converting data from a dataset to a variable

[baz0hara]

I am currently experimenting with ASP.Net and am struggling to simply
manipulate some database data.

Using the same methodology as i would for asp in dreamweaver i have written
the following code:<%
<%
Dim dtNow As string
dtNow = ds_news.FieldValue("Date", Container)
%>

However, i now receive an error saying that "container" is not defined. Can
someone help me out here? where am i going wrong? I have purchased an asp.net
book but it likes to push the separation of the server side code and the design
code which does not help me.

I am faced with a scenario where my aspx page is showing the date as
10/27/2005 00:00:00 and i want to change the format, but i cant even convert
the database data to a variable!

How should i go about this problem?

[baz0hara]

I have done what was needed by creating the below function. Can you only
manipulate data through functions in ASP.Net?

Function dateFormat (dtDateBeg As DateTime) As String
dtDateBeg = DateTime.Now
return dtDateBeg.ToString("MMM dd, yyyy")
End Function


<%# dateFormat(ds_news.FieldValue("Date", Container)) %>