Ubuntu Guide posted a tutorial about enabling Transparent Gnome Panels/Menus/Windows in Ubuntu 10.10
Do you want to customize your Ubuntu desktop with the transparent panels, menus, and windows? As we know, Compiz can do the job, but what if you don't need a complete transparency and want the font and controls/buttons is still perfectly visible?Enable Transparent Gnome Panels/Menus/Windows in Ubuntu 10.10