diff --git a/bin/minion.py b/bin/minion.py
index eb510eb..a681462 100644
--- a/bin/minion.py
+++ b/bin/minion.py
@@ -17,13 +17,6 @@ from   interp.tools import baker_exact_3D as exact
 
 from interp.cluster import QueueManager, get_qs
 
-def keep_working(controls):
-  pass
-
-def work(inq, outq, g, myname):
-  pass
-
-
 if __name__ == '__main__':
   parser = OptionParser(usage = "usage: %s [options] <server> <gmsh file>")
 
@@ -43,29 +36,36 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
 
   server, input_file = args
 
+  myname = "%s-%d" % (os.uname()[1], os.getpid())
+  if options.verbose:
+    print "%s: started" % myname
+
+
   m = QueueManager(address=(server, options.port), authkey='asdf')
   m.connect()
 
   tasksq, resultsq, masterq, minionsq = get_qs(m)
 
+  if options.verbose:
+    print "%s: starting parse input file" % myname
   g = ggrid(input_file)
   g.q = np.array([exact(x) for x in g.verts])
-
-  myname = "%s-%d" % (os.uname()[1], os.getpid())
   if options.verbose:
-    print myname
+    print "%s: done parsing input file" % myname
 
 
   while True:
     # indicate that I am loaded up, and ready for workload
+    if options.verbose:
+      print "%s: letting master know that I am ready" % myname
     masterq.put(myname)
     # wait for master's start signal
+    if options.verbose:
+      print "%s: waiting for master to tell me to start" % myname
     action = minionsq.get()
-    if action == "teardown":
-      # I take it back; I'm not ready!
-      masterq.get()
-      break
-    elif action == "slay":
+    if action in ('teardown', 'slay'):
+      # take back one name ?
+      # masterq.get()
       break
 
     while not tasksq.empty():