INSIDE SCOOP

It comes as no surprise that bad boy Dennis Rodman was once again

in the news this week. Whether it was getting arrested at a Newport Beach

bar or blasting his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, the former

basketball player can attract attention by merely stepping outside his

door -- and sometimes it doesn’t even take that.

Newport Beach police have repeatedly received calls from media outlets

about Rodman rumors. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say police get at

least one call a week from hungry reporters savoring over the possibility

of another Rodman exploit.

“They hear he’s been in an accident or been in a fight,” said Sgt.

Mike McDermott. “Our typical answer is ‘he’s doing fine, we don’t know

anything of that sort.’ ”

Except for last weekend, of course, when reporters as far away as

Europe were clamoring about his arrest on suspicion of public

drunkenness.

A FAMILIAR FACE GLARES AT THE CAMERA

If that woman in the new Mentos candy commercial looks familiar, you know

your ‘50s film divas. It’s Laguna Hills resident -- and Pilot magazine

cover girl -- Jeanne Carmen.

In the commercial, she plays a high society lady leaving a black-tie

event. As she waits for a valet to bring around her car, she spots a

pregnant young woman and her date. She allows the couple to cut to the

front of the line.

Then, a valet zooms up on a motorcycle. The girl jumps on with her date,

hikes up her dress and pulls a helmet out from underneath her clothing.

As they speed off, she pops a Mentos and laughs.

Carmen is left glaring in their dust.