Michael, I know exactly what a Donnerbalken is (since yesterday). Until then, I only knew it as an euphemism for a primitive toilet (which is another definition given in the Duden).

I'm also familiar with the (German) expression "worshipping the porcelain god" for the very same situation (food poisoning or morning sickness, that is. Never, ever for a hangover. laugh )

The only known quantity that moves faster than
light is the office grapevine. (from Nan's fabulous Home series)