Retrieving html data through http based url and storing it in a node

Can we read html data from some url http://example.com/index.html (using cURL library it will involve writing some php code) and then create a new page (content) and store retrieved html data in the newly programatically created node. I need to know if there is something similar already exists.

Idea is to create a new NODE TYPE (flexi node) which contain URL text field and content. User will enter url of an html document, and the node will automatically retreive the data and placed it nicely in the content area. Once it is done the content is now static and user can edit in whatever way he wants.

It should not involve RSS feed which uptill now does not support graphic data.