Beyond Brooklyn

It's Time to go to Amsterdam: Story, photos and video by Mark D Phillips

Three Days in Amsterdam

Traveling to Amsterdam for fun seemed impossible not that long ago. A three day visit from New York brought back the old joy of visiting one of Europe’s greatest cities of art, water and fun. It’s a Beyond Brooklyn experience for everyone.

Salt and Green water mark the edges of the shoreline along the Dead Sea near Ein Gedi, Israel, in 2022. ©Mark D Phillips

The Dead Sea in Despair

Andrea Peyser and I had frolicked in the buoyant water at Ein Gedi on the sea’s northern basin in 1992. Now in 2022, the resort is abandoned, a decaying ghost town in the middle of sinkholes — a nightmare scene out of a science fiction novel, fenced off and marked with DANGER signs. When the Ein Gedi Spa resort closed in March 2020, the water had receded 2½ miles away (4 kilometers).

Liza Phillips with Gold Medal

USA Field Hockey takes Gold in double overtime, shootout

Liza Phillips with Gold Medal Liza Phillips and Gianna Duddy The USA Field Hockey team defeated Argentina to bring home GOLD in a nail-biting, TWO overtime, 6-5 shootout victory at the 21st Maccabiah games in Israel. After a scoreless first half, the Americans scored two unanswered goals in the third […]

The American and Israeli flags were projected on the outside wall of the old city of Jerusalem, welcoming President Biden to the country. ©Mark D Phillips

21st Maccabiah: Israel before the games

The American and Israeli flags were projected on the outside wall of the old city of Jerusalem, welcoming President Biden to the country. ©Mark D Phillips Israel is a beautiful land, full of history and misunderstood by all. Arriving a few days prior to the opening ceremonies for the 21st […]

Maccabiah Field Hockey on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Big Apple Tournament (May 28-29) at Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, NY

Maccabiah: “The Jewish Olympics” take front stage in July

It started with a dream. It’s hard to wrap one’s head around it today. But at the end of the 19th century, Jews in Europe were officially barred from taking part in athletic competitions. As anti-Semitism raged in cities, towns and countrysides across the continent, Jewish people were forbidden membership in sports associations.

Colorado June 24, 2021: Chuck Bigger nephew Gabe Chambless holds a Kokanee Salmon on Morrow Point Reservoir. ©Chuck Bigger

Where the Kokanee Run

Fishing two of Colorado’s spectacular high altitude reservoirs chasing Kokanee Salmon introduced me to Morrow Point Reservoir located at the head of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. “There’s not much left like this in the west,” said Ryan Van Lanen who runs the Morrow Point Reservoir Guide Service.

Worcester Bravehearts Jared Kapurch autographs Leah Goldstein's jersey during opening night on May 26, 2021. Photo by Mark D Phillips

The Boys Are Back

On this opening day, Bravehearts pitcher Jack Choate took to the mound and fired the first pitch to open a season of possibilities. As life returns to our new version of normal, baseball is still here and still going strong.