Julie Lasky writes:

Maxim, the laddie monthly imported nine years ago from Britain and revised on these shores, unveiled a fresh look for the May 2006 issue, its 101st. The timing couldn't have been worse. Within weeks, editor-in-chief Ed Needham was gone and rumors were flying that owner Dennis Publishing U.S.-a magazine group that also includes Stuff and Blender-was on the block.

Needham's replacement, Jimmy Jellinek (formerly Stuff 's editor), is now in an awkward spot. It's possible he'll be denied the top dog's privilege of putting his own visual stamp on Maxim anytime soon. Plus, he may be vulnerable to the whims of new overlords. (Dennis, which just announced plans to open a Maxim hotel and casino in Las Vegas, refuses to confirm or deny scuttlebutt about a pending sale.)

The good news? Maxim's redesign-the work of creative director David Hilton -is clearer, brighter, and tidier than in the past. And if you think adjectives like those don't mesh with guys and their raucous fantasies and messy sock drawers, think again. This lad mag may wallow in beer and babes, but its layout is still about boxes and borders.

Read on here.