Where is the internet when you need it?

Things I have disappointingly not managed to solve via a search on the internet:

- A forum discussing Marisha Pessl's wonderful new book 'Special Topics in Calamity Physics' (which I unfortunately read in the Dutch translation). Yes I know, 'in life there are no shortcuts' but I could use some borrowed brains here...
- Some of the answers to the Christmas puzzle 'Econogram' from Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad that I uncharacteristically got obsessed with. The same as above applies. I need to send it off before I leave the country on 1 January...
- The whereabouts of half a dozen lost loves and friends.

Things I was pleasantly surprised to find:

- Forums providing 'languages classes' by enthusiasts. I love this.
- Many documents that I was given as a researcher on the condition that I would treat them as confidential.
- The answers to the question 'is this correct English?' (if the BBC website gives a lot of hits for the word or expression, I take it the answer is 'yes')
- The whereabouts of the other half dozen.