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I wish I had kept a tally of how many people I've had to explain my job to. Sometimes, just to get off easy with those less near-and-dear, I tell them I work for a newspaper and let them assume I'm a reporter.

It seems that even many who have read newspapers their whole lives are not sure how copy editors fill eight hours each day. I think the organizational structure of newspapers adds to this confusion. There are editors-in-chief, city editors, features editors, photo editors, web editors and sports editors. All of these titles imply some sort of seniority over reporters, photographers, etc., and are quite varied in their duties.

It had all the makings of a bitter and bloody fight that would drag on.

Livingston Councilman Frank Vierra appealed the planning commission's decision to approve a permit for The Electric Needle Room, a tattoo parlor. The city's staff report vaguely explained that he'd explain his concerns at the meeting.

Behind me, about two-dozen tattoo aficionados with sharp eyes and stern expressions sat quietly. Obviously, the city seemed to be set on shutting down the operation. They were there to fight any such move.