> If you can't envision how "phoning home" and turning the heat or AC, or whatever else you may have, on (or off) is handy then you aren't even trying.

I don't have AC. If I turn off the heat, my pipes will burst. I can't see a reason to turn lights or fridges on/off when I'm not there.

> just don't say silly things like "automation, lame!"

I didn't. I said I honestly can't see the utility in any of it.