diff --git a/common/include/Utilities/Threading.h b/common/include/Utilities/Threading.h
index 7c099a1dce..8a38fff397 100644
--- a/common/include/Utilities/Threading.h
+++ b/common/include/Utilities/Threading.h
@@ -109,8 +109,8 @@ namespace Threading
 	// derived class if your thread utilizes the post).
 	//
 	// Notes:
-	//  * Constructing threads as static vars isn't recommended since it can potentially con-
-	//    fuse w32pthreads, if the static initializers are executed out-of-order (C++ offers
+	//  * Constructing threads as static global vars isn't recommended since it can potentially
+	//    confuse w32pthreads, if the static initializers are executed out-of-order (C++ offers
 	//    no dependency options for ensuring correct static var initializations).  Use heap
 	//    allocation to create thread objects instead.
 	//
@@ -121,17 +121,19 @@ namespace Threading
 	protected:
 		typedef int (*PlainJoeFP)();
 		pthread_t	m_thread;
+		Semaphore	m_sem_event;		// general wait event that's needed by most threads.
 		sptr		m_returncode;		// value returned from the thread on close.
 
-		bool		m_running;
-		Semaphore	m_sem_event;		// general wait event that's needed by most threads.
-
+		volatile long m_detached;		// a boolean value which indicates if the m_thread handle is valid
+		volatile long m_running;		// set true by Start(), and set false by Cancel(), Block(), etc.
+		
 	public:
 		virtual ~PersistentThread();
 		PersistentThread();
 
 		virtual void Start();
 		virtual void Cancel( bool isBlocking = true );
+		virtual void Detach();
 
 		// Gets the return code of the thread.
 		// Throws std::logic_error if the thread has not terminated.
@@ -142,6 +144,8 @@ namespace Threading
 		
 		bool IsSelf() const;
 
+		virtual void DoThreadCleanup();
+
 	protected:
 		// Used to dispatch the thread callback function.
 		// (handles some thread cleanup on Win32, and is basically a typecast
@@ -150,14 +154,6 @@ namespace Threading
 
 		// Implemented by derived class to handle threading actions!
 		virtual sptr ExecuteTask()=0;
-
-	// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-	//        Static Methods (PersistentThread)
-	// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-	public:
-		// performs a test on the given thread handle, returning true if the thread exists
-		// or false if the thread is dead/done/never existed.
-		static bool Exists( pthread_t pid );
 	};
 
 	//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/common/src/Utilities/ThreadTools.cpp b/common/src/Utilities/ThreadTools.cpp
index 43c0923ef1..80eef62e23 100644
--- a/common/src/Utilities/ThreadTools.cpp
+++ b/common/src/Utilities/ThreadTools.cpp
@@ -29,22 +29,40 @@ using namespace Threading;
 
 namespace Threading
 {
+	static void _pt_callback_cleanup( void* handle )
+	{
+		((PersistentThread*)handle)->DoThreadCleanup();
+	}
+
 	PersistentThread::PersistentThread() :
 		m_thread()
-	,	m_returncode( 0 )
-	,	m_running( false )
 	,	m_sem_event()
+	,	m_returncode( 0 )
+	,	m_detached( false )
+	,	m_running( false )
 	{
 	}
 
-	// Perform a blocking termination of the thread, to ensure full object cleanup.
+	// This destructor performs basic "last chance" cleanup, which is a blocking
+	// join against non-detached threads.  Detached threads are unhandled.
+	// Extending classes should always implement their own thread closure process.
+	// This class must not be deleted from its own thread.  That would be like marrying
+	// your sister, and then cheating on her with your daughter.
 	PersistentThread::~PersistentThread()
 	{
-		Cancel( false );
+		wxASSERT( !IsSelf() );		// not allowed from our own thread.
+
+		if( !_InterlockedExchange( &m_detached, true ) )
+		{
+			pthread_join( m_thread, (void**)&m_returncode );
+			m_running = false;
+		}
 	}
 
+	// This function should not be called from the owner thread.
 	void PersistentThread::Start()
 	{
+		wxASSERT( !IsSelf() );		// not allowed from our own thread.
 		if( m_running ) return;
 
 		if( pthread_create( &m_thread, NULL, _internal_callback, this ) != 0 )
@@ -53,26 +71,43 @@ namespace Threading
 		m_running = true;
 	}
 
+	// This function should not be called from the owner thread.
+	void PersistentThread::Detach()
+	{
+		wxASSERT( !IsSelf() );		// not allowed from our own thread.
+		if( _InterlockedExchange( &m_detached, true ) ) return;
+		pthread_detach( m_thread );
+	}
+
 	// Remarks:
 	//   Provision of non-blocking Cancel() is probably academic, since destroying a PersistentThread
 	//   object performs a blocking Cancel regardless of if you explicitly do a non-blocking Cancel()
 	//   prior, since the ExecuteTask() method requires a valid object state.  If you really need
 	//   fire-and-forget behavior on threads, use pthreads directly for now.
-	//   (TODO : make a DetachedThread class?)
+	//
+	// This function should not be called from the owner thread.
 	//
 	// Parameters:
 	//   isBlocking - indicates if the Cancel action should block for thread completion or not.
 	//
 	void PersistentThread::Cancel( bool isBlocking )
 	{
-		if( !m_running ) return;
-		m_running = false;
+		wxASSERT( !IsSelf() );
+		if( _InterlockedExchange( &m_detached, true ) )
+		{
+			if( m_running )
+				Console::Notice( "Threading Warning: Attempted to cancel detached thread; Ignoring..." );
+			return;
+		}
 
 		pthread_cancel( m_thread );
+
 		if( isBlocking )
 			pthread_join( m_thread, (void**)&m_returncode );
 		else
 			pthread_detach( m_thread );
+
+		m_running = false;
 	}
 
 	// Blocks execution of the calling thread until this thread completes its task.  The
@@ -85,11 +120,21 @@ namespace Threading
 	//
 	sptr PersistentThread::Block()
 	{
-		bool isOwner = (pthread_self() == m_thread);
-		DevAssert( !isOwner, "Thread deadlock detected; Block() should never be called by the owner thread." );
+		DevAssert( !IsSelf(), "Thread deadlock detected; Block() should never be called by the owner thread." );
+		
+		if( _InterlockedExchange( &m_detached, true ) )
+		{
+			// already detached: if we're still running then its an invalid operation
+			if( m_running )
+				throw Exception::InvalidOperation( "Blocking on detached threads requires manual semaphore implementation." );
 
-		pthread_join( m_thread, (void**)&m_returncode );
-		return m_returncode;
+			return m_returncode;
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			pthread_join( m_thread, (void**)&m_returncode );
+			return m_returncode;
+		}
 	}
 	
 	bool PersistentThread::IsSelf() const
@@ -97,15 +142,12 @@ namespace Threading
 		return pthread_self() == m_thread;
 	}
 
-	bool PersistentThread::Exists( pthread_t pid )
-	{
-		// passing 0 to pthread_kill is a NOP, and returns the status of the thread only.
-		return ( ESRCH != pthread_kill( pid, 0 ) );
-	}
-
 	bool PersistentThread::IsRunning() const
 	{
-		return ( m_running && (ESRCH != pthread_kill( m_thread, 0 )) );
+		if( !!m_detached )
+			return !!m_running;
+		else
+			return ( ESRCH != pthread_kill( m_thread, 0 ) );
 	}
 
 	// Exceptions:
@@ -113,21 +155,28 @@ namespace Threading
 	//
 	sptr PersistentThread::GetReturnCode() const
 	{
-		if( !m_running )
-			throw Exception::InvalidOperation( "Thread.GetReturnCode : thread has not been started." );
-
 		if( IsRunning() )
 			throw Exception::InvalidOperation( "Thread.GetReturnCode : thread is still running." );
 
 		return m_returncode;
 	}
 
+	// invoked when canceling or exiting the thread.
+	void PersistentThread::DoThreadCleanup()
+	{
+		wxASSERT( IsSelf() );	// only allowed from our own thread, thanks.
+		_InterlockedExchange( &m_running, false );
+	}
+
 	void* PersistentThread::_internal_callback( void* itsme )
 	{
 		jASSUME( itsme != NULL );
-
 		PersistentThread& owner = *((PersistentThread*)itsme);
+
+		pthread_cleanup_push( _pt_callback_cleanup, itsme );
 		owner.m_returncode = owner.ExecuteTask();
+		pthread_cleanup_pop( true );
+
 		return (void*)owner.m_returncode;
 	}
 
diff --git a/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp b/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp
index 54bf053549..4db4f1cfdc 100644
--- a/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ void mtgsThreadObject::Start()
 
 mtgsThreadObject::~mtgsThreadObject()
 {
-	Cancel();
+	mtgsThreadObject::Cancel();
 }
 
 void mtgsThreadObject::Cancel()
diff --git a/pcsx2/PluginManager.cpp b/pcsx2/PluginManager.cpp
index a1e5ab5121..e9fdb51e53 100644
--- a/pcsx2/PluginManager.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/PluginManager.cpp
@@ -704,8 +704,9 @@ static bool OpenPlugin_GS()
 		return true;
 	}
 
-	if( mtgsThread->IsSelf() )
-		return !GSopen( (void*)&pDsp, "PCSX2", renderswitch ? 2 : 1 );
+	if( !mtgsThread->IsSelf() ) return true;	// already opened?
+	
+	return !GSopen( (void*)&pDsp, "PCSX2", renderswitch ? 2 : 1 );
 
 	// Note: rederswitch is us abusing the isMultiThread parameter for that so
 	// we don't need a new callback
diff --git a/pcsx2/System.h b/pcsx2/System.h
index c778acc454..08dd884fed 100644
--- a/pcsx2/System.h
+++ b/pcsx2/System.h
@@ -110,6 +110,6 @@ namespace Msgbox
 }
 
 BEGIN_DECLARE_EVENT_TYPES()
-	DECLARE_EVENT_TYPE( pxEVT_MSGBOX, -1 );
-	DECLARE_EVENT_TYPE( pxEVT_CallStackBox, -1 );
+	DECLARE_EVENT_TYPE( pxEVT_MSGBOX, -1 )
+	DECLARE_EVENT_TYPE( pxEVT_CallStackBox, -1 )
 END_DECLARE_EVENT_TYPES()
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/App.h b/pcsx2/gui/App.h
index 68172d9239..7653f789e5 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/App.h
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/App.h
@@ -32,6 +32,89 @@
 
 class IniInterface;
 
+// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// All Menu Options for the Main Window! :D
+// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+enum MenuIdentifiers
+{
+	// Main Menu Section
+	Menu_Run = 1,
+	Menu_Config,			// General config, plus non audio/video plugins.
+	Menu_Video,				// Video options filled in by GS plugin
+	Menu_Audio,				// audio options filled in by SPU2 plugin
+	Menu_Misc,				// Misc options and help!
+
+	// Run SubSection
+	Menu_RunIso = 20,		// Opens submenu with Iso browser, and recent isos.
+	Menu_IsoBrowse,			// Open dialog, runs selected iso.
+	Menu_BootCDVD,			// opens a submenu filled by CDVD plugin (usually list of drives)
+	Menu_RunWithoutDisc,	// used to enter the bios (subs in cdvdnull)
+	Menu_RunELF,
+	Menu_SkipBiosToggle,	// enables the Bios Skip  speedhack
+	Menu_EnableSkipBios,	// check marked menu that toggles Skip Bios boot feature.
+	Menu_PauseExec,			// suspends/resumes active emulation
+	Menu_Reset,				// Issues a complete reset.
+	Menu_States,			// Opens states submenu
+	Menu_Run_Exit = wxID_EXIT,
+
+	Menu_State_Load = 40,
+	Menu_State_LoadOther,
+	Menu_State_Load01,		// first of many load slots
+	Menu_State_Save = 60,
+	Menu_State_SaveOther,
+	Menu_State_Save01,		// first of many save slots
+
+	// Config Subsection
+	Menu_Config_Settings = 100,
+	Menu_Config_BIOS,
+	Menu_Config_CDVD,
+	Menu_Config_DEV9,
+	Menu_Config_USB,
+	Menu_Config_FireWire,
+	Menu_Config_Patches,
+
+	// Video Subsection
+	// Top items are Pcsx2-controlled.  GS plugin items are inserted beneath.
+	Menu_Video_Basics = 200,		// includes frame timings and skippings settings
+	Menu_Video_Advanced,		// inserted at the bottom of the menu
+	Menu_GS_Custom1 = 210,		// start index for GS custom entries (valid up to 299)
+	Menu_GS_CustomMax = 299,
+
+	// Audio subsection
+	// Top items are Pcsx2-controlled.  SPU2 plugin items are inserted beneath.
+	// [no items at this time]
+	Menu_Audio_Advanced = 300,	// inserted at the bottom of the menu
+	Menu_Audio_Custom1 = 310,
+	Menu_Audio_CustomMax = 399,
+
+	// Controller subsection
+	// Top items are Pcsx2-controlled.  Pad plugin items are inserted beneath.
+	// [no items at this time]
+	Menu_Pad_Advanced = 400,
+	Menu_Pad_Custom1 = 410,
+	Menu_Pad_CustomMax = 499,
+
+	// Miscellaneous Menu!  (Misc)
+	Menu_About = wxID_ABOUT,
+	Menu_Website = 500,			// Visit our awesome website!
+	Menu_Profiler,				// Enable profiler
+	Menu_Console,				// Enable console
+	Menu_Patches,
+
+	// Debug Subsection
+	Menu_Debug_Open = 600,		// opens the debugger window / starts a debug session
+	Menu_Debug_MemoryDump,
+	Menu_Debug_Logging,			// dialog for selection additional log options
+	Menu_Debug_Usermode,
+	Menu_Languages,
+
+	// Language Menu
+	// (Updated entirely dynamically, all values from range 1000 onward are reserved for languages)
+	Menu_Language_Start = 1000
+};
+
+
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 //
 struct AppImageIds
@@ -97,7 +180,6 @@ class Pcsx2App : public wxApp
 protected:
 	MainEmuFrame*		m_MainFrame;
 	ConsoleLogFrame*	m_ProgramLogBox;
-	ConsoleLogFrame*	m_Ps2ConLogBox;
 	wxBitmap*			m_Bitmap_Logo;
 
 	wxImageList		m_ConfigImages;
@@ -135,16 +217,17 @@ public:
 		return *m_MainFrame;
 	}
 
+	void PostMenuAction( MenuIdentifiers menu_id ) const;
+	void Ping() const;
+
+	// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+	//        Console / Program Logging Helpers
+	// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 	ConsoleLogFrame* GetProgramLog()
 	{
 		return m_ProgramLogBox;
 	}
 
-	ConsoleLogFrame* GetConsoleLog()
-	{
-		return m_Ps2ConLogBox;
-	}
-
 	void CloseProgramLog()
 	{
 		m_ProgramLogBox->Close();
@@ -165,18 +248,13 @@ public:
 		m_ProgramLogBox->GetEventHandler()->AddPendingEvent( evt );
 	}
 
-	void ConsoleLog_PostEvent( wxEvent& evt )
-	{
-		if( m_Ps2ConLogBox == NULL ) return;
-		m_Ps2ConLogBox->GetEventHandler()->AddPendingEvent( evt );
-	}
-
 	//ConsoleLogFrame* GetConsoleFrame() const { return m_ProgramLogBox; }
 	//void SetConsoleFrame( ConsoleLogFrame& frame ) { m_ProgramLogBox = &frame; }
 
 protected:
 	void ReadUserModeSettings();
 	bool TryOpenConfigCwd();
+	void OnSemaphorePing( wxCommandEvent& evt );
 	void OnMessageBox( pxMessageBoxEvent& evt );
 	void CleanupMess();
 	void OpenWizardConsole();
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.cpp
index 7c08078a37..ae1ca1193d 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.cpp
@@ -359,6 +359,7 @@ wxString AppConfig::FullpathToMcd( uint mcdidx ) const	{ return Path::Combine( F
 
 AppConfig::AppConfig() :
 	MainGuiPosition( wxDefaultPosition )
+,	SettingsTabName( L"Cpu" )
 ,	LanguageId( wxLANGUAGE_DEFAULT )
 ,	RecentFileCount( 6 )
 ,	DeskTheme( L"default" )
@@ -418,6 +419,7 @@ void AppConfig::LoadSave( IniInterface& ini )
 	AppConfig defaults;
 
 	IniEntry( MainGuiPosition );
+	IniEntry( SettingsTabName );
 	ini.EnumEntry( L"LanguageId", LanguageId, NULL, defaults.LanguageId );
 	IniEntry( RecentFileCount );
 	IniEntry( DeskTheme );
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.h b/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.h
index 8dd628fe3a..dae3f7299b 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.h
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/AppConfig.h
@@ -104,6 +104,10 @@ public:
 public:
 	wxPoint		MainGuiPosition;
 
+	// Because remembering the last used tab on the settings panel is cool (tab is remembered
+	// by it's UTF/ASCII name).
+	wxString	SettingsTabName;
+
 	// Current language in use (correlates to a wxWidgets wxLANGUAGE specifier)
 	wxLanguage	LanguageId;
 	
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/ConsoleLogger.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/ConsoleLogger.cpp
index e3b0347db7..554f38cbb8 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/ConsoleLogger.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/ConsoleLogger.cpp
@@ -646,6 +646,9 @@ namespace Console
 	{
 		const wxString fmtline( wxString::FromAscii( fmt ) + L"\n" );
 		_immediate_logger( fmtline );
+		
+		if( emuLog != NULL )
+			fflush( emuLog );
 
 		// Implementation note: I've duplicated Write+Newline behavior here to avoid polluting
 		// the message pump with lots of erroneous messages (Newlines can be bound into Write message).
@@ -664,6 +667,9 @@ namespace Console
 		const wxString fmtline( fmt + L"\n" );
 		_immediate_logger( fmtline );
 
+		if( emuLog != NULL )
+			fflush( emuLog );
+
 		// Implementation note: I've duplicated Write+Newline behavior here to avoid polluting
 		// the message pump with lots of erroneous messages (Newlines can be bound into Write message).
 
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.cpp
index 22f8f187aa..d1f0368cfc 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.cpp
@@ -43,13 +43,22 @@ using namespace Panels;
 	static const int s_orient = wxBK_LEFT;
 #endif
 
+static const int IdealWidth = 500;
+
+template< typename T >
+void Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::AddPage( const char* label, int iconid )
+{
+	const wxString labelstr( wxString::FromUTF8( label ) );
+	const int curidx = m_labels.Add( labelstr );
+	g_ApplyState.SetCurrentPage( curidx );
+	m_listbook.AddPage( new T( m_listbook, IdealWidth ),	wxGetTranslation( labelstr ),
+		( labelstr == g_Conf->SettingsTabName ), iconid );
+}
 
 Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::ConfigurationDialog( wxWindow* parent, int id ) :
 	wxDialogWithHelpers( parent, id, _("PCSX2 Configuration"), true )
 ,	m_listbook( *new wxListbook( this, wxID_ANY, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, s_orient ) )
 {
-	static const int IdealWidth = 500;
-
 	wxBoxSizer& mainSizer = *new wxBoxSizer( wxVERTICAL );
 
 	m_listbook.SetImageList( &wxGetApp().GetImgList_Config() );
@@ -57,24 +66,13 @@ Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::ConfigurationDialog( wxWindow* parent, int id ) :
 
 	g_ApplyState.StartBook( &m_listbook );
 
-	g_ApplyState.SetCurrentPage( m_listbook.GetPageCount() );
-	m_listbook.AddPage( new CpuPanel( m_listbook, IdealWidth ),				_("CPU"), false, cfgid.Cpu );
-
-	g_ApplyState.SetCurrentPage( m_listbook.GetPageCount() );
-	m_listbook.AddPage( new VideoPanel( m_listbook, IdealWidth ),			_("GS/Video"), false, cfgid.Video );
-
-	g_ApplyState.SetCurrentPage( m_listbook.GetPageCount() );
-	m_listbook.AddPage( new SpeedHacksPanel( m_listbook, IdealWidth ),		_("Speedhacks"), false, cfgid.Speedhacks );
-
-	g_ApplyState.SetCurrentPage( m_listbook.GetPageCount() );
-	m_listbook.AddPage( new GameFixesPanel( m_listbook, IdealWidth ),		_("Game Fixes"), false, cfgid.Gamefixes );
-
-	g_ApplyState.SetCurrentPage( m_listbook.GetPageCount() );
-	m_listbook.AddPage( new PluginSelectorPanel( m_listbook, IdealWidth ),	_("Plugins"), false, cfgid.Plugins );
-
-	g_ApplyState.SetCurrentPage( m_listbook.GetPageCount() );
-	m_listbook.AddPage( new StandardPathsPanel( m_listbook ),				_("Folders"), false, cfgid.Paths );
-
+	AddPage<CpuPanel>			( wxLt("CPU"),			cfgid.Cpu );
+	AddPage<VideoPanel>			( wxLt("GS/Video"),		cfgid.Video );
+	AddPage<SpeedHacksPanel>	( wxLt("Speedhacks"),	cfgid.Speedhacks );
+	AddPage<GameFixesPanel>		( wxLt("Game Fixes"),	cfgid.Gamefixes );
+	AddPage<PluginSelectorPanel>( wxLt("Plugins"),		cfgid.Plugins );
+	AddPage<StandardPathsPanel>	( wxLt("Folders"),		cfgid.Paths );
+	
 	mainSizer.Add( &m_listbook );
 	AddOkCancel( mainSizer, true );
 	
@@ -94,6 +92,7 @@ Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::ConfigurationDialog( wxWindow* parent, int id ) :
 #endif
 
 	Connect( wxID_OK,		wxEVT_COMMAND_BUTTON_CLICKED, wxCommandEventHandler( ConfigurationDialog::OnOk_Click ) );
+	Connect( wxID_CANCEL,	wxEVT_COMMAND_BUTTON_CLICKED, wxCommandEventHandler( ConfigurationDialog::OnCancel_Click ) );
 	Connect( wxID_APPLY,	wxEVT_COMMAND_BUTTON_CLICKED, wxCommandEventHandler( ConfigurationDialog::OnApply_Click ) );
 
 	// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -121,17 +120,30 @@ Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::~ConfigurationDialog()
 
 void Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::OnOk_Click( wxCommandEvent& evt )
 {
-	if( g_ApplyState.ApplyAll() )
+	if( g_ApplyState.ApplyAll( false ) )
 	{
+		FindWindow( wxID_APPLY )->Disable();
+		g_Conf->SettingsTabName = m_labels[m_listbook.GetSelection()];
+		g_Conf->Save();
+
 		Close();
 		evt.Skip();
 	}
 }
 
+void Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::OnCancel_Click( wxCommandEvent& evt )
+{
+	evt.Skip();
+	g_Conf->SettingsTabName = m_labels[m_listbook.GetSelection()];
+}
+
 void Dialogs::ConfigurationDialog::OnApply_Click( wxCommandEvent& evt )
 {
-	FindWindow( wxID_APPLY )->Disable();
-	g_ApplyState.ApplyAll();
+	if( g_ApplyState.ApplyAll( false ) )
+		FindWindow( wxID_APPLY )->Disable();
+
+	g_Conf->SettingsTabName = m_labels[m_listbook.GetSelection()];
+	g_Conf->Save();
 }
 
 
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.h b/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.h
index e119046fb4..893c1783b9 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.h
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/Dialogs/ConfigurationDialog.h
@@ -32,13 +32,18 @@ namespace Dialogs
 	{
 	protected:
 		wxListbook&		m_listbook;
+		wxArrayString	m_labels;
 
 	public:
 		virtual ~ConfigurationDialog();
 		ConfigurationDialog(wxWindow* parent, int id=wxID_ANY);
 
 	protected:
+		template< typename T >
+		void AddPage( const char* label, int iconid );
+
 		void OnOk_Click( wxCommandEvent& evt );
+		void OnCancel_Click( wxCommandEvent& evt );
 		void OnApply_Click( wxCommandEvent& evt );
 
 		virtual void OnSomethingChanged( wxCommandEvent& evt )
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/MainFrame.h b/pcsx2/gui/MainFrame.h
index 332e858441..5b40893885 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/MainFrame.h
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/MainFrame.h
@@ -24,95 +24,12 @@
 
 #include "App.h"
 
-//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-//
 class MainEmuFrame: public wxFrame
 {
-protected:
-	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-	// All Menu Options for the Main Window! :D
-	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-	enum Identifiers
-	{
-		// Main Menu Section
-		Menu_Run = 1,
-		Menu_Config,			// General config, plus non audio/video plugins.
-		Menu_Video,				// Video options filled in by GS plugin
-		Menu_Audio,				// audio options filled in by SPU2 plugin
-		Menu_Misc,				// Misc options and help!
-
-		// Run SubSection
-		Menu_RunIso = 20,		// Opens submenu with Iso browser, and recent isos.
-		Menu_IsoBrowse,			// Open dialog, runs selected iso.
-		Menu_BootCDVD,			// opens a submenu filled by CDVD plugin (usually list of drives)
-		Menu_RunWithoutDisc,	// used to enter the bios (subs in cdvdnull)
-		Menu_RunELF,
-		Menu_SkipBiosToggle,	// enables the Bios Skip  speedhack
-		Menu_EnableSkipBios,	// check marked menu that toggles Skip Bios boot feature.
-		Menu_PauseExec,			// suspends/resumes active emulation
-		Menu_Reset,				// Issues a complete reset.
-		Menu_States,			// Opens states submenu
-		Menu_Run_Exit = wxID_EXIT,
-
-		Menu_State_Load = 40,
-		Menu_State_LoadOther,
-		Menu_State_Load01,		// first of many load slots
-		Menu_State_Save = 60,
-		Menu_State_SaveOther,
-		Menu_State_Save01,		// first of many save slots
-
-		// Config Subsection
-		Menu_Config_Settings = 100,
-		Menu_Config_BIOS,
-		Menu_Config_CDVD,
-		Menu_Config_DEV9,
-		Menu_Config_USB,
-		Menu_Config_FireWire,
-		Menu_Config_Patches,
-
-		// Video Subsection
-		// Top items are Pcsx2-controlled.  GS plugin items are inserted beneath.
-		Menu_Video_Basics = 200,		// includes frame timings and skippings settings
-		Menu_Video_Advanced,		// inserted at the bottom of the menu
-		Menu_GS_Custom1 = 210,		// start index for GS custom entries (valid up to 299)
-		Menu_GS_CustomMax = 299,
-
-		// Audio subsection
-		// Top items are Pcsx2-controlled.  SPU2 plugin items are inserted beneath.
-		// [no items at this time]
-		Menu_Audio_Advanced = 300,	// inserted at the bottom of the menu
-		Menu_Audio_Custom1 = 310,
-		Menu_Audio_CustomMax = 399,
-
-		// Controller subsection
-		// Top items are Pcsx2-controlled.  Pad plugin items are inserted beneath.
-		// [no items at this time]
-		Menu_Pad_Advanced = 400,
-		Menu_Pad_Custom1 = 410,
-		Menu_Pad_CustomMax = 499,
-
-		// Miscellaneous Menu!  (Misc)
-		Menu_About = wxID_ABOUT,
-		Menu_Website = 500,			// Visit our awesome website!
-		Menu_Profiler,				// Enable profiler
-		Menu_Console,				// Enable console
-		Menu_Patches,
-
-		// Debug Subsection
-		Menu_Debug_Open = 600,		// opens the debugger window / starts a debug session
-		Menu_Debug_MemoryDump,
-		Menu_Debug_Logging,			// dialog for selection additional log options
-		Menu_Debug_Usermode,
-		Menu_Languages,
-
-		// Language Menu
-		// (Updated entirely dynamically, all values from range 1000 onward are reserved for languages)
-		Menu_Language_Start = 1000
-	};
+public:
 
 	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-	// MainEmuFrame Protected Variables
+	//     MainEmuFrame Protected Variables
 	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 	
 protected:
@@ -138,7 +55,7 @@ protected:
 	bool m_IsPaused;
 	
 	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-	// MainEmuFrame Constructors and Member Methods
+	//     MainEmuFrame Constructors and Member Methods
 	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 public:
@@ -177,7 +94,7 @@ protected:
 	void Menu_ShowAboutBox(wxCommandEvent &event);
 
 	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-	// MainEmuFram Internal API for Populating Main Menu Contents
+	//     MainEmuFram Internal API for Populating Main Menu Contents
 	// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 	wxMenu* MakeStatesSubMenu( int baseid ) const;
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/ConfigurationPanels.h b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/ConfigurationPanels.h
index a1a689087c..f97684fbd5 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/ConfigurationPanels.h
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/ConfigurationPanels.h
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ namespace Panels
 		
 		void StartBook( wxBookCtrlBase* book );
 		void StartWizard();
-		bool ApplyAll();
+		bool ApplyAll( bool saveOnSuccess=true );
 		bool ApplyPage( int pageid, bool saveOnSuccess=true );
 		void DoCleanup();
 	};
@@ -323,7 +323,7 @@ namespace Panels
 	class StandardPathsPanel : public BasePathsPanel
 	{
 	public:
-		StandardPathsPanel( wxWindow& parent );
+		StandardPathsPanel( wxWindow& parent, int idealWidth );
 	};
 
 	//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -452,8 +452,8 @@ namespace Panels
 	public:
 		virtual ~PluginSelectorPanel();
 		PluginSelectorPanel( wxWindow& parent, int idealWidth );
-		virtual void CancelRefresh();
 
+		void CancelRefresh();		// used from destructor, stays non-virtual
 		void Apply( AppConfig& conf );
 
 	protected:
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/DirPickerPanel.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/DirPickerPanel.cpp
index edb369acd4..8045dab013 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/DirPickerPanel.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/DirPickerPanel.cpp
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ static wxString GetNormalizedConfigFolder( FoldersEnum_t folderId )
 	return normalized.ToString();
 }
 
-// Pass me TRUE if the default path is to be used, and the DirPcikerCtrl disabled from use.
+// Pass me TRUE if the default path is to be used, and the DirPickerCtrl disabled from use.
 void Panels::DirPickerPanel::UpdateCheckStatus( bool someNoteworthyBoolean )
 {
 	m_pickerCtrl->Enable( !someNoteworthyBoolean );
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/MiscPanelStuff.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/MiscPanelStuff.cpp
index 7f1a137f19..e0b0e9da3a 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/MiscPanelStuff.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/MiscPanelStuff.cpp
@@ -100,9 +100,9 @@ bool Panels::StaticApplyState::ApplyPage( int pageid, bool saveOnSuccess )
 
 // Returns false if one of the panels fails input validation (in which case dialogs
 // should not be closed, etc).
-bool Panels::StaticApplyState::ApplyAll()
+bool Panels::StaticApplyState::ApplyAll( bool saveOnSuccess )
 {
-	return ApplyPage( -1 );
+	return ApplyPage( -1, saveOnSuccess );
 }
 
 // -----------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PathsPanel.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PathsPanel.cpp
index ce85e4c1fa..72a165af09 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PathsPanel.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PathsPanel.cpp
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Panels::DirPickerPanel& Panels::BasePathsPanel::AddDirPicker( wxBoxSizer& sizer,
 }
 
 // ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Panels::StandardPathsPanel::StandardPathsPanel( wxWindow& parent ) :
+Panels::StandardPathsPanel::StandardPathsPanel( wxWindow& parent, __unused int idealWidth ) :
 	BasePathsPanel( parent )
 {
 	s_main.AddSpacer( BetweenFolderSpace );
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PluginSelectorPanel.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PluginSelectorPanel.cpp
index 94dd471f19..92c0d399a4 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PluginSelectorPanel.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/Panels/PluginSelectorPanel.cpp
@@ -420,7 +420,7 @@ Panels::PluginSelectorPanel::EnumThread::EnumThread( PluginSelectorPanel& master
 
 Panels::PluginSelectorPanel::EnumThread::~EnumThread()
 {
-	Cancel();
+	EnumThread::Cancel();
 	safe_delete_array( Results );
 }
 
@@ -435,7 +435,7 @@ sptr Panels::PluginSelectorPanel::EnumThread::ExecuteTask()
 {
 	DevCon::Status( "Plugin Enumeration Thread started..." );
 
-	Sleep( 10 );		// gives the gui thread some time to refresh
+	wxGetApp().Ping();		// gives the gui thread some time to refresh
 
 	for( int curidx=0; curidx < m_master.FileCount(); ++curidx )
 	{
diff --git a/pcsx2/gui/main.cpp b/pcsx2/gui/main.cpp
index c8a40c4e4e..c8c51b31bf 100644
--- a/pcsx2/gui/main.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/gui/main.cpp
@@ -31,6 +31,12 @@
 
 IMPLEMENT_APP(Pcsx2App)
 
+DEFINE_EVENT_TYPE( pxEVT_SemaphorePing )
+
+BEGIN_DECLARE_EVENT_TYPES()
+	DECLARE_EVENT_TYPE( pxEVT_SemaphorePing, -1 )
+END_DECLARE_EVENT_TYPES()
+
 bool			UseAdminMode = false;
 AppConfig*		g_Conf = NULL;
 wxFileHistory*	g_RecentIsoList = NULL;
@@ -77,8 +83,15 @@ sptr AppEmuThread::ExecuteTask()
 	{
 		if( ex.StreamName == g_Conf->FullpathToBios() )
 		{
-			Msgbox::OkCancel( ex.FormatDisplayMessage() +
+			GetPluginManager().Close();
+			bool result = Msgbox::OkCancel( ex.FormatDisplayMessage() +
 				_("\n\nPress Ok to go to the BIOS Configuration Panel.") );
+		
+			if( result )
+			{
+				wxGetApp().PostMenuAction( Menu_Config_BIOS );
+				wxGetApp().Ping();
+			}
 		}
 		else
 		{
@@ -91,16 +104,17 @@ sptr AppEmuThread::ExecuteTask()
 				if( g_Conf->FullpathTo( pid ) == ex.StreamName ) break;
 			}
 
-			if( pi->shortname == NULL )
-			{
-				// Some other crap file failure >_<
-			}
-			
-			int result = Msgbox::OkCancel( ex.FormatDisplayMessage() +
-				_("\n\nPress Ok to go to the Plugin Configuration Panel.") );
-				
-			if( result == wxID_OK )
+			if( pi->shortname != NULL )
 			{
+				bool result = Msgbox::OkCancel( ex.FormatDisplayMessage() +
+					_("\n\nPress Ok to go to the Plugin Configuration Panel.") );
+					
+				if( result )
+				{
+					g_Conf->SettingsTabName = L"Plugins";
+					wxGetApp().PostMenuAction( Menu_Config_Settings );
+					wxGetApp().Ping();
+				}
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -163,6 +177,7 @@ void Pcsx2App::ReadUserModeSettings()
 		// Save user's new settings
 		IniSaver saver( *conf_usermode );
 		g_Conf->LoadSaveUserMode( saver, groupname );
+		AppConfig_ReloadGlobalSettings( true );
 		g_Conf->Save();
 	}
 	else
@@ -187,6 +202,7 @@ void Pcsx2App::ReadUserModeSettings()
 			// Save user's new settings
 			IniSaver saver( *conf_usermode );
 			g_Conf->LoadSaveUserMode( saver, groupname );
+			AppConfig_ReloadGlobalSettings( true );
 			g_Conf->Save();
 		}
 	}
@@ -242,6 +258,13 @@ bool Pcsx2App::OnInit()
 
 	wxLocale::AddCatalogLookupPathPrefix( wxGetCwd() );
 
+#define pxMessageBoxEventThing(func) \
+	(wxObjectEventFunction)(wxEventFunction)wxStaticCastEvent(pxMessageBoxEventFunction, &func )
+
+	Connect( pxEVT_MSGBOX,			pxMessageBoxEventThing( Pcsx2App::OnMessageBox ) );
+	Connect( pxEVT_CallStackBox,	pxMessageBoxEventThing( Pcsx2App::OnMessageBox ) );
+	Connect( pxEVT_SemaphorePing,	wxCommandEventHandler( Pcsx2App::OnSemaphorePing ) );
+
 	// User/Admin Mode Dual Setup:
 	//   Pcsx2 now supports two fundamental modes of operation.  The default is Classic mode,
 	//   which uses the Current Working Directory (CWD) for all user data files, and requires
@@ -270,9 +293,6 @@ bool Pcsx2App::OnInit()
 
 		m_ProgramLogBox	= new ConsoleLogFrame( m_MainFrame, L"PCSX2 Program Log", g_Conf->ProgLogBox );
 
-		m_Ps2ConLogBox	= m_ProgramLogBox;		// just use a single logger for now.
-		//m_Ps2ConLogBox = new ConsoleLogFrame( NULL, L"PS2 Console Log" );
-
 		SetTopWindow( m_MainFrame );	// not really needed...
 		SetExitOnFrameDelete( true );	// but being explicit doesn't hurt...
 	    m_MainFrame->Show();
@@ -286,15 +306,42 @@ bool Pcsx2App::OnInit()
 		return false;
 	}
 
-	#define pxMessageBoxEventThing(func) \
-		(wxObjectEventFunction)(wxEventFunction)wxStaticCastEvent(pxMessageBoxEventFunction, &func )
-
-	Connect( pxEVT_MSGBOX,		pxMessageBoxEventThing( Pcsx2App::OnMessageBox ) );
-	Connect( pxEVT_CallStackBox,pxMessageBoxEventThing( Pcsx2App::OnMessageBox ) );
-
     return true;
 }
 
+// Allows for activating menu actions from anywhere in PCSX2.
+// And it's Thread Safe!
+void Pcsx2App::PostMenuAction( MenuIdentifiers menu_id ) const
+{
+	wxASSERT( m_MainFrame != NULL );
+	if( m_MainFrame == NULL ) return;
+
+	wxCommandEvent joe( wxEVT_COMMAND_MENU_SELECTED, menu_id );
+	m_MainFrame->GetEventHandler()->AddPendingEvent( joe );
+}
+
+// Waits for the main GUI thread to respond.  If run from the main GUI thread, returns
+// immediately without error.
+void Pcsx2App::Ping() const
+{
+	if( wxThread::IsMain() ) return;
+
+	Semaphore sema;
+	wxCommandEvent bean( pxEVT_SemaphorePing );
+	bean.SetClientData( &sema );
+	wxGetApp().AddPendingEvent( bean );
+	sema.WaitNoCancel();
+}
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+//         Pcsx2App Event Handlers
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+void Pcsx2App::OnSemaphorePing( wxCommandEvent& evt )
+{
+	((Semaphore*)evt.GetClientData())->Post();
+}
+
 void Pcsx2App::OnMessageBox( pxMessageBoxEvent& evt )
 {
 	Msgbox::OnEvent( evt );
@@ -351,7 +398,6 @@ int Pcsx2App::OnExit()
 
 Pcsx2App::Pcsx2App()  :
 	m_ProgramLogBox( NULL )
-,	m_Ps2ConLogBox( NULL )
 ,	m_ConfigImages( 32, 32 )
 ,	m_ConfigImagesAreLoaded( false )
 ,	m_ToolbarImages( NULL )
diff --git a/pcsx2/ps2/CoreEmuThread.cpp b/pcsx2/ps2/CoreEmuThread.cpp
index 2fd341a318..e966a11b8a 100644
--- a/pcsx2/ps2/CoreEmuThread.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/ps2/CoreEmuThread.cpp
@@ -103,11 +103,9 @@ sptr CoreEmuThread::ExecuteTask()
 		m_ResumeEvent.Wait();
 	}
 
-	pthread_cleanup_push( _cet_callback_cleanup, this );
 	CpuInitializeMess();
 	StateCheck();
 	CpuExecute();
-	pthread_cleanup_pop( true );
 
 	return 0;
 }
@@ -154,20 +152,17 @@ CoreEmuThread::CoreEmuThread( const wxString& elf_file ) :
 ,	m_lock_ExecMode()
 {
 	PersistentThread::Start();
-	pthread_detach( m_thread );
 }
 
 // Invoked by the pthread_exit or pthread_cancel
 void CoreEmuThread::DoThreadCleanup()
 {
-	wxASSERT( IsSelf() );	// only allowed from our own thread, thanks.
-	m_running = false;
+	PersistentThread::DoThreadCleanup();
 	GetPluginManager().Close();
 }
 
 CoreEmuThread::~CoreEmuThread()
 {
-	Cancel();
 }
 
 // Resumes the core execution state, or does nothing is the core is already running.  If