Long before the advent of a 24-hour workweek, before we were looking to multi-task (then to single-task), long before “getting things done” was a thing to get done, we got things done. On summer nights, the fireflies appeared and “dinner’s ready” was a common call. On schooldays, the bell tolled. On television, the screen tuned out for the evening, static signaling the end of day. Signals, then, that signaled time shifting. Ends. Or more optimistic, beginnings.
Markerless time
Today, few markers mark time. We make our own markers, using light as a guide on some days, milestones and deadlines on more frenetic ones. But it’s the rare person who, at 6PM, can walk, head high, out of the studio or office, turning day into night and one thing into another. Marking the fact that it’s time to play.
Evening edition
The Evening Edition was always a signal. No matter what sort of news it delivered, it was a signal that even though what we were doing was important, the day was done, we should stop what we’re doing and pay attention.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the redesign of Bobulate.
Starting today, this site (when viewed in a browser) will undertake a bit of an experiment. At 6PM (your time) each day, it will change from day to night. A visual shift. A pause. A marker of time — whether it’s time to walk away, take a break, keep on working, or play. (Here’s what the Evening Edition looks like.)
We’re making our own editions every day.
The Evening Edition owes thanks to the industrious work of the superlative Dan Mall and Jason Santa Maria for their allegiance to detail and devotion to craft. They are unique in their field, and I thank them for their help.
