New York - The new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, brought in 70.4 million dollars in its North American debut weekend, a record for the 47-year-old series detailing the adventures of British secret agent 007.

The film, the second Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, not only beat industry expectations by 10 million dollars, but overshot 2006's Casino Royal by 30 million dollars. Until now, the most successful Bond opener brought in 40.1 million dollars with Die Another Day in 2002.

New York - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday welcomed the agreement reached by the leaders of the Group of 20 nations to better regulate global financial markets.

Ban praised "the agreement on the international coordination of stimulus packages, a move he had advocated in his remarks at the White House, also new market regulation to avoid future crises, more inclusive new economic governance, and the need to avoid trade and investment protectionism," his spokesperson said in a statement released in New York.

New York, Nov 15 : English pop/rock singer Elton John has revealed that he sees similarity between his life and that of Billy Elliot’s, a fictional character in the West End stage show Billy Elliot the Musical.

According to the New York Post, John, whose father never approved of his musical career, discussed the parallels between his life and that of the ballet dancing, coal miner''s son who traded in his boxing gloves for a pair of ballet shoes.

New York, Nov 15 : Senator Hillary Clinton has assured President Asif Ali Zardari that she would work with the US Congress for early approval of a 15 billion dollar aid package for Pakistan.

Zardari told Hillary that his government was working hard for the country’s economic stability.

On Thursday, Zardari spoke to Senator John Kerry who also assured him of his support to help Pakistan recover from the current economic crisis, Dawn reported.

New York, Nov 15 : Ashley Dupré a. k. a. Kristen, who was the call girl involved in the Eliot Spitzer scandal, would be appearing for her first television interview on ‘20/20’ with ABC''s Diane Sawyer.

In the interview, scheduled for broadcast on November 21, the New Jersey runaway, who became a high-priced hooker, will most probably not be talking about Spitzer.

“People who think this is all about Eliot Spitzer are going to be disappointed,” the New York Daily News quoted an insider as saying.

“Diane has done extensive reporting on prostitution. This is another chapter in that reporting,” the insider said.

New York, Nov 15: Hugh Hefner’s newly engaged ex-girlfriend, Kendra Wilkinson will be joining the likes of Mandy Moore and Britney Spears, as she is set to make a special appearance in an episode of CBS'' "How I Met Your Mother.”

Other stars giving company to the stunning Playboy model and television personality include, "The Hills" stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt and Kim Kardashian.

The show, set to air in January, will showcase the stars playing themselves in a series of fantasy sequences dreamed up by Jason Segal''s character, Marshall.

Earlier, pop stars Mandy Moore and Britney Spears had also appeared on the CBS show, reports the New York Daily News.