Firefox Quick Tip: Scramble Your Keystrokes with KeyScrambler

A must install when working on shared and public terminals (provided that you can install Firefox add-ons). Keyloggers often target web browsers since it’s that particular interface where a lot of user authentication happens. Well sure, some jealous husbands and wives install them to check whether their respective spouses are cheating on them but if you are ever so loyal, then you should be more concerned with keyloggers making records of your online transactions. KeyScrambler is a Firefox add-on that scrambles your keystrokes in the kernel driver level then decrypts them at the browser level. Keyloggers often situate themselves somewhere in between these levels. With KeyScrambler, keyloggers would just record gibberish. Download KeyScrambler Firefox add-on here. There’s also an IE and Flock add-on available and there’s also the Premium and Professional that offers a chock-full more goodies like support for other browsers, password manager link-ups, online poker, and MS Office support. Visit their homepage for more info.

Download: Slow Down Your Mouse Speed with Slowmousion

Ever had problems with mouse accuracy because of mouse motion speed. Used to have that in the days before optical mice and other pointing devices. I think I do encounter problems when handling click-accuracy reliant tasks like graphics and illustration (Probably why I’m buying a pen tab in the near future).

While you can slow down your mouse speed via Windows’ Mouse options in Control Panel, it may be great if you can slow down the speed on the fly via keyboard hotkeys. Slowmousion is a free app that resides in your systems memory that allows you to control mouse motion speed via hotkeys. The hotkeys are then configurable from a set of options.

I can’t say that this would be the end-all-and-be-all for mouse speed control since it only slows down the mouse motion speed and doesn’t give you complete control over mouse speed. For Vista users, it’s even quicker to just type mouse in the Start Search bar to quickly gain access to the Mouse options.

Anyway, if you want to toy around with your mouse speed, then you can download Slowmousion here. Works with Windows from 2000 to Vista.

Windows Tip: Remove Text from Desktop Icons

Okay, so for more than a week, we haven’t featured any tech updates here. I’m really disappointed that Firefox 3 will only be released in June. I want to get my mitts on it but I’m quite hesitant to feature the Beta versions. Anyway, here’s another Windows tip for you. This one is even shorter than what I feature for screencasts so no screencasts for now (Besides, I have a wee bit of a sore throat right now).
It’s a quick how-to on removing text from desktop icons and this works for both XP and Vista.
 1. Select the icon from which you want to remove text
2. Press F2 to rename No Text Icon 2
3. Press Alt + 255 (Enable Num Lock if you’re working on a laptop.) This will replace the text with a space much like putting for HTML (one thing you can’t do with the spacebar).
4. Hit Enter or click on the icon. No Text Icon 4
5. To make other icons’ text labels disappear, you must add another space. Thus, for the second icon you press Alt + 255 + 255.

Tech News: Windows Vista Updates 5 Words in Dictionary for 56MB

 My friendly neighborhood Vista Update Manager has prompted me again to update my system. But one thing caught my eye - What was that 56 MB update that is considered important? Better be good.

Microsoft, apparently, has language issues and if you’re one who is pissed off that “Obama” isn’t recognized by Vista’s dictionary then you better apply theKB955020 update fast! Aside from pleasing Mr. Barack and the whole Democratic party, the update would also stop the Vista from discriminating against four other words, namely “Friendster,” “Klum,” “Nazr,” and “Racicot.”

Sure, that’s quite fine. But check out the size of that damn thing. Theoretically, you’re just embedding a few characters into the dictionary. Should be just a few bytes, right? But no, the update is a whopping 56.4 MB! Makes you wonder how efficient that patch is. Reading the knowledge base leads you to the explanation - it replaces your whole dictionary with update ones. So you’re basically downloading the dictionary - again!

There should be a reason why it should considered an update that should be delivered in patches. You don’t mend a tear by replacing the whole thing.

Tech News: Google Docs Adds Templates

Hey hey hey, take a look at what Google just rolled out. Google Docs unveiled a new feature that would probably be to the delight of everyone who uses it -templates. If you’re the type of person who would want to start typing on an already-laid-out page, then you might want to thank the Google gods for this one.

Simply clicking New -> from Template gives you access to hundreds of free templates whether you’re going to create a document, a spreadsheet, or a presentation. And they’re not only design templates, the selection includes calculators, resumes, business plans, etc… And the designs aren’t necessarily all-Google as some design houses also lent some of their free templates into the mix.

Surely, this would put a potato up Microsoft Word’s tailpipe. To get to most of the templates for Word, you have to download them online. For Office 2007, even, they made templates web-based to make sure only those with licensed copies get to download templates. Go Google!

OSEPH-DESIRE JOB saved a point for Boro with an 82nd-minute

 JOSEPH-DESIRE JOB saved a point for Boro with an 82nd-minute strike that cancelled out Tomasz Radzinski's goal-of-the-month contender.

The Teessiders looked to be heading for another defeat on the road but Job bundled home from Bolo Zenden's corner to send the Boro fans home happy.

Everton, inspired by England starlet Wayne Rooney, roared ahead 12 minutes from time with a majestic three-man move that ended with Radzinski firing home.

Boro boss Steve McClaren was happy with a draw that ended a run of three away defeats.

He said: "You have to be satisfied with a point after being one down with 12 minutes to go. I'm delighted with the way we came back.

"The back four were magnificent but I'm delighted with the attitudes of all my players. After winning the Carling Cup the other week, they could have tailed off.

"All of them are striving to get this club into its highest finish in the Premier League."

Everton manager David Moyes said: "I've watched their goal six times on video now and it looks like it was a deflection.

Deflected

"Joseph Yobo cleared it and it deflected off Job's knee into the goal.

"I'm disappointed with the result because it was important to get a win. We were going for it and what a great goal from Radzinski.

"Yobo started it with the pass but it was a terrific ball from Kevin Kilbane and a brilliant finish.

"I thought that was going to win the game but it wasn't to be."

Boro started the breezier as Job fired over before almost putting them ahead. He latched on to a long ball but keeper Nigel Martyn did enough to save his weak shot.

And it was the same result when Zenden tried his luck after good work from Juninho.

Everton were struggling to settle with Rooney being bumped all over the place by Boro's defence.

The England man did send Radzinski clear only for his Canadian strike partner to hit the side netting.

Shortly after that a stunning burst from Rooney ended with a cut-back to Steve Watson, who just failed to take it in his stride.

It was good stuff from both sides. Massimo Maccarone and Juninho linked to send Mendieta away before Kevin Kilbane broke at the other end only for Radzinski to waste the chance.

Rooney caused problems for Gareth Southgate and Chris Riggott.

On the half hour Rooney fired inches wide.

Everton defender Alan Stubbs went close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time.

A corner was swung over from the right, Stubbs took a ride on Southgate's back but got away with it and thundered in a header which Mark Schwarzer saved with a brilliant reaction.

Rooney was everywhere, chasing and hurrying, and was unlucky with the last kick of the half.

Drive

Radzinski stormed down the right, Watson fed Gravesen and Rooney's flick from the Dane's cross-shot was deflected over by Danny Mills.

David Unsworth came on at half-time for his 300th Everton appearance in place of Stubbs. Moyes' men almost took the lead.

Radzinski surged through the middle of their defence, unloaded a drive and Rooney just failed to latch on to the parry from Schwarzer.

Riggott saved the day for Boro with a swift boot out of play.

The Rooney-Radzinski double act worked again as the latter charged to the byeline but Rooney just failed to turn home his cross.

Boro struggled to get out of their half and McClaren sacrificed the disappointing Maccarone for more midfield grit in the shape of Doriva.

Doriva lasted all of six minutes before limping off with an injury. Then Everton livened things up by almost committing suicide.

Job steamed into the area as Alessandro Pistone under-hit a backpass but Martyn saved the day.

A moment of brilliance lit up the grey skies over Goodison.

Yobo hit a 50-yard ball from the back, Kilbane guided it into the path of Radzinski and the Canadian rifled past Schwarzer.

It was a stunning move that deserved to win the game but Boro did not read the script.

With eight minutes to go, Zenden sent over a corner, the ball was only half cleared through a sea of legs and Job popped up to bundle home.

Rani loves the Hassel

From Rob Beasley at Stamford Bridge

JIMMY FLOYD Hasselbaink had a birthday to remember by hitting a super 13-minute treble to rescue Chelsea.

The bungling Blues were trailing to plucky Wolves when the Dutch international was thrown into the fray on the hour.

And he celebrated his 32nd birthday with a devastating match-winning performance that also brought a personal scoring milestone.

His first strike in the 77th minute was his 100th Premiership goal — and two more in the last four minutes sunk Wolves.

Hasselbaink deservedly strolled away from Stamford Bridge with the match ball under his arm — a fitting memento to add to his pile of presents.

Boss Claudio Ranieri must have been delighted — but he was more concerned in putting the record straight.

He said: "I am most definitely not talking to any other football club. We're six points behind Arsenal and are very much in the Champions League still.

"All I'm doing at the moment is focusing on trying to do my best for Chelsea this year."

Hasselbaink beamed: "I'm just happy to have done it and got the three points.

"Now we can relax and sit and watch Arsenal play Manchester United. If we keep on winning, hopefully Arsenal will slip up."

Chelsea made a storming start and were ahead with just four minutes on the clock.

Mario Melchiot started the move with a break down the right and then a neat ball inside to the advancing Frank Lampard.

The England midfielder helped it on to Joe Cole, who threaded a superb pass into the path of Melchiot.

And the Dutchman did not break stride as he drilled the ball home to celebrated only his fifth goal for Chelsea — but it could be his last.

He is out of contract in the summer and almost certain to move on.

Rousing

The Chelsea faithful were quick to show their support for outgoing manager Ranieri, marking the early breakthrough with a rousing chorus of ‘We don't want Eriksson'.

But when Wolves got their chance, they took it.

And it was courtesy of some woeful defending on 23 minutes from second-placed Chelsea.

Stand-in keeper Marco Ambrosio threw the ball out to full-back Celestine Babayaro, who was closed down immediate by Wolves striker Henri Camara.

Babayaro played a first-time ball back to defender John Terry but it was too short. And again Camara was quick to close Terry down.

The Chelsea man tried to slip the ball inside to Claude Makelele but Camara caught him out, blocking the pass and bursting forward.

He was in on goal and did not waste the opportunity. His low shot flew in off keeper Ambrosio's leg and Wolves were level.

And they could have been in front moments later when they opened up Chelsea once again.

Paul Ince released Camara — and he whipped over a great cross only to see Mark Kennedy miss a sitter.

Chelsea tried to respond. Lampard's long ball picked out Eidur Gudjohnsen and his glorious touch set him up for a terrific shot that was only kept out by the boot of keeper Paul Jones.

But it was Wolves who finished the first half on top with Alex Rae driving over and then Kenny Miller slicing badly wide after a mistake from Cole, who was making a rare start for the Blues.

Chelsea did not sort themselves out despite the second half introduction of Damien Duff, strangely replacing Gudjohnsen who had looked bright in the first 45 minutes.

The homeside were still badly out of form and Wolves were in the mood to take full advantage.

And they did.

Kennedy's corner was perfect for Jody Craddock to produce a towering header to hammer the ball home.

Flying

That prompted Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri to send on Hasselbaink for Geremi.

But it was Wolves who almost went further in front with a rasping drive from Ince that demanded a flying one-handed save from Ambrosio.

Chelsea took the hint and realised they were in grave danger of suffering an embarrassing and damaging home defeat.

They upped their efforts and, in the 70th minute, it was Lampard who came riding to Chelsea's rescue. He played a one-two with Duff before celebrating his 100th consecutive Premiership appearance for the Blues with a stunning strike from 25 yards out.

But even better was to follow for Chelsea — with that stunning hat-trick from Hasselbaink.

The Dutchman unleashed an unstoppable rocket of a shot that Jones did brilliantly just to get a fingertip to 13 minutes from time.

Hasselbaink added his second 10 minutes later when he raced onto a tremendous pass from Duff to fire home.

The Chelsea striker was doing cartwheels and had owner Roman Abramovich on his feet celebrating in the posh seats.

The Chelsea man rounded off his treble in injury time, stroking the ball home.

Wolves boss Dave Jones was not a happy man.

He said: "We played really well to come back from going a goal down so quickly.

"We got back in the match and once we were in front we were in control — they were going nowhere.

"So I don't think we have lost a point today I think we have lost three. We should have won. That's how well we played.

"The score-line doesn't reflect what we have done today.

"I just wish for the last 20 minutes we had been boring and shut up shop. I wish we had just done our jobs."

Hasselbaink certainly did his in style.

Joining the Buy-Me-an-Island Bandwagon

 With the latest buzz on The Pirate Bay wanting to buy Sealand so that it could continue its operations without violating copyright laws, an idea pops into your head. “Hey, I want to buy me an island too!”

First of all, you need to be awfully rich to be able to have your own piece of land surrounded by seawater. Well, say you happen to have a real fat piggy bank and would want to buy one out of a whim, here’s an article on buying your own private island. This basically lists the factors that you should consider when buying one, namely:

• Price
• Location
• Water
• Climate
• Accessibility
• Development

• Size
• Anchorage
• Topography
• Beaches
• Infrastructure
• Caretakers
• Utilities
• Land tenure

The list’s pretty much inconsistent with the title of “How to buy” since it’s mostly factors in choosing an island. But it might be because every country has its own provisions for land ownership.

Realistically, land tenure is the most important factor here. Different governments and constitutions have varying provisions for land ownership. If you’re lucky to be a citizen of an archipelagic country, then this trims down your problems. Some land/real estate laws do not award full (or even partial) ownership to foreigners.

Remember too, that to be the king of your own island, you must have the international community recognize it as sovereign. Until you get an island that has full recognition of sovereignty, forget about setting your own government. You’re still pretty much bound by the laws of the country that holds jurisdiction over it.

So if you have dreams of building your own republic that swears allegiance to your colorful boxer shorts, I’d say “Fat chance, but the best of luck to you.” Well, who knows…?

Force of Habit: Using Firefox Instead Google Chrome

 Yesterday was crazy with the launch of Google Chrome. Almost every acquaintance I knew had jumped into the “let’s try it out” bandwagon and were soon raving about Google’s new browser. As for me, I promised that I would be using Chrome at least for a couple of days but I find myself ditching it after a few hours.

Well, not that Chrome is a bad browser. The browser’s pretty straightforward and streamlined. The interface isn’t distracting at all. It displays web standard pages quite well. In fact, in terms of speed and reliability, Chrome does seem to trump Firefox and IE. I tried to open around 10+ tabs and most of them streaming videos and the damn thing just kept on. Do that with Firefox and you’re sure to crawl, crash even. Since Google claims that this is because Chrome treats each tab as a separate process, then we might just attribute that to my machine.

It’s got the famous “incognito window” or “p0rn mode” (supposedly to kick IE in the nuts) where you can surf without having to store cookies and history breadcrumbs locally. Though the paranoid in me refuses to believe that Google did this to uphold server-side privacy.

However, with it being in Beta, you can’t quite expect a fully-functional browser. As a web browsing tool for daily routine, sure it’s fast, it’s reliable, it’s great. A few quirks that I noticed were no ability to Shift + Enter in the address bar to create a .net suffix (and not even an option for .org too). There’s no RSS feed button for in-browser feed reading. While it imports pretty much all your browsing information from Firefox/IE, it doesn’t have a refined options list yet. I can’t even sort out the imported bookmarks! The address bar behaves like the not-so Awesome bar of Firefox 3 and worst of all, no add-ons (yet).

As a web power user, Chrome can’t still replace the functionalities that I get using Mozilla Firefox and my 20+ add-ons. Chrome looks really promising and probably if Google starts its own plug-in library to match Firefox’s I might make the jump. But for now, I am a creature of habit and am writing this within Firefox. Like all the entries that you read on this blog.

A Few Thoughts on Homeschooling

 Homeschooling has become the better option for some parents. And why not? The university has always been the academic institution where all kids hone and work on their talents, but there is the perpetual belief that home is the best school and parents are in turn, the best teachers of their kids. There is also the fear and the fact that universities have been the sites of no few notorious crimes.

Then again, there’s the opposite side of the story where child psychologists would argue that homeschooling robs the learner of the interpersonal skills only developed in a very social environment such as a school. But then again, thinking about how your child can be a victim of stereotyping, let downs and other things that can scar a person for life, homeschooling can be an attractive route.

If you are a parent, learn more about homeschool and why it might prove to be the better education for your kids by researching on the history of homeschooling and how other parents do it. If your kid is old enough to make a decision, it is important to ask and discuss why you prefer it.

If you are the student, your parents probably have a good reason why they are opting for homeschool. The idea may be daunting at first, but don’t antagonize the suggestion just yet before you even read about what homeschooling is all about. After your research, weigh the pros and cons and be honest to your parents about your opinion on it. It’s your future, after all.

Eco-Friendliness Tips: Going Green

Okay, we go cheesy with this post. Nevermind if manbearpig exists or not. Conserving the environment is something we should all be doing. It doesn’t take much to think of ways that would save the planet. Take a look at these practical suggestions and check those which you can do for your environment.

Recycle. Sort your garbage and all the things you plan to throw away. Instead of tossing all of them in the garbage can, take out those which can still be used. You can re-use old stuff and make them into works of art. Scan our how-to articles and find write ups on arts and crafts. If you’re not a DIY person, give your reusable stuff to your friends who can make something out of old things.

One of the most significant recyclables is paper. Separate your scrap papers from wet garbage like food waste and oily cans. You can sell the bunch of papers you collected to those who make them into recycled paper and earn at the same time!

Conserve water and electricity. A leaking faucet wastes so much water in a very short time. Same with electricity — so much energy is wasted when unnecessary lights are left turned on. After doing laundry, use the soapy water to clean your bathroom or garage. At the same time, be aware of electrical appliances that should be shut off immediately after using.

Reduce plastic consumption. Just in case you shop in a place where they use plastic bags (There are some parts of the world where paper bags are unheard of). You can either bring your own plastic bag whenever you have some shopping to do or you can use one plastic bag for different purchases instead of being given small plastic bags every time you go to a different store. Instead stuffs your purchases in your bag to avoid unnecessary plastic consumption and just asks for the receipt as proof of purchase.

Do your little share to help. Help your community fight against improper garbage disposal and pollution. You can see apathy about filth in some communities which don’t do anything about garbage bags piled up on such public places like highways and streets. A community should be responsible for its own garbage. Be a responsible member of your community by initiating actions that will bring awareness of your garbage problems. Be a role model by not littering on the road. Most children and even some grown-ups think it’s okay to throw things on the road but it’s actually a very disgusting habit.

Women Dating Tips: Why Isn’t He Calling/Texting?

Here’s another set of tips for women out there.

Ok, so you’re young, hot and gorgeous.. so why hasn’t that guy you met last night called or texted you yet?

Every now and then we get to see (or if we get lucky) meet, a cute, sweet guy. Almost every girl knows how hard it is to meet a real keeper these days; someone who’s got it all – beauty and brains plus an ounce of sensitivity. In a time of crisis like this one, what’s a girl to do when that guy isn’t calling or texting yet yet?

Wait. Don’t think he’ll contact you the minute you give him your number. Some guys play it cool, so they’re not so much in a hurry to contact you. Just leave your phone alone for a while and let it ring by itself. Don’t will it.

Recall. Think. Why would he call? Just because he asked for your number last night doesn’t mean he’ll actually call you. Reality is, some guys just ask for a girl’s number in order to be polite. No offense but hey, it happens! Come on, as if you’ve never given a fake number to a guy who was not cute enough for you! If you met him at some party and he was sort of drunk, he might have forgotten where he put his phone. Or maybe he was too drunk to tell you he has a girlfriend. Or maybe he’s still drunk right now. Are we waiting still? Really?

Rethink. Okay so he was a perfect gentleman last night and really seemed sincere when he asked for your number and told you he’ll call you in the morning. If he contacts you then he keeps his word. If he doesn’t, he’s a liar. Give the verdict when you get the call… or when no call ever comes.

If, at the end of the day there’s still no call…. he’s probably calling somebody else. Get over it. You’ll meet a cuter guy next weekend.

Let go. Literally. Let go of the friggin’ phone. The guy will call when he wants and you simply can’t wait for your phone to ring all day. Your phone has the ability to ring even if you’re not touching it. So take your day’s shower, eat that lunch and go through your office work because the phone can ring whether or not it’s near your face.

The truth is, a guy who likes a girl will call that girl. You can’t just call him and say “Hey, I’m this girl you met last night and I was wondering why you haven’t called me yet…” because (do I really have to explain this?)does that sound at all like you? There are guys out there who’ll exhaust your phone. Let’s just wish he wasn’t that guy who got your fake number.

Again, thanks to Anj for sharing these thoughts.

How to Use Feng Shui to Have a Relaxing Workplace

 Not everyone believes in Eastern medicine philosophy, but if it does not do harm, then they are perhaps worth trying. In this case, why not try to incorporate a little feng shui (the Chinese practice of “arranging objects to achieve harmony with one’s environment”) to achieve peace in the office?

Re-arrange your desk so that you won’t have to sit with your back to the door. Always stay in a room where you can see the door or entrance/exit ways. This is because you need to be in a “command position,” or a position where you feel in control of your environment. Being always wary will decrease your productivity levels, and which in turn causes stress and anxiety.

Utilize natural light as much as possible, or simulate it with bio bulbs. This helps increase energy levels.

If you are to place plants in the office, choose those with round leaves. Avoid plants with pointed leaves as they create disharmony. This principle goes with furniture and furnishings. Soften furniture edges with fabrics and drapes.

Color also affects mood and energy so try and keep in mind that red is a good color to inject energy bursts in the room, but too much can heighten tempers. Yellow and orange are colors of communication as they stimulate the mind. Red, yellow, and orange can be brought in a room through decorations such as glass decors and paintings. Green and purple symbolizes wealth and is good for stores and other businesses. Plants and drapes can be colored as such. Blue, which is a good color for the ceiling, can also lift energy.

Fashion Feng Shui 101

 The Chinese has brought us a lot of things - noodles, paper, stir fry, Confucianism, The Art of War, etc… Oh yeah, and feng sui. Ever thought you can do feng shui with what you wear? Read on the following lines and see if you can add luck to your life, while still being your fashionable self. You can never have too much good luck!

Ever heard of chi? Chi is your energy field which emanates from you and projects to your surroundings. Your chi greatly affects your thoughts and feelings. It also guides your interaction with other people. It is believed that your chi is partly determined by the clothes that you wear, particularly the material, color and pattern. What is believed to be good clothing material consists of cotton, silk, linen, wool and leather. It is important that wool and leather should not be tight and touch the skin.

Bad clothing material consists of synthetic fabric. Clothing made of synthetic fabric is believed to prevent the natural flow of energy to and from your energy field. It is also believed to have a bad effect on your interaction with other people. Synthetic clothing material is said to cause physical and emotional risks.

Yin and Yang. Yang refers to the positive aspect of things. Since leather, wool and silk all come from animals, they all have yang characteristics which translates to action, organization and dynamism. Would you rather get yin energy instead? This energy would come from cotton and linen which are derived from plants. These materials bring forth communication, creativity, and sensitivity.

NEWCASTLE were left stunned when Stern John's stoppage-time leveller gave Birmingham a richly-deserved point.

The Toon had stormed into a first-half lead through Gary Speed.

But the home side hit back at the death after dominating the second half.

It was a bitter blow for the Geordies, who still harbour strong hopes of booking a place in the Champions League.

Clearly, though, Bobby Robson's side have to take heed of this warning: they must close out a game if they are to grasp the Holy Grail of a top-four spot.

Things looked so bright when Newcastle took lead with a superb goal eight minutes before the interval.

Midfielder Speed powered a 35-yard drive just inside the near post with Blues keeper Maik Taylor well beaten.

Chances went begging and, as play went beyond 90 minutes, Birmingham's chance seemed to have gone.

Satisfied

But in the second minute of added time, central defender Kenny Cunningham floated in a deep free-kick and supersub John dived in at the far post to stab the ball over the line.

Birmingham's delight was in contrast to the disappointment of Newcastle, who have now drawn five Premiership away games in succession.

Magpies boss Robson admitted: "Overall, it was right for Birmingham to get something out of the game.

"They came out in the second half with all guns firing.

"But we had the game won — we only needed to see out the last free-kick."

Robson was far more satisfied with Speed's effort.

The gaffer added: "It was a picture goal — Gary took a pot-shot but it was beautifully struck and it went in like a flash."

Brum boss Steve Bruce insisted: "We deserved something out of the game — we had chances before our goal and we were well worth our point.

"I am delighted for Stern John — he was disappointed he didn't make the starting line-up.

"But it was great for Stern to come off the bench and score. We were just waiting for someone to score a goal for us."

Birmingham, chasing their first double of the season, produced most of the danger following an early flurry from the visitors.

Taylor had to be at his most alert after just five minutes, when blocking a 30-yard free-kick from Laurent Robert that steamed through the defensive wall.

As Birmingham hit back, Clinton Morrison linked up with Robbie Savage to head for goal.

But Toon keeper Shay Given, making his 144th consecutive appearance, dashed off his line to grab the ball at the striker's feet.

Brum hitman Mikael Forssell had a 20-yard effort blocked by central defender Andy O'Brien before Robbie Savage sent an angled shot wide of the near post.

Newcastle took the lead after a foul by Olivier Bernard. The free-kick was hoofed clear. Speed collected the loose ball and brilliantly slammed in his third goal of the season.

Rampant

Birmingham were rampant after the break but squandered most of their chances.

Bryan Hughes missed an eight-yard sitter. Then Given had to dash off his line to make a smart interception to deny Morrison.

Given was beaten by Forssell's dipping 35-yard volley but the effort dropped just over the bar.

Then Morrison missed his kick as he attempted to hook Savage's low cross into the net.

It looked like a Toon triumph — but then John steamed in. Two points lost, Bobby.