Test a websites availability

[Arthur DiSegna]

Hello,
 
I have been looking around and haven't found an answer yet... 
 
Is it possible to use WGET to test a website for being up only. I don't want to 
download any files just test the site for availability? Any ideas? 
 
Psudo code:  wget www.google.com. Is connected? YES/NO. If YES write answer to 
a log. If No write to a log and timestamp it. 
 
Thanks