Vim plugin makes Ruby blocks into text objects

Stuff like this can usually be handled with a quick macro in Vim.<p>For example, I use the macro `zEkzfggj%jzfG` (minus backticks) to fold everything above and below the current { and it's corresponding C block.<p>And now that I see all of it typed out like that, I'm not sure myself if this is an argument for Vim, or a parody of an argument for it ;)

An indentation-based text object solves the same problem in a language-agnostic way. There are several implementations out there. I maintain one that includes proper handling of languages without ending block delimiters (python, haml, sass): <a href="http://github.com/austintaylor/vim-indentobject" rel="nofollow">http://github.com/austintaylor/vim-indentobject</a>

Nifty, but this seems like plugin overkill.<p>I just use matchit (<a href="http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id=39" rel="nofollow">http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id=39</a>) and then I can do v% to visually select everything to the end of a block.

One of the little things that I love most about IntelliJ is its expand/shrink selection command. It's one of those things that you have no idea how useful it will be until you get used to it, then you can't live without it.

This made me smile. Such a nice Christmas gift. I just started getting into vim and things that solve little nagging annoyances really help me stick with it. Thank you!

Anything like this for Python? Any plug-in or built in macro?

Anybody know an emacs equivalent?