Michael,

Our "fortuitous" encounter reminds me of that song from long ago, how
did it go again... oh yeah, "it's a small world afterall". I recently
found this Google group (I know I know where the hell I have I been) of
fellow tea drinkers and I must say that its been an enjoyable
experience (goes great with some tea.. ahem.. no pun intended). I
completely agree with your take on teapots. Sometimes I wonder where
these people get their inspiration. I guess it all boils down to
artisans wanting and needing to make money. Regardless of the awful
teapot designs these days, they do seem to appeal to most people.
Maybe we're just "old school" in our thinking.

Dan