for_john.rb

class HomePageController < ApplicationController
  # this ensures 'current_user' is populated with the logged in user
  before_filter :login_required

  def index
    # populate an ivar (instance variable) so we can use it in the view
    @user  = current_user
    @lists = @user.lists
    @other_things_the_user_owns = @user.other_things_the_user_owns
  end
end


# routes.rb
map.root :controller => 'home_page' # :action => 'index' is superfluous as it is the default