Hollywood producer Mark Harwell had an easy time finding a name for his new International Basketball League team. He named the Los Angeles Lightning after himself.

“Howard Cosell gave me the nickname ‘White Lightning,’ ” Harwell said. Harwell explained that he played basketball from 1983 to 1985 for Prairie View A & M; University, a historically black college that played in the same league as Grambling and Southern universities. Harwell was the first white player in the history of the conference and received a lot of media attention at the time. Harwell was interviewed on many talk shows and legendary sportscaster Cosell nicknamed him “White Lightning.”

There’s more about the team, which is set to debut April 18, in the Sports Business column on page 8.

Fancy Feast

Albert Charbonneau, Raffles L’Ermitage Beverly Hills food and beverage director, has dreamed up an epicurean’s fantasy at the hotel’s restaurant, Jaan. Make that a deep-pocketed epicurean’s fantasy.

Starting on May 1, the eatery will offer a $2,500-per-couple dinner at Table One, a plush outdoor seating area where diners can eat while lounging on couches next to a fireplace and fountain.

There is only one seating at Table One per evening. Charbonneau said he envisions it as a place for couples to celebrate anniversaries or wedding proposals. “If you’d like to go for a proposal, you are going to nail it down with this,” said Charbonneau, who isn’t married but would use Table One to pop the question.

So what does $2,500 get? A multicourse meal laden with the staples you’d expect lobster, caviar and prodigious pourings of vintage Dom Perignon.

Big Payday

While David Beckham hasn’t had the impact that some local soccer fans had hoped for in terms of the L.A. Galaxy’s record, he has come out on top in at least one contest.

According to France Football magazine, Beckham is the world’s highest paid soccer player, beating out stars who play in Europe and elsewhere. According to the magazine, Beckham raked in $48.9 million in salary and endorsements last year. Second on the list was Ronaldinho, of Barcelona FC fame, who made $38.9 million.

Intimidating Negotiator

Anthony Geisler, chief executive of L.A. Boxing, a chain of boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts training facilities, said his background in martial arts sometimes intimidates business associates.

While not a pro, Geisler enjoys practicing martial arts and people always seem to note the fact.

“People always bring that up during negotiations. People say that we are the wrong group to mess with,” said Geisler, who was named alumni entrepreneur of the year by USC’s Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in March. “It keeps it interesting for me.”

David Nusbaum contributed to this column. Daniel Miller can be reached at

[email protected]

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