'Process the DATE command. Arguments:
None
Returns:
resp: server response if successful
date: Date suitable for newnews/newgroups commands etc.
time: Time suitable for newnews/newgroups commands etc.'

def date(self):

    resp = self.shortcmd('DATE')
    if (resp[:3] != '111'):
        raise NNTPReplyError(resp)
    elem = resp.split()
    if (len(elem) != 2):
        raise NNTPDataError(resp)
    date = elem[1][2:8]
    time = elem[1][(-6):]
    if ((len(date) != 6) or (len(time) != 6)):
        raise NNTPDataError(resp)
    return (resp, date, time)
