Is the slight shading at the very top of Google Reader new?

I certainly have never seen it before, and I don't think any other Google Services do anything like it.

It was there since the beginning AFAIK. I stole the effect for this one...
http://blogoscoped.com/letters/

It's always been there and FWIW, I really don't like it...

it's a bit pointless isn't it.

I am not a big fan – but the shading on the Google Reader module is far worse.