Timestamps for custom fields?

Is there a way to pull the timestamp of a custom field or field(s)?

Here’s what I would like to do to help clear it up as to what I am looking for…

I want to be able to use the timestamp for custom css. If the timestamp is today’s date, then I want it to display as “today” rather than the date format. By doing so I can use it to apply some custom css. The css would be to indicate if a custom field was added, edited or modified today.

I’ve tried different implementations of the standard date code to no avail – <p>Date posted: <?php the_date(); ?></p>

It only pulls the date for the post or page.

Now… I am also using a plugin called Magic Fields 2. Basically just uses custom fields.

OR… If anyone knows of a nice way to show what has been added, edited or modified on a page (including custom fields) since a user’s last visit…that would work too…basically the same thing as above.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!