The module Date::Manip is your friend; it's got a very flexiable date/time string recognizition engine that will accept practically any variation that you can think of, and then you can break out exactly what you need, both individual parts and as specified formats for your needs.

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Dr. Michael K. Neylon - mneylon-pm@masemware.com || "You've left the lens cap of your mind on again, Pinky" - The Brain
It's not what you know, but knowing how to find it if you don't know that's important