Looking for D.O.W. algorithm

[Chris]

Hi, 
  I am looking for an algorithm which gives the day of the week (M,T,W,Th,...)
for a given date... (9,15,1989) Sept 15, 1989 --- would be Friday. 
Or else, I will settle for a way to tell what day of the week a given 
year begins on. I am having a little trouble coming up with these, and
thought someone out there may be able to lend a poor programmer a hand.
I thank you for your time. 

ChrisB at Hubcap.Clemson.Edu

sig ?? Nah...