp pavlovas with fluffy insides, macarons, interesting omelettes and Royal icing.

Why do telemarketers all ring up at dinner time or when you are expecting an urgent phone call?

It's one of two reasons. 1) They know that you're waiting for an important call (and therefore will pick up the phone.) and/or you're eating dinner (and therefore at home), so they can lure you in. 2) They're calling so constantly that they're bound to call when it's inconvenient.

What is the best method for getting rid of telemarketer calls?

Getting rid of your phone and doing all communication via carrier pigeon.

How far is it from the East to the West?

A day's journey.

How long is a piece of string?