Simple method to help import a data while normalizing at the same time.

import_helper.rb

# Most simply just returns the data. But can allow for adjusting of the
# data a bit more to ensure more normalized data or format conversions.
#
#   * If data is blank? (as defined by ActiveSupport) then nil is
#     returned.
#   * If the block is given then that will be called and the return
#     value will be passed back. If the value is blank? then the block
#     will not be called and nil will be returned (to avoid checks
#     in the blocks)
#
# Example:
#
#    user = User.new \
#      :last_name      => import(row['INDIVIDUAL_last_name']),
#      :first_name     => import(row['INDIVIDUAL_first_name']),
#      :date_of_birth  => import(row['INDIVIDUAL_date_of_birth']) {|d| Date.parse(d)},
def import(data, &blk)
  return nil if data.blank?
  blk = proc {|x| x} unless block_given?
  blk[data]
end