LeBron James wins NBA regular MVP

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Xinhua) -- 24-year-old LeBron James, super star of Cleveland Cavalier, was crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2008-2009 NBA regular season on Monday.

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It was announced a day before the Cavaliers begin their second-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. They trounced the Detroit Pistons four games in a row in the previous round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

James, the first Cavaliers player by winning the award, finished second in voting for defensive player of the year.

At 24 years and 125 days old, he became the youngest player to win the award since Moses Malone (24 years, 16 days) in 1978-79 Season. Wes Unseld was 23 when he won it in 1968-69 Season.

James started a career-high 81 games and recorded personal bests in field-goal (49%) and free-throw (79%) percentages. He became just the second player to post five straight seasons of at least 27 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Public Image Satisfaction Awards

Who are the most popular artists among the many participants through the eyes of the public? The winners of a survey of "Public Satisfaction Selection of China's Celebrities", honoring entertainment stars' efforts contributing to social causes, have received their awards.

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SelectionofChina'sCelebrities",honoring
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The awards ceremony saw a united front of big names of the entertainment circle. The public voted for winners in 25 categories. Zhang Yimou, the director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, won the award for "Outstanding Achievement".

Singer Song Zuying was the night's biggest winner, walking off with the top award as the Chinese celebrity winning the most public satisfaction. Song said the award is an honor.

There was a special award for wheelchair-bound dancer Liu Yan, who suffered a severe injury during a rehearsal of the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Director Zhang Yimou presented her the award and thanked her for everything she did for the Olympics.

Artists say the public recognition and the credibility among audiences is vitally important.

It's hoped that awards like this will develop the industry in a healthy way, and that entertainment stars can take on more social responsibilities.