BRITNEY DEFENDS SELF

Britney defends self
NEW YORK -- Britney Spears says her marriage to Kevin Federline is "awesome," and scrutiny from the paparazzi has made her an "emotional wreck."
Opening up in an interview with NBC's Matt Lauer to be aired Thursday on the "Today" show and "Dateline," the 24-year-old singer says it's not true that Federline is living in the basement, as some media have reported.
The paparazzi have "crossed the line a little bit" by showing her in private moments, she said. She also defended her parenting skills, saying, "I know I'm a good mom."
She drew criticism earlier this year when she was photographed with her infant son, Sean, sitting on her lap as she drove. She cautions against judging her.
"I did it with my dad. I'd sit on his lap and I drive," the Louisiana native said. "We're country."
Eazy-E's son arrested
COMPTON, Calif. -- The son of the late rapper Eazy-E was arrested for investigation of possessing a concealed weapon, authorities said Sunday.
Eric Wright Jr. -- who goes by the name Lil' Eazy-E in his own recently launched hip-hop career -- is the firstborn son of Eazy-E, a founding member of the pioneering gangster rap group N.W.A. who died of AIDS in 1995.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies pulled over Wright, 22, for a traffic violation near Compton on Saturday night, Lt. Michael Alerich said.
"Mr. Wright was in possession of a firearm and he was arrested," Alerich said. "Two other guys in the car were also arrested, one for possession of a firearm and the other for a probation violation."
Earlier this year, Wright released his first album, "Prince of Compton."
Today's Birthdays
Banker/philanthropist David Rockefeller is 91. Former President George H.W. Bush is 82. Singer Vic Damone is 78. Actor-singer Jim Nabors is 76. Sportscaster Marv Albert is 65. Actor Timothy Busfield is 49. Singer Meredith Brooks is 48. Actress Jenilee Harrison is 47. Rock musician John Linnell (They Might Be Giants) is 47. Rapper Grandmaster Dee (Whodini) is 44. Actress Paula Marshall is 42. Actress Frances O'Connor is 39. Blues musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd is 29. Actor Wil Horneff is 27. Singer Robyn is 27.
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