gistfile1.rb

def new_session(as_user_with_nickname)
  open_session do |s|
    s.extend(Webrat::Matchers)
    s.extend(Webrat::Methods)

    unless as_user_with_nickname.nil?
      s.visit login_url
      s.fill_in      "Nickname or Email", :with => as_user_with_nickname
      s.fill_in      "Password", :with => "swordfish"
      s.click_button "Login to Fetlife"
    end

    yield(s)
  end
end