Q: M: Actually, Laura, I think we laugh because we are glad it didn't happen to us. But of course there is also a kind of humorous satisfaction in seeing somebody self-important making a fool of themselves. W: Yes, and there are a lot of jokes about people who are too fat or physically handicapped, you know, deaf, or short-sighted things like that. After all, it's not really funny to be like that. M: Oh, I think that's because we're embarrassed. We don't know how to cope with the situation. Perhaps we are even a bit frightened we may get like that, so we laugh. M: What about the custard pie routine? W: What do you mean 'custard pie routine'? M: You know, all those old films where someone gets so outraged with his boss, He picks up a custard pie and plasters it all over the other person's face. W: That never makes me laugh much, because you can guess what's going to happen. But a lot of people still find it laughable. It must because of the sort of the thing we'd all love to do once in a while and never quiet have the courage to. M: I had an old aunt who used to throw cups of tea at people when she was particularly irritated. She said it relieved her feelings. W: It must have come a bit expensive. M: Not really. She took care never to throw her best china. What was said before this conversation?
A: W: You know I've often wondered why people laugh at the picture of a big belly businessman slipping on a banana skin and falling on his bottom. We are to feel sorry for them.
Question: M: But I heard the food is terrible there, and expensive, too. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: W: Let's go to the restaurant on the ground floor. I heard the food there is not bad.
[Q]: M: What a shame. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: F: I failed the driving test again.
input: Please answer the following: W: Mm, normally I wouldn't, but I should as you recommend it so strongly. What was said before this conversation?
++++++++++
output: M: You should go to see the new movie. They are going to hold it over for another two weeks.
Please answer this: Nancy: Uh, yeah, I guess, but I'm pinching pennies myself, and you still owe me $20 from last week. And mom and your friend Ron said you borrowed money from them this past week. [Oh, yeah.] How ARE things going anyway? Ron: Well, not very well. To be honest, I'm really in the hole, and I can't seem to make ends meet these days. Nancy: What do you mean? I thought you landed a great job recently, so you must be loaded. Ron: Well, I do have a job, but I've used my credit cards to pay off a lot of things recently, but now, I can't seem to pay the money off. Nancy: Uh, do you have a budget? I mean, how do you keep track of your income and expenses? Ron: Well, when my money runs out, I come to you. Of course. [Great!] No, but I guess I should have some financial plan. Nancy: Well, let me see if I can help you. How much money do you spend on your apartment? Ron: Uh, I pay $890 on rent for the studio apartment downtown ... not including utilities and cable TV. But the place has an awesome view of the city. Nancy: Uh, $890! Why are you paying through the nose for such a small place when you could find a cheaper one somewhere outside of the downtown area? Ron: Yeah, I guess. Nancy: Okay. How much money do you spend on food a month? Ron: Hmmm. I'm not really sure. I think I spend around $600. [$600?!] Well, I go out to eat at least four times a week, so those expenses add up. I just don't enjoy eating alone, and I don't have a knack for cooking like you do. Nancy: Well, I can understand that, but perhaps you ought to buy some microwaveable meals you could prepare at home. Ron: Well, I guess I could. Nancy: And entertainment? Ron: Well, I spend a few dollars here and there on basketball and movie tickets, a concert or two, and ballroom dance lessons. Nancy: Uh, exactly how much do you spend on all of these? Just a "few" dollars? Ron: Well, oh ... about $400 or so. Nancy: Or so? No wonder you're having money problems. You can't just blow your money on things like that! And what about... What was said before this conversation?
++++++++
Answer: Ron: Uh, could I borrow a few bucks until payday? I'm a little strapped for cash.
Question: W: We have a flight at 10:45 am. What was said before this conversation?
Answer:
M: When do you have flights to Xianyang?