diff --git a/daemon/core/__init__.py b/daemon/core/__init__.py
index 50d263c3..61f36a41 100644
--- a/daemon/core/__init__.py
+++ b/daemon/core/__init__.py
@@ -1,17 +1,9 @@
-# Copyright (c)2010-2012 the Boeing Company.
-# See the LICENSE file included in this distribution.
+import logzero
 
-"""
-core
+# configure custom format with function name
+_format_template = "%(color)s[%(levelname)1.1s %(asctime)s %(module)s:%(funcName)s:" \
+                   "%(lineno)d]%(end_color)s %(message)s"
+_formatter = logzero.LogFormatter(fmt=_format_template)
+logzero.formatter(_formatter)
 
-Top-level Python package containing CORE components.
-
-See http://www.nrl.navy.mil/itd/ncs/products/core for more information on CORE.
-
-Pieces can be imported individually, for example
-
-    from core.netns import vnode
-"""
-
-# Automatically import all add-ons listed in addons.__all__
-from addons import *
+logger = logzero.logger
diff --git a/daemon/core/api/coreapi.py b/daemon/core/api/coreapi.py
index 1fd6dab6..b59446ef 100644
--- a/daemon/core/api/coreapi.py
+++ b/daemon/core/api/coreapi.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import struct
 
 from enum import Enum
 
+from core import logger
 from core.enumerations import ConfigTlvs
 from core.enumerations import EventTlvs
 from core.enumerations import EventTypes
@@ -27,8 +28,6 @@ from core.misc import log, structutils
 from core.misc.ipaddress import IpAddress
 from core.misc.ipaddress import MacAddress
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreTlvData(object):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/api/dataconversion.py b/daemon/core/api/dataconversion.py
index 29a7369e..9080eee8 100644
--- a/daemon/core/api/dataconversion.py
+++ b/daemon/core/api/dataconversion.py
@@ -2,13 +2,11 @@
 Converts CORE data objects into legacy API messages.
 """
 
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.enumerations import NodeTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import structutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 def convert_node(node_data):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/broker.py b/daemon/core/broker.py
index c1b8570d..7507218a 100644
--- a/daemon/core/broker.py
+++ b/daemon/core/broker.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import select
 import socket
 import threading
 
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.conf import ConfigurableManager
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNet
@@ -26,15 +27,12 @@ from core.enumerations import MessageTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTlvs
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc.ipaddress import IpAddress
 from core.netns.vif import GreTap
 from core.netns.vnet import GreTapBridge
 from core.phys.pnodes import PhysicalNode
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 # TODO: name conflict with main core server, probably should rename
 class CoreServer(object):
diff --git a/daemon/core/bsd/nodes.py b/daemon/core/bsd/nodes.py
index 44eda5e1..68e825eb 100644
--- a/daemon/core/bsd/nodes.py
+++ b/daemon/core/bsd/nodes.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import socket
 import subprocess
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.bsd.netgraph import connectngnodes
 from core.bsd.netgraph import ngloadkernelmodule
@@ -26,11 +27,8 @@ from core.enumerations import LinkTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
 from core.misc import ipaddress
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 utils.check_executables([constants.IFCONFIG_BIN])
 
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/bsd/vnet.py b/daemon/core/bsd/vnet.py
index cadf8877..917bac51 100644
--- a/daemon/core/bsd/vnet.py
+++ b/daemon/core/bsd/vnet.py
@@ -11,14 +11,12 @@ vnet.py: NetgraphNet and NetgraphPipeNet classes that implement virtual networks
 using the FreeBSD Netgraph subsystem.
 """
 
+from core import logger
 from core.bsd.netgraph import connectngnodes
 from core.bsd.netgraph import createngnode
 from core.bsd.netgraph import destroyngnode
 from core.bsd.netgraph import ngmessage
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNet
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 
 class NetgraphNet(PyCoreNet):
diff --git a/daemon/core/bsd/vnode.py b/daemon/core/bsd/vnode.py
index c270b491..589d7c16 100644
--- a/daemon/core/bsd/vnode.py
+++ b/daemon/core/bsd/vnode.py
@@ -16,15 +16,13 @@ import subprocess
 import threading
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.bsd.netgraph import createngnode
 from core.bsd.netgraph import destroyngnode
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNetIf
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNode
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 utils.check_executables([constants.IFCONFIG_BIN, constants.VIMAGE_BIN])
 
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/conf.py b/daemon/core/conf.py
index b436dd2e..8d195394 100644
--- a/daemon/core/conf.py
+++ b/daemon/core/conf.py
@@ -4,12 +4,10 @@ Common support for configurable CORE objects.
 
 import string
 
+from core import logger
 from core.data import ConfigData
 from core.enumerations import ConfigDataTypes
 from core.enumerations import ConfigFlags
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 
 class ConfigurableManager(object):
diff --git a/daemon/core/corehandlers.py b/daemon/core/corehandlers.py
index 4d10dc5a..ac05249d 100644
--- a/daemon/core/corehandlers.py
+++ b/daemon/core/corehandlers.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import threading
 import time
 
 from core import coreobj
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.coreserver import CoreServer
 from core.data import ConfigData
@@ -31,7 +32,6 @@ from core.enumerations import NodeTlvs
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
 from core.enumerations import SessionTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc import structutils
 from core.misc import utils
@@ -39,8 +39,6 @@ from core.netns import nodes
 from core.xml.xmlsession import open_session_xml
 from core.xml.xmlsession import save_session_xml
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreRequestHandler(SocketServer.BaseRequestHandler):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/coreobj.py b/daemon/core/coreobj.py
index 4cee157c..c85b56a1 100644
--- a/daemon/core/coreobj.py
+++ b/daemon/core/coreobj.py
@@ -10,9 +10,7 @@ import threading
 from socket import AF_INET
 from socket import AF_INET6
 
-from core.api import coreapi
 from core.data import NodeData, LinkData
-from core.enumerations import LinkTlvs
 from core.enumerations import LinkTypes
 from core.misc import ipaddress
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/coreserver.py b/daemon/core/coreserver.py
index 8620945d..882f2239 100644
--- a/daemon/core/coreserver.py
+++ b/daemon/core/coreserver.py
@@ -8,14 +8,12 @@ import os
 import threading
 import time
 
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.enumerations import EventTypes
 from core.enumerations import SessionTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.session import Session
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreServer(SocketServer.ThreadingMixIn, SocketServer.TCPServer):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/__init__.py b/daemon/core/emane/__init__.py
index 698aa63d..892feb6e 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/__init__.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/__init__.py
@@ -1,10 +1,8 @@
 import subprocess
 
-from core.misc import log
+from core import logger
 from core.misc import utils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 EMANEUNK = 0
 EMANE074 = 7
 EMANE081 = 8
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/commeffect.py b/daemon/core/emane/commeffect.py
index eebdad2a..f99bda78 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/commeffect.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/commeffect.py
@@ -3,11 +3,9 @@ commeffect.py: EMANE CommEffect model for CORE
 """
 
 from core import emane
+from core import logger
 from core.emane.emanemodel import EmaneModel
 from core.enumerations import ConfigDataTypes
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 try:
     import emaneeventservice
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/emanemanager.py b/daemon/core/emane/emanemanager.py
index 0004924f..335c0db1 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/emanemanager.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/emanemanager.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from xml.dom.minidom import parseString
 
 from core import constants
 from core import emane
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.conf import ConfigurableManager
 from core.emane.bypass import EmaneBypassModel
@@ -23,14 +24,11 @@ from core.enumerations import ConfigTlvs
 from core.enumerations import MessageFlags
 from core.enumerations import MessageTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.misc.ipaddress import MacAddress
 from core.xml import xmlutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 # EMANE 0.7.4/0.8.1
 try:
     import emaneeventservice
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/emanemodel.py b/daemon/core/emane/emanemodel.py
index 80c1c13a..ae8fac81 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/emanemodel.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/emanemodel.py
@@ -3,13 +3,11 @@ Defines Emane Models used within CORE.
 """
 
 from core import emane
-from core.misc import log
+from core import logger
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.mobility import WirelessModel
 from core.xml import xmlutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class EmaneModel(WirelessModel):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/ieee80211abg.py b/daemon/core/emane/ieee80211abg.py
index 1ee22c84..56868201 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/ieee80211abg.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/ieee80211abg.py
@@ -6,9 +6,6 @@ from core import emane
 from core.emane.emanemodel import EmaneModel
 from core.emane.universal import EmaneUniversalModel
 from core.enumerations import ConfigDataTypes
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 
 class EmaneIeee80211abgModel(EmaneModel):
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/nodes.py b/daemon/core/emane/nodes.py
index bdc824d7..55c74bce 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/nodes.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/nodes.py
@@ -7,13 +7,11 @@ share the same MAC+PHY model.
 from os import path
 
 from core import emane
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNet
 from core.enumerations import LinkTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 try:
     from emanesh.events import LocationEvent
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/rfpipe.py b/daemon/core/emane/rfpipe.py
index 54a27104..3b88ff5f 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/rfpipe.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/rfpipe.py
@@ -6,9 +6,6 @@ from core import emane
 from core.emane.emanemodel import EmaneModel
 from core.emane.universal import EmaneUniversalModel
 from core.enumerations import ConfigDataTypes
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 
 class EmaneRfPipeModel(EmaneModel):
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/tdma.py b/daemon/core/emane/tdma.py
index 3029bbcb..b5f01618 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/tdma.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/tdma.py
@@ -6,9 +6,6 @@ from core import emane
 from core.emane.emanemodel import EmaneModel
 from core.emane.universal import EmaneUniversalModel
 from core.enumerations import ConfigDataTypes
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 
 class EmaneTdmaModel(EmaneModel):
diff --git a/daemon/core/emane/universal.py b/daemon/core/emane/universal.py
index 347123cc..619606b8 100644
--- a/daemon/core/emane/universal.py
+++ b/daemon/core/emane/universal.py
@@ -6,9 +6,6 @@ used for the Universal PHY.
 from core import emane
 from core.emane.emanemodel import EmaneModel
 from core.enumerations import ConfigDataTypes
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 
 class EmaneUniversalModel(EmaneModel):
diff --git a/daemon/core/location.py b/daemon/core/location.py
index 858f8af5..6915fc4b 100644
--- a/daemon/core/location.py
+++ b/daemon/core/location.py
@@ -5,13 +5,11 @@ systems. Depends on utm contributed module, from
 https://pypi.python.org/pypi/utm (version 0.3.0).
 """
 
+from core import logger
 from core.conf import ConfigurableManager
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utm
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreLocation(ConfigurableManager):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/misc/event.py b/daemon/core/misc/event.py
index eec851c9..74887067 100644
--- a/daemon/core/misc/event.py
+++ b/daemon/core/misc/event.py
@@ -6,9 +6,7 @@ import heapq
 import threading
 import time
 
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
+from core import logger
 
 
 class Timer(threading.Thread):
diff --git a/daemon/core/misc/ipaddress.py b/daemon/core/misc/ipaddress.py
index 2142ebf8..032a51c4 100644
--- a/daemon/core/misc/ipaddress.py
+++ b/daemon/core/misc/ipaddress.py
@@ -8,9 +8,7 @@ import struct
 from socket import AF_INET
 from socket import AF_INET6
 
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
+from core import logger
 
 
 class MacAddress(object):
diff --git a/daemon/core/misc/log.py b/daemon/core/misc/log.py
deleted file mode 100644
index a12b183e..00000000
--- a/daemon/core/misc/log.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,35 +0,0 @@
-"""
-Convenience methods to setup logging.
-"""
-
-import logging
-
-_LOG_LEVEL = logging.INFO
-_LOG_FORMAT = "%(levelname)-7s %(asctime)s %(name)-15s %(funcName)-15s %(lineno)-4d: %(message)s"
-_INITIAL = True
-
-
-def setup(level=_LOG_LEVEL, log_format=_LOG_FORMAT):
-    """
-    Configure a logging with a basic configuration, output to console.
-
-    :param logging.LEVEL level: level for logger, defaults to module defined format
-    :param int log_format: format for logger, default to DEBUG
-    :return: nothing
-    """
-    logging.basicConfig(level=level, format=log_format)
-
-
-def get_logger(name):
-    """
-    Retrieve a logger for logging.
-
-    :param str name: name for logger to retrieve
-    :return: logging.logger
-    """
-    global _INITIAL
-    if _INITIAL:
-        setup()
-        _INITIAL = False
-
-    return logging.getLogger(name)
diff --git a/daemon/core/misc/nodeutils.py b/daemon/core/misc/nodeutils.py
index 27a41892..eadd42c2 100644
--- a/daemon/core/misc/nodeutils.py
+++ b/daemon/core/misc/nodeutils.py
@@ -4,9 +4,7 @@ Serves as a global point for storing and retrieving node types needed during sim
 
 import pprint
 
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
+from core import logger
 
 _NODE_MAP = None
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/misc/structutils.py b/daemon/core/misc/structutils.py
index c58c6f56..657f623c 100644
--- a/daemon/core/misc/structutils.py
+++ b/daemon/core/misc/structutils.py
@@ -2,9 +2,7 @@
 Utilities for working with python struct data.
 """
 
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
+from core import logger
 
 
 def pack_values(clazz, packers):
diff --git a/daemon/core/misc/utils.py b/daemon/core/misc/utils.py
index 9f5d76e3..62dccd0c 100644
--- a/daemon/core/misc/utils.py
+++ b/daemon/core/misc/utils.py
@@ -8,9 +8,7 @@ import subprocess
 import fcntl
 import resource
 
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
+from core import logger
 
 
 def closeonexec(fd):
diff --git a/daemon/core/mobility.py b/daemon/core/mobility.py
index 12fc129b..e3075055 100644
--- a/daemon/core/mobility.py
+++ b/daemon/core/mobility.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import subprocess
 import threading
 import time
 
+from core import logger
 from core.conf import Configurable
 from core.conf import ConfigurableManager
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNode
@@ -20,11 +21,8 @@ from core.enumerations import MessageFlags
 from core.enumerations import MessageTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTlvs
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc.ipaddress import IpAddress
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class MobilityManager(ConfigurableManager):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/netns/nodes.py b/daemon/core/netns/nodes.py
index 46b51e85..202c0622 100644
--- a/daemon/core/netns/nodes.py
+++ b/daemon/core/netns/nodes.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ from socket import AF_INET
 from socket import AF_INET6
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNetIf
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNode
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreObj
@@ -18,14 +19,11 @@ from core.enumerations import LinkTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
 from core.misc import ipaddress
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.netns.vnet import GreTapBridge
 from core.netns.vnet import LxBrNet
 from core.netns.vnode import LxcNode
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CtrlNet(LxBrNet):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/netns/openvswitch.py b/daemon/core/netns/openvswitch.py
index 142b83e0..36fa0d01 100644
--- a/daemon/core/netns/openvswitch.py
+++ b/daemon/core/netns/openvswitch.py
@@ -9,21 +9,19 @@ from socket import AF_INET
 from socket import AF_INET6
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNet
 from core.data import LinkData
 from core.enumerations import LinkTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
 from core.misc import ipaddress
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.netns.vif import GreTap
 from core.netns.vif import VEth
 from core.netns.vnet import EbtablesQueue
 from core.netns.vnet import GreTapBridge
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 # a global object because all WLANs share the same queue
 # cannot have multiple threads invoking the ebtables commnd
 ebtables_queue = EbtablesQueue()
diff --git a/daemon/core/netns/vif.py b/daemon/core/netns/vif.py
index 2032303d..7f254858 100644
--- a/daemon/core/netns/vif.py
+++ b/daemon/core/netns/vif.py
@@ -6,14 +6,12 @@ import subprocess
 import time
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNetIf
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc import utils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 utils.check_executables([constants.IP_BIN])
 
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/netns/vnet.py b/daemon/core/netns/vnet.py
index 619c3496..d31df94c 100644
--- a/daemon/core/netns/vnet.py
+++ b/daemon/core/netns/vnet.py
@@ -9,14 +9,12 @@ import threading
 import time
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNet
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.netns.vif import GreTap
 from core.netns.vif import VEth
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 utils.check_executables([
     constants.BRCTL_BIN,
     constants.IP_BIN,
diff --git a/daemon/core/netns/vnode.py b/daemon/core/netns/vnode.py
index bed14453..3f50d028 100644
--- a/daemon/core/netns/vnode.py
+++ b/daemon/core/netns/vnode.py
@@ -11,18 +11,16 @@ import subprocess
 import threading
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNetIf
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNode
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.netns import vnodeclient
 from core.netns.vif import TunTap
 from core.netns.vif import VEth
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 utils.check_executables([constants.IP_BIN])
 
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/netns/vnodeclient.py b/daemon/core/netns/vnodeclient.py
index e597a009..f20fd739 100644
--- a/daemon/core/netns/vnodeclient.py
+++ b/daemon/core/netns/vnodeclient.py
@@ -10,9 +10,7 @@ import stat
 import subprocess
 
 from core import constants
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
+from core import logger
 
 USE_VCMD_MODULE = True
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/phys/pnodes.py b/daemon/core/phys/pnodes.py
index e73672a0..2788fc0a 100644
--- a/daemon/core/phys/pnodes.py
+++ b/daemon/core/phys/pnodes.py
@@ -7,14 +7,12 @@ import subprocess
 import threading
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNode
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.netns.vnet import GreTap
 from core.netns.vnet import LxBrNet
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class PhysicalNode(PyCoreNode):
     def __init__(self, session, objid=None, name=None, nodedir=None, start=True):
diff --git a/daemon/core/sdt.py b/daemon/core/sdt.py
index 59a28f43..1e14c110 100644
--- a/daemon/core/sdt.py
+++ b/daemon/core/sdt.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import socket
 from urlparse import urlparse
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNet
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreObj
@@ -16,11 +17,8 @@ from core.enumerations import MessageFlags
 from core.enumerations import MessageTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTlvs
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 # TODO: A named tuple may be more appropriate, than abusing a class dict like this
 class Bunch(object):
diff --git a/daemon/core/service.py b/daemon/core/service.py
index 77ed89e1..f8ab6251 100644
--- a/daemon/core/service.py
+++ b/daemon/core/service.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import sys
 import time
 from itertools import repeat
 
+from core import logger
 from core.conf import Configurable
 from core.conf import ConfigurableManager
 from core.data import ConfigData
@@ -25,11 +26,8 @@ from core.enumerations import ConfigFlags
 from core.enumerations import EventTypes
 from core.enumerations import MessageFlags
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import utils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 def _valid_module(path, file_name):
     """
@@ -120,28 +118,28 @@ class ServiceManager(object):
         :return: list of core services
         :rtype: list
         """
+        # validate path exists for importing
         logger.info("getting custom services from: %s", path)
         parent_path = os.path.dirname(path)
         if parent_path not in sys.path:
             logger.info("adding parent path to allow imports: %s", parent_path)
             sys.path.append(parent_path)
+
+        # retrieve potential service modules, and filter out invalid modules
         base_module = os.path.basename(path)
         module_names = os.listdir(path)
         module_names = filter(lambda x: _valid_module(path, x), module_names)
         module_names = map(lambda x: x[:-3], module_names)
 
-        # custom_services = []
+        # import and add all service modules in the path
         for module_name in module_names:
             import_statement = "%s.%s" % (base_module, module_name)
             logger.info("importing custom service module: %s", import_statement)
             module = importlib.import_module(import_statement)
             members = inspect.getmembers(module, lambda x: _is_service(module, x))
             for member in members:
-                # custom_services.append(member[1])
                 cls.add(member[1])
 
-                # return custom_services
-
 
 class CoreServices(ConfigurableManager):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/services/__init__.py b/daemon/core/services/__init__.py
index 391fc9a1..2598d105 100644
--- a/daemon/core/services/__init__.py
+++ b/daemon/core/services/__init__.py
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@ __all__ is automatically loaded by the main core module.
 """
 import os
 
-from core.misc import log
 from core.service import ServiceManager
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 _PATH = os.path.abspath(os.path.dirname(__file__))
 
 
diff --git a/daemon/core/services/dockersvc.py b/daemon/core/services/dockersvc.py
index 2f682e26..0e65a42f 100644
--- a/daemon/core/services/dockersvc.py
+++ b/daemon/core/services/dockersvc.py
@@ -97,12 +97,10 @@ Limitations:
    depending on how many nodes you have.
 """
 
-from core.misc import log
+from core import logger
 from core.service import CoreService
 from core.service import ServiceManager
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 try:
     from docker import Client
 except ImportError:
diff --git a/daemon/core/services/security.py b/daemon/core/services/security.py
index 5331ef18..27478368 100644
--- a/daemon/core/services/security.py
+++ b/daemon/core/services/security.py
@@ -4,12 +4,10 @@ firewall)
 """
 
 from core import constants
-from core.misc import log
+from core import logger
 from core.service import CoreService
 from core.service import ServiceManager
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class VPNClient(CoreService):
     _name = "VPNClient"
diff --git a/daemon/core/services/xorp.py b/daemon/core/services/xorp.py
index f03b6731..a626b0af 100644
--- a/daemon/core/services/xorp.py
+++ b/daemon/core/services/xorp.py
@@ -2,12 +2,10 @@
 xorp.py: defines routing services provided by the XORP routing suite.
 """
 
-from core.misc import log
+from core import logger
 from core.service import CoreService
 from core.service import ServiceManager
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class XorpRtrmgr(CoreService):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/session.py b/daemon/core/session.py
index a9c7dd4a..b9ac4e12 100644
--- a/daemon/core/session.py
+++ b/daemon/core/session.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import time
 import pwd
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.broker import CoreBroker
 from core.conf import Configurable
@@ -36,7 +37,6 @@ from core.enumerations import MessageTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
 from core.location import CoreLocation
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.misc.event import EventLoop
@@ -50,8 +50,6 @@ from core.service import CoreServices
 from core.xen.xenconfig import XenConfigManager
 from core.xml.xmlsession import save_session_xml
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class SessionManager(object):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/xen/xen.py b/daemon/core/xen/xen.py
index bb656faf..74909f51 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xen/xen.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xen/xen.py
@@ -14,16 +14,14 @@ import threading
 import crypt
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNetIf
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNode
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc import utils
 from core.netns.vnode import LxcNode
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 try:
     import parted
 except ImportError:
diff --git a/daemon/core/xen/xenconfig.py b/daemon/core/xen/xenconfig.py
index 7e3c6c46..42e6e842 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xen/xenconfig.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xen/xenconfig.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import os
 import string
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.conf import Configurable
 from core.conf import ConfigurableManager
@@ -24,9 +25,6 @@ from core.enumerations import ConfigDataTypes
 from core.enumerations import ConfigFlags
 from core.enumerations import ConfigTlvs
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
-
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
 
 
 class XenConfigManager(ConfigurableManager):
diff --git a/daemon/core/xml/xmldeployment.py b/daemon/core/xml/xmldeployment.py
index d94bfce6..91f22abb 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xml/xmldeployment.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xml/xmldeployment.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import subprocess
 
 from core import constants
 from core import emane
+from core import logger
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.misc import ipaddress
 from core.misc import log
@@ -11,8 +12,6 @@ from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.netns import nodes
 from core.xml import xmlutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreDeploymentWriter(object):
     def __init__(self, dom, root, session):
diff --git a/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser0.py b/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser0.py
index e701879a..0c7108a7 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser0.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser0.py
@@ -1,13 +1,11 @@
 from xml.dom.minidom import parse
 
+from core import logger
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.service import ServiceManager
 from core.xml import xmlutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreDocumentParser0(object):
     def __init__(self, session, filename, options):
diff --git a/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser1.py b/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser1.py
index 3e2ec376..d325deb9 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser1.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xml/xmlparser1.py
@@ -3,15 +3,13 @@ from xml.dom.minidom import Node
 from xml.dom.minidom import parse
 
 from core import constants
+from core import logger
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc.ipaddress import MacAddress
 from core.service import ServiceManager
 from core.xml import xmlutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreDocumentParser1(object):
     layer2_device_types = 'hub', 'switch'
diff --git a/daemon/core/xml/xmlutils.py b/daemon/core/xml/xmlutils.py
index a911d81a..3300fcd1 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xml/xmlutils.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xml/xmlutils.py
@@ -1,10 +1,8 @@
 from xml.dom.minidom import Node
 
-from core.misc import log
+from core import logger
 from core.netns import nodes
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 def add_elements_from_list(dom, parent, iterable, name, attr_name):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter0.py b/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter0.py
index 3b3c7b04..e7155ce8 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter0.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter0.py
@@ -3,14 +3,12 @@ from xml.dom.minidom import Document
 
 import pwd
 
+from core import logger
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNet
 from core.coreobj import PyCoreNode
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.xml import xmlutils
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class CoreDocumentWriter0(Document):
     """
diff --git a/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter1.py b/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter1.py
index 19b882f2..c113ff31 100644
--- a/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter1.py
+++ b/daemon/core/xml/xmlwriter1.py
@@ -5,18 +5,16 @@ from xml.dom.minidom import Document
 import pwd
 
 from core import coreobj
+from core import logger
 from core.enumerations import EventTypes
 from core.enumerations import NodeTypes
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
 from core.misc import ipaddress
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.netns import nodes
 from core.xml import xmlutils
 from core.xml.xmldeployment import CoreDeploymentWriter
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 
 class Alias:
     ID = "COREID"
diff --git a/daemon/requirements.txt b/daemon/requirements.txt
index d626b47d..831a7390 100644
--- a/daemon/requirements.txt
+++ b/daemon/requirements.txt
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 enum34==1.1.6
+logzero==1.3.0
 grpcio==1.0.0
 grpcio-tools==1.0.0
 mock==1.3.0
diff --git a/daemon/sbin/core-daemon b/daemon/sbin/core-daemon
index 6f78afb2..ab492f13 100755
--- a/daemon/sbin/core-daemon
+++ b/daemon/sbin/core-daemon
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@ message handlers are defined and some support for sending messages.
 import ConfigParser
 import atexit
 import importlib
-import logging
 import optparse
 import os
 import signal
@@ -30,19 +29,17 @@ from core import constants
 from core import corehandlers
 from core import coreserver
 from core import enumerations
+from core import logger
 from core import services
 from core.api import coreapi
 from core.corehandlers import CoreDatagramRequestHandler
 from core.enumerations import MessageFlags
 from core.enumerations import RegisterTlvs
-from core.misc import log
 from core.misc import nodemaps
 from core.misc import nodeutils
 from core.misc.utils import closeonexec
 from core.misc.utils import daemonize
 
-logger = log.get_logger(__name__)
-
 DEFAULT_MAXFD = 1024
 
 
@@ -337,8 +334,6 @@ def main():
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
-    log.setup(level=logging.INFO)
-
     # configure nodes to use
     node_map = nodemaps.CLASSIC_NODES
     if len(sys.argv) == 2 and sys.argv[1] == "ovs":
diff --git a/daemon/setup.py b/daemon/setup.py
index 2931f02c..03006589 100644
--- a/daemon/setup.py
+++ b/daemon/setup.py
@@ -25,7 +25,8 @@ setup(name="core-python",
           "core.xml",
       ],
       install_requires=[
-        "enum34"
+          "enum34"
+          "logzero"
       ],
       setup_requires=[
           "pytest-runner"