I believe the "brown" was meant to convey "dead", not a coloration of still-viable tissue.

As to cutting the phalaenopsis spike, like most orchid-related questions, the answer is a resounding "It depends..."

Some will advise cutting the old spike just below the point that the first (lowest) blossom formed, as that will sometimes "force" the plant to form a branch and bloom again in the short term. I recommend against doing that, as the subsequent blossoms tend to be smaller and fewer, and such forcing can substantially weaken the plant, so much so that it may skip its next blooming cycle or even die, especially if the process is repeated.

Instead, I subscribe to the "wait and see" approach for phals. If they are strong enough to rebloom, they will. If not, they won't. If you simply do not like the looks of the bare spike, feel free to remove it, as the plant will grow another when it's good and ready, and if the tip starts you yellow, go ahead and chop away.

Thanks raybark, I will indeed wait and see...and happy birthday for tomorrow!