Shortcut to the notifications panel? Many applications place an icon on the notification bar. But then to get to the action I need to long tap the notification bar (taking care not to tap the screen area below it) and then pull it down (at least this is how i do it in my htc desire hd)

Is there an easier way? Maybe assign this to a long press on the menu button (same as long press on the home button shows recent apps)?
You shouldn't need to long tap the notification bar, just tap and swipe down.