US citizens seem to be fond of using tea symbolically in their political activism. But many of you don’t know how to make a simple cuppa. Here’s some advice:
(Via, well, sadly I can’t remember where I found this. One of my medieval bloggers perhaps? If you recognise it, please let me know so I can give credit where credit’s due. Speaking of which, listen to that drumming…)
Nicola Griffith 
Oh god, it's so true! And what's even worse is (most) Americans trying to make Asian teas, which are even more specific about what temperature the water must be to get the flavor right.
The English understand 'boiling water'. For black tea. It's a hard habit to break when dealing with green tea or white tea. I have to remind myself every time I make green tea. (Which I admit is rare.)
Try cold brewing green tea.
I never thought of that. It seems…wrong. Chadao, are you reading this–what do you think?
Someone I know bought an electric teapot that has 4 or 5 buttons on it for a range of temperatures. I think it came with some kind of chart designating which temperature button for various teas. He was angry that I kept insisting on using the boiling button for my black tea, until I pointed out to him that button was there for a reason. I thought it was stupid at the time, but it's actually kind of handy.
I judge temperature by the rumble of the kettle. Maybe it's time I moved into the 21st C…
Nah. I like your method better.