Remember how, according to Associated Press assistant bureau chief Frank Baker, everything Britney Spears is important now?

How even reporting on other people who report on Britney is worth a byline?

Well now the Associated Press, so stricken with Britney fever, is tailing her like any other ethically questionable photo agency. Yes, kids, the AP is adding "paparazzo" to its superlatives.

When the downfalling pop tart left the UCLA Medical Center yesterday, she received no police escort because, as Capt. Sharyn Buck of the North Hollywood Police explained, "There was no media, no paparazzi, and no need for public safety protection." Except there was!

It wasn't long before her black Mercedes was swarmed with 20-plus paparazzi. And, according to these AP/Dan Steinberg photo credits, the wire service was there too.

To report on other paparazzi, of course.