[kivyee]

The good new is - the car is fixed! Gizmo and mighty mouse you were right, it was the wire going across the engine along the top on towards the rear (firewall) of the engine. Apparently there's a connector, about one foot away from the jump point, that is under the insulation/wire sheathing that released but still contacted. They pushed it back together very tightly and taped it so it won't come apart anymore. I'll solder it if it ever becomes a problem. Picture to come.

At this point I think this pretty much explains all the symptoms/occurances/trouble-codes. Also explains why a jump didn't help start the car.