The iPod had a brain freeze, while connected to KTU3, which lobotomized her to where even the Shut Down process wouldn't complete without intervention.
Attempts to unfreeze the iPod culminated in a below freezing car at night, power adapter in a cigarette lighter, following instructions to reboot -- and enjoying a successful outcome.
With the iPod now restored to sanity, KTU3 reverted to normal as well, and I managed to copy my Python for Math Teachers pilots, which look sharper on the iPod's little screen than on Google Video in some ways.
I'm on call to assist with a larger device. Stay tuned.