gistfile1.txt

    begin
      params[:from] ||= "rubbish"
      start_date = params[:from].to_datetime
    rescue ArgumentError
      start_date = 1.week.ago
      params[:from] = start_date.strftime("%m/%d/%Y")
    end

    begin
      params[:to] ||= "rubbish"
      end_date = params[:to].to_datetime
    rescue ArgumentError
      end_date = 1.week.ago
      params[:to] = end_date.strftime("%m/%d/%Y")
    end