You’ve just returned home after a dreamy cruise vacation on glistening blue waters with nothing but sunshine — but it’s been a day or two back on land and you can still feel the ship moving.

Then, you return to work and have trouble concentrating on even the simplest task all while feeling the motion of the ocean in your head.

It’s not just wishful thinking about being back on vacation or even the post-trip blues — it may actually be a medical condition.

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome, also known as Disembarkment Syndrome, affects the body’s balance system. Translating directly to “sickness upon disembarking,” research per the MdDS Foundation — founded in 2007 to find a cure — suggests that the central vestibular disorder often occurs after a cruise vacation or flight when the brain struggles to re-adjust to a stable environment following exposure to passive motion.

The disorder can cause the sensation of rocking or swaying, brain fog, confusion, unsteadiness, anxiety, and depression, per the MdDS Foundation. Symptoms may last for weeks, months, or even years, as some cruise passengers have reported, and tend to worsen upon sitting, standing, or lying down — creating a frustrating reality for many.

It’s important to note that the syndrome differs from a case of “sea legs” (transient postural instability), which typically resolves within a matter of hours or days.

If symptoms last longer than 30 days, a visit to a doctor may be needed to receive a Mal de Débarquement Syndrome diagnosis. The foundation advises that specialists — including an otolaryngologists, ENTs and neurologists — can typically provide a diagnosis, though a primacy care physician may also be able to do so.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a singular test that can properly diagnose the syndrome, nor is there a cure. However, doctors are able to issue a diagnosis through patient history and ruling out other possible disorders through testing.

Currently, there is no treatment, though the MdDS Foundation reports that options are being investigated. Some cruise passengers have reported taking motion sickness medicine to treat symptoms, though the Cleveland Clinic suggests doing so won’t actually help.

Most cases occur in women between the ages of 30–60, the foundation reports, adding that there is a greater chance for recurring symptoms after an initial bout.

If symptoms persist, it’s important to consult with a doctor to ensure a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan.

Guisborough can be found close to the border of Redcar and Cleveland, and is believed by historians to date back to the Roman occupation.

One of the most asked questions about Guisborough is how to pronounce it correctly – as many believe it is pronounced ‘Gis-boro’.

According to our research, the correct way to pronounce its name is: Gis-brah.

But where are the best places to eat in the town?

Guisborough. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Here are some of the best dining options in Guisborough according to TripAdvisor reviews:

Cookfella’s Bar & Eatery
Location: 2 Westgate, Guisborough TS14 6BA
Opening times: Sunday: Closed | Monday: Closed | Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 – 21:00
Rating: 4.7

Cookfella’s has been serving a taste of Europe in Guisborough for 12 years.

Led by a Michelin-trained chef, the team uses locally sourced ingredients to offer a memorable dining experience.

A customer said on TripAdvisor: “This place came as a bit of a surprise really. We were looking around for somewhere to eat and Cookfella’s had some very good reviews so in we went.”

“We really enjoyed the food – some very different offerings for mains and the sweets were something else. I’d like to go again next time we’re passing and maybe try the tapas menu.”

Badgers
Location: 55-57 Church Street, Guisborough
Opening times: Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00 | Monday to Thursday: 09:00 – 16:00 | Friday to Saturday: 09:00 – 23:00
Rating: 4.7

Nestled in the heart of Guisborough, Badger’s Cafe Bar prides itself on its delicious food and friendly atmosphere.

The family-run cafe offers a wide range of classic British dishes and seasonal specials made with locally sourced ingredients.

A satisfied customer said: “Amazing breakfast, fabulous friendly service and great vibe. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back.”

The Priory Bistro
Location: 2 Chaloner Street, Guisborough TS14 6SA
Opening times: Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00 | Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:00 | Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00
Rating: 4.5

The Priory Bistro is a family-run establishment located on popular Chaloner Street.

It has a welcoming atmosphere where customers can enjoy a fresh cuppa and delicious meals.

One customer said: “We were passing through Guisborough back to Whitby looking for some breakfast and found this excellent place.

“Lovely Warm friendly staff member greeted us and we took a seat. The breakfast menu had lots of choice and there was a breakfast special omelette on the board too.”

The Cross Keys
Location: Middlesbrough Road, Guisborough TS14 6RW
Opening times: Sunday: 08:00 – 22:30 | Monday to Friday: 07:00 – 23:00 | Saturday: 08:00 – 23:00
Rating: 4.3

The Cross Keys restaurant is celebrated for its cozy atmosphere, with roaring fires adding to the charm.

As a Chef & Brewer countryside pub, it offers a variety of pub classics and seasonal specials.

A fan on TripAdvisor said: “Although I’m not a big ‘Sunday dinner’ fan, the ‘trio of roasts’ dinner I had today was lovely and as requested my veg was served on a side plate as I’m also not a veg fan either.

“The service at the Cross Keys was brilliant the staff (Anthony and Bev) were super attentive to myself my partner and my mother and I know they also said their food was super tasty.”

Tocketts Mill Country Park & Restaurant
Location: Skelton Road, Guisborough TS14 6QA
Opening times: Sunday to Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00
Rating: 3.9

This country-style inn features a log fire and an inviting restaurant.

It is known for its Mediterranean-style garden room and large patio providing al fresco dining.

One satisfied customer said: “We visited on with a large group of friends and family, and everything was spot on. The food was excellent, the staff were incredibly friendly, and we were made to feel genuinely welcome.”

“I don’t normally leave reviews, but I was so impressed with how we were treated and how lovely the food was that it felt only right to leave one. There’s also a really lovely atmosphere, we’ll definitely be back.”

Blue Badges generally remain valid for up to three years, after which a fresh application must be submitted

Advertisement

Blue Badges enable those with mobility difficulties to park nearer to where they need to go. Holders and their drivers can access designated disabled bays and sometimes park on specific double yellow lines.

Eligibility for a Blue Badge falls into two categories, outlined on MyGov.Scot. The first covers people who ‘automatically’ qualify for the scheme, whilst the second involves applications assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Should your Blue Badge application prove successful, you’ll need to pay up to £10 in England or up to £20 in Scotland for the permit. In Wales, the scheme is completely free.

Local authorities manage applications, assess eligibility, and determine costs. Blue Badges generally remain valid for up to three years, after which a fresh application must be submitted.

For comprehensive eligibility criteria, see below, where the Daily Record outlines this in full.

Advertisement

Who automatically qualifies for a Blue Badge?

According to MyGov.Scot, some people receiving certain benefits will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. This includes people who:

• Receive the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and have eight points or more in the ‘moving around’ activity, 12 points in the ‘planning and following a journey’ activity or receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component under Special Rules for Terminal Illness
• Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (Scottish Adult DLA)
• Receive the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored eight points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment, scored 12 points in the ‘planning and following a journey’ area of your assessment, or used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
• Are appealing a PIP decision
• Used to receive the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
• Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Child Disability Payment (CDP)
• Are under 16, have a visual impairment and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your care team
• Are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
• Are receiving a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement – including lump sums from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. It also includes anyone who has been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
• Are diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

Who else could be eligible?

In addition, several other people may qualify for a Blue Badge. These include those who experience the following:

• Cannot walk
• Find walking very difficult
• Are at risk in traffic
• Have a disability in both arms that prevents the use of ticket machines
• Are under three years old and either need to get medical treatment at short notice or keep bulky medical equipment close to them

In England, Scotland, and Wales, Blue Badge applications can be made at GOV.UK. Applications can generally be made for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

Upon receipt of all required documentation, your local council will evaluate your suitability for a badge. The processing of your application may take upwards of 12 weeks. For more information you can also visit MyGov.Scot here.

Australia’s prime minister insists his country will not accept women and children from a camp housing people with alleged ties to Islamic State, after Syrian officials attempted to repatriate them.

On Monday, 34 women and children from 11 families were supposed to make their way from Al Roj camp to the Syrian capital, Damascus, and then fly to Australia.

But they were returned to the camp after Syrian officials said the procedures for their departure were not complete, and they would not be able to travel.

When asked about the attempt to repatriate them, Australian ‌Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ‌told ABC News, “we won’t repatriate them”.

He added: “My mother would have said, ‘if you make your bed, you lie in it’. These are people who went overseas supporting Islamic State and went there to provide support for people who basically want a caliphate.

“We have a very firm view that we won’t be providing assistance or repatriation.”

Arguably, the most well-known resident of Al Roj camp, also known as Roj camp, is Shamima Begum. She was 15 when she and two other girls fled London in 2015 to marry IS fighters in Syria.

Begum married a Dutch man fighting for IS and had three children, who all died. She has lost an appeal against the British government’s decision to revoke her UK citizenship.

In November, a counterterrorism review called for Begum and other British-linked people in Syria to be repatriated, calling the UK an “outlier” in its policy towards such citizens

Hakmiyeh Ibrahim, the camp’s director, said Monday’s planned repatriations were organised by family members of the returnees and not directly with Australian authorities.

Read more from Sky News:
Imran Khan’s doctor barred from jail
Man charged over Taylor Swift plot
Fatal shooting at US ice rink

Al Roj camp houses about 2,200 people from around 50 nationalities, mostly women and children, who have supposed links to the extremist group.

Most in the camp are not technically prisoners and have not been accused of a crime, but they have, in effect, been detained in the heavily guarded camp, controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

During an interview with ABC News, Mr Albanese ‌hinted at potential consequences if people returned: “We want to make it clear… to the people involved that, if there are any breaches of the law, then they will face the full force of the Australian law.”

The fate of the Al Roj camp and the similar but larger Al Hol camp has been a matter of debate for years.

Human rights groups have cited poor living conditions and pervasive violence in the camps, but many countries have been reluctant to take back their citizens who are detained there.

Mr Ibrahim, the camp director, said 16 families were repatriated last year, including German, British and French nationals. In 2022, three Australian families were repatriated.

Queen’s University also paid tribute to the student, describing her as “bright, compassionate, and deeply committed to fulfilling her passion for nursing”.

Funeral details have been confirmed for a young student nurse who tragically died following a weekend crash between a car and bus in Co Antrim.

Claudia Jaczyk, 23 and from Newtownabbey, died on Saturday morning after the black Citroen C1 car she was driving collided with a bus on the Ballyrobin Road in Templepatrick.

The crash happened at around 8am on Valentine’s Day close to Belfast International Airport. The driver of the bus suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

READ MORE: Claudia Jaczyk: Community ‘shocked and saddened’ by tragic crash death of student nurseREAD MORE: Claudia Jaczyk: Police name 23-year-old killed in crash between car and bus

A former pupil at Glengormley Integrated Primary School and Ballyclare Secondary School, Ms Jaczyk had recently started nursing studies at Queen’s University.

Paying tribute on social media, Ballyclare Secondary School said: “Claudia was a truly lovely young person – full of life, always chatty, enthusiastic, and friendly. Her bubbly nature, sweet personality, and love of singing brought light and joy to those around her, and she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

“The entire Ballyclare Secondary School community wishes to express our deepest sympathy to Claudia’s family and friends at this heartbreaking time. Our thoughts are with you all.”

Queen’s University School of Nursing and Midwifery added: “Claudia was a valued member of our September ’25 Adult Nursing cohort. She was bright, compassionate, and deeply committed to fulfilling her passion for nursing.

“Her kindness and dedication left a lasting impression on staff and fellow students alike. This news has come as a tremendous shock to our community, and our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Claudia’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“We will remember Claudia for her warmth, her dedication to her studies and the care she brought to her chosen profession. She will be deeply missed.”

Her death notice reads: “Beloved daughter of Damian and Marzena, devoted sister of Kuba, cherished partner of David, adored granddaughter of Krzysztof and Zofia, much loved niece of Grzesiek, Piotr and Marlena, loving cousin of Alan, Oliver and Nathan. She will be sadly missed by her entire family circle and all her many friends.”

Claudia will be reposing at her own residence 37 Hollybrook Court, Newtownabbey from Tuesday, February 17. House strictly private on Tuesday. Those wishing to pay their respects are welcome on Wednesday 18 from 2pm-9pm.

A celebration of Claudia’s life will be held this Thursday, February 19 in Newtownabbey Crematorium, Doagh Road at 10am.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe appeal set up to help Ms Jaczyk’s grieving family fly over from her native Poland to attend her funeral and with funeral costs has gathered £17,000 in donations.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with the police investigation, is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 341 of February 14.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here

Kate Moss for Topshop. Joni jeans. The Ivy Park collection.

It’s been five years since big Topshop closed its doors, and I think I speak for all millennials when I say we never really got over it.

But finally, our prayers have been answered: Topshop is returning to the UK high-street. It might not be exactly what you had in mind though.

The flagship Oxford Street shop, which closed in 2021, remains a massive IKEA. But from today (February 17), you’ll be able to get your hands on Topshop clothes in 32 John Lewis stores across the country.

Topshop and sister brand Topman have been sorely missed on the UK high streets since former owner Arcadia collapsed into administration in 2021.
The brand was snapped up by current owner ASOS, where Topshop is sold online.

But it’s not quite the same as perusing the racks, is it?

The John Lewis launch will cover a collection of 130 of Topshop’s ‘most in-demand pieces,’ including their signature denim items. Topshop and Topman products will also be available across John Lewis’s online platforms as part of the launch.

Michelle Wilson, managing director of Topshop, said: ‘Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love.

‘From our cult denim to new‑season footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day.

‘Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect.’

But John Lewis isn’t the first…

While we’re suitably nostalgic about shopping Topshop in-store, John Lewis isn’t the first department store to sell it.

Last year, the brand returned to physical retail with a launch in Liberty, the famous department store on Regent’s Street, a mere stone’s throw from where big Topshop used to be.

The brand teased the partnership in an Instagram video, posted on August 19, which appeared to reveal the recognisable Liberty storefront.

Comments on the post quickly noticed the setting, and questioned whether Liberty would be the first to have Topshop’s AW25 collection on the rails.

The news was then later confirmed by Liberty’s group buying and merchandising director, Lydia King.

Police who discovered the bodies of Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi Smith at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, called the case “a sad and tragic incident”

A mum shot dead her daughter and then herself in a hotel room, police say.

When Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter Addi Smith failed to turn up for a cheerleading competition on the weekend, authorities in Las Vegas, Nevada, led a search for the pair. Police found Tawnia and Addi dead in their room at the Rio Hotel and Casino in the city, and also discovered a note.

Tributes have poured in for the relatives, including from Utah Xtreme Cheer for which little Addi represented in cheerleading. A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched to help family members.

Speaking to reporters about the heartbreaking case, Police Lieutenant Robert Price, of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, said: “This is a sad and tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family.” He added a motive for the killing is “still part of our investigation.”

According to police, officers received a request for a welfare check just before 11am on Sunday. The police press release reads: “Patrol officers along with security personnel for the property attempted to contact the two. Officers knocked on the door and called into the room several times but did not get a response. Based on the details at the time, there was no belief that either was in danger and officers cleared.”

READ MORE: Pawtucket ice skating rink horror as three dead and several injured in ‘shooting’READ MORE: Arc de Triomphe horror as man shot dead in Paris after ‘attacking police with knife’

But hotel security received additional requests to check on the mother and daughter and later entered their room around 2.27pm, per the press release. Tawnia and Addi were found unresponsive and security called 911.

Both were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Their statement continued: “Based on the preliminary evidence at the scene, detectives were able to determine the mother shot her daughter before shooting herself.”

Writing on Facebook, Utah Xtreme Cheer said: “With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away. We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and continue to send them love as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”

People who follow Utah Xtreme Cheer, which is in Salt Lake City, offered their thoughts to the family, who are said to be suffering “unimaginable” pain. Any money raised through the GoFundMe page will be used to pay for Tawnia and Addi’s funerals. The appeal states “a heartbreaking event has left the family in deep shock and grief, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of Addi in such a way.”

It was all to mark the start of the Year of the Horse on Tuesday

Nursery pupils in Belfast have been getting hands-on with Chinese language and culture as schools across Northern Ireland mark the start of the Year of the Horse today (Tuesday, 17 February).

Children from St Paul’s Primary School in west Belfast were joined by friends from Fane Street Primary School in the south of the city to explore Chinese culture through a variety of workshops and activities, including ribbon dancing, interactive Chinese storytelling sessions and painting traditional Peking opera masks.

They also enjoyed performances from visiting artists, bringing the sights, sounds, and stories of Chinese New Year to life.

READ MORE: Belfast’s Chinese New Year celebrations ‘represent goodwill and true friendship’ says Consul GeneralREAD MORE: Everything you need to know about Chinese New Year 2026 and celebrations in Belfast

St Paul’s is a Confucius classroom partner with a long-standing focus on Mandarin education. Pupils from P1 to P7 receive weekly beginner lessons, and the school regularly hosts international days where families watch performances, songs, and artwork created by the children. The school is widely recognised for its commitment to Chinese language and culture.

As part of the celebrations, the British Council launched its Year of the Horse Education Pack. The pack, aimed at pupils aged seven to 11, provides teachers with classroom activities and lesson ideas to explore the festival and Chinese culture. Activities include tangram puzzles, creative crafts such as scroll paintings and paper hobby horses, and opportunities to learn about Chinese language and the symbolism of horses in art.

Speaking at the event, Colm McGivern, Director, British Council Northern Ireland, said: “The Chinese New Year is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate culture and creativity. The children at St Paul’s have shown tremendous enthusiasm for Mandarin and Chinese traditions, and the British Council’s new education pack gives schools across Northern Ireland ways to bring these experiences into the classroom.

“Activities like these help children connect with other cultures, spark curiosity, and make learning about language and traditions exciting and meaningful.”

The Confucius Institute at Ulster University, which organised the event, runs its Year of the Horse Roadshow each Chinese New Year, visiting schools across Northern Ireland with workshops, performances and cultural activities.

The British Council’s Year of the Horse Education Pack can be downloaded free here.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

Michigan is No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for the first time in 13 years, ending Arizona’s nine-week reign.

The Wolverines (24-1) claimed 60 of 61 first-place votes in Monday’s poll to climb one spot and supplant the Wildcats, who were unbeaten entering last week before falling at Kansas and at home to Texas Tech.

“Not much,” coach Dusty May said when asked by the AP after Saturday’s rout of UCLA about the significance of potentially topping the poll. “It means we haven’t drank our own Kool-Aid. We’ve put ourselves in a position to be playing the types of games in mid-February that we want to be in, but we’ve got to continue to improve.”

Michigan had been ranked No. 2 behind Arizona for six of Arizona’s nine weeks at the top but was No. 1 in analytics rankings by KenPom, Evan Miyakawa and Bart Torvik last week.

Now the Wolverines have their first AP No. 1 ranking since January 2013.

Houston and Duke each moved up one spot to sit behind Michigan, with the second-ranked Cougars claiming the remaining first-place vote. The Wolverines and Blue Devils are set to meet this weekend in a marquee nonconference matchup in the nation’s capital.

Arizona dropped three spots to No. 4. UConn was next at No. 5, followed by Iowa State, Purdue, Kansas, Nebraska and Illinois to round out the top 10.

Rising

The seventh-ranked Boilermakers jumped six spots for the week’s biggest leap, coming after an overtime win at Nebraska and a win at Iowa. The preseason No. 1 has won four straight entering Tuesday’s visit from Michigan.

No. 13 Texas Tech rose three spots after its home win against Colorado followed by the OT win at Arizona. As did No. 21 Louisville, with freshman Mikel Brown starring with an Atlantic Coast Conference freshman-record 45 points in a win against N.C. State and 29 more in a win against Baylor.

In all, 13 teams moved up from last week.

Sliding

No. 15 Michigan State and No. 16 North Carolina had the week’s biggest tumbles of five spots. The Spartans lost at Wisconsin on Friday, while the Tar Heels lost at Miami while also learning that star freshman Caleb Wilson is out indefinitely with a fractured bone in his left hand.

Seven ranked teams fell from last week’s position.

Quick turnaround for Badgers

Wisconsin returned to the poll, going from receiving no votes last week to No. 24 after back-to-back wins against top-10 opponents Illinois and Michigan State last week.

Wisconsin previously had fallen out of the poll after a Nov. 21 loss to BYU as the Badgers struggled through a 7-4 start. Last week’s wins, along with being the only team to take down Michigan, has the Badgers alongside the Red Raiders as the only teams with victories against three top-10 teams this year.

“Early in the year we were soft mentally and physically,” coach Greg Gard said after the 92-71 win against the Spartans. “We had to mature, had to grow up collectively and individually. You’re not going to be able to compete in these types of games in the upper echelon of this league if you’re not physically and mentally tough. This group has responded.”

Comings and goings

No. 25 Alabama joined Wisconsin as the week’s new additions after the Crimson Tide pushed to a four-game winning streak.

They replaced Clemson (No. 20) and Kentucky (No. 25) in the poll.

Conference watch

The Big 12 and Big Ten dominated the top of the poll while tying with a national-best six ranked teams. Those two leagues combined to have eight spots in the top 10.

The ACC and Southeastern Conference were next with four ranked teams each. The Big East had two, while the West Coast Conference, Atlantic 10 and Mid-American Conference each had one.

___

AP Sports Writers Larry Lage in Michigan and Steve Megargee in Wisconsin contributed to this report.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball