Curry's drone hits home.

B.B. King won the world over.

The Thrill Is Gone Andy Dolich

 B.B. King was one of the greatest bluesman ever to "Lucille" his way from Berclair, Miss., into the hearts, minds and souls of millions of fans around the world. His famous first name came from his stint as a DJ on WDIA in Memphis. B.B. came from "Blues Boy of Beale Street."  

Some artists are impossible to define. It was something of a coincidence that B.B. passed on the same day the Warriors eliminated the team from Memphis whose arena, FedExForum, is right next to Beale Street.

Steph Curry's three-quarter-court GPS guided missile from 62 feet which ended the third quarter also ended the Grizzlies' comeback in Game Six. The Thrill Was Gone, and Elvis left the building. Steph's parabolic heave became the most incredible 6-point play in NBA history.

Talk about "Three O'Clock Blues," this was third-quarter blues for the Blue Bears. Music and sports are joined in many ways, and what played out in Memphis Friday night underlined two geniuses in their fields. B.B. King did it with Lucille and Steph Curry does it with a Spalding.

Maybe B.B. was a Warriors fan based on some of his down-home blues titles. The Warriors are prepared to "Take It Home" now that the Clippers have been shown the door by the Rockets. It is "L.A. Midnight." The Warriors have been "Letting the Good Times Roll" all year and The Thrill of an NBA Championship is clearly in their sights.

James Brandt at the summit of Mount Aconcagua, Argentina. At 22,837 feet, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas and the tallest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere.

Climbing Value -- Profile of  James Brandt

When asked why he'd climb Mount Everest, mountaineer George Mallory responded, "Because it's there."

You might get the same answer from James Brandt, a financial adviser and senior investment management consultant with Morgan Stanley, who has reached the summit of some of the world's most famous mountains. We caught up with Brandt on lower elevation to see where this drive comes from and what his next peak will be.

How and why did you get into such an adventuresome hobby as mountain climbing?

My family has always been involved with nature and the outdoors. I've backpacked and mountain climbed throughout the world, and I picked up extreme mountain climbing a few years ago. It's a very cool challenge with a group of dads I've known for more than 15 years. We've dubbed ourselves DARE -- Dads Ascending Ridiculous Elevations. The beauty, serenity and tranquility of the mountains are awesome. The ascents are physically and psychologically challenging. Especially at minus-40 degrees and 20,000 feet-plus above sea level.

How many summits have you reached? And which are the most dangerous?

My buddies and I have summited several peaks in the Sierra and the Rockies. We've also attempted four of the Seven Summits, which are the highest peaks on each continent. We summited three: Mount Elbrus [Russia], Mount Kilimanjaro [Tanzania], and Mount Aconcagua [Argentina]. We attempted Mount McKinley in Alaska twice, and on both attempts we were pushed back due to severe weather. Our second summit attempt of Mount McKinley was the most dangerous. Several members of our team left the mountain early, I succumbed to severe frostbite and almost lost a few fingers, and other teams had fatalities.

What is your most memorable summit?

Each summit is special and memorable in its own right. The people we meet throughout the world and the distinct cultures we encounter add to the experience.

Highest? Longest trek?

Mount Aconcagua, so far, is the highest peak at a little less than 23,000 feet. It's the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas. We allow ourselves four to six weeks for each expedition. This includes a few a days of sightseeing and being a tourist in the local area prior to beginning our ascent.

What goes in to the preparation for one of these expeditions?

I've always been involved with sports and a healthy lifestyle. I'm a Los Angeles Legacy Marathon competitor and have competed in the Boston Marathon. I have close to 60 marathons under my belt -- or on the soles of my feet. I also have a road bike. Great cross training. I run and ride with a quirky group of buddies called the Alamo Crazies. I've been known for 4 a.m. ascents up Mount Diablo. It's a great way to start the day.

Most of our technical training is on Mount Rainier in Washington. Before each expedition we'll spend a couple of days brushing up on our skills at the base camp of each mountain. Endurance training is a must. In addition to running and cycling, I work with weights. I'm the only guy in the gym on the treadmill with 75 pounds of weights in an expedition backpack and 15 pounds of ankle weights. This is a year-round endeavor.

What's the next summit you have in your sights?

Several peaks in the Himalayas are on our radar, including Cho Oyu [26,900 feet], Island Peak [20,300 feet], Kala Pattar [18,200 feet] and, yes, Mount Everest [a tad above 29,000 feet]. Mount Blanc is also on our radar. At 15,800 feet, it's the tallest peak in Western Europe.

Base camp for Mount Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Russia, at approximately 11,000 feet (seen in background). Left to right, James Brandt, John Gavin, Susan Fox, Charlie Lincoln and lead guide Vern Tejas.

What is adjusting back to the office like after such an adventure?

Extreme mountain climbing at high elevation does put a lot of stress on one's body. I lose about 10 to 15 pounds on each expedition. It takes between three and four weeks to fully recover my strength and regain my weight.

Any parallels between the skills you employ on these climbs and your work as a financial adviser?

I've worked on Wall Street for more than 20 years, and in business as in extreme mountain climbing, you need a strategy and a great team, and you must remain focused.

  Odds to win the 2014-15 NBA championship

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 Artichoke Joe's 

659 Huntington Avenue, San Bruno, CA

(650) 589-8812

www.artichokejoes.com

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