again... experiment was done in a safe place - no children were ever at risk.
i don't have a scanner so am not sure what error code was tripped, but i can confirm i am a relatively new driver to 6mt and did not push in clutch with brake. so best guess is stall induced engine fault as one of the posters suggested. lesson now learned - thank you.
the code has now cleared after a few power on/off cycles, so car seems fine.
a note to those of you who ride high horses. it is always a bit easier to receive coaching from someone who at least comes across as sympathetic. think of all the noobs who want to learn but are afraid of getting flamed by someone with a bit more knowledge and a lot more attitude - is that how we want to develop the community?!?