Custody battle continues

Custody battle continues
NASSAU, Bahamas -- Anna Nicole Smith's mother and an ex-boyfriend fought for custody of her infant daughter in court Monday but the judge made no ruling -- leaving the baby in the care of the former model's partner Howard K. Stern.
John O'Quinn, an attorney for Smith's mother Vergie Arthur, said Arthur asked to see her granddaughter. But the judge said she needs permission from Stern, who is listed on 5-month-old Dannielynn's birth certificate as the father.
Larry Birkhead, who along with Stern and Arthur is also seeking custody of the baby, gave a thumbs-up sign as he left courthouse but declined to answer reporters' questions. His attorney, Debra Opri, said: "We anticipate DNA testing."
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Isaacs dealt only with procedural matters and scheduled the next hearing for around mid-March, said Wayne Munroe, an attorney for Smith's estate in the Bahamas.
Bobby Brown arrested
CANTON, Mass. -- For the second time in a year, Bobby Brown has been arrested while in town to watch his daughter at a cheerleading competition. Brown was picked up at Attleboro High School on Sunday night on a warrant for failing to appear at a child support hearing in October.
The 38-year-old singer was scheduled to appear Monday afternoon in Norfolk Probate and Family Court, said Adam Loomis of All State Constables in Weymouth.
Brown, a Boston native, and pop diva Whitney Houston are divorcing after a 14-year marriage.
A visit with real queen
LONDON -- Helen Mirren, who won the best actress Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen," may be invited to tea, Buckingham Palace said Monday. The film's director, Stephen Frears, has already suggested that he, Mirren and screenwriter Peter Morgan would visit the queen at the palace next month. Mirren, who won the Oscar on Sunday night in Los Angeles, saluted the queen in her acceptance speech for maintaining "her dignity, her sense of duty and her hairstyle" for more than 50 years.
Today's birthdays
Actress Joanne Woodward is 77. Actress Elizabeth Taylor is 75. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 73. Actor Howard Hesseman is 67. Rock singer-musician Neal Schon (Journey) is 53. Country singer Johnny Van Zant (Van Zant) is 47. Basketball Hall-of-Famer James Worthy is 46. Chelsea Clinton is 27. Singer Josh Groban is 26.