First we turn NZ PC World contributors on the world, then they take over the world.

Erstwhile NZ PC World open source columnist Vik Olliver is part of an international team working on a printer that can "print" 3D objects by laying down layer after layer of plastic to create, say, a plastic bowl or an iPod case.

While others have developed 3D printers, West Aucklander Vik's project has two unique elements.

1). It's technology is shared with all-comers in open source fashion, as the team want 3D printers to become cheap and available for developing countries.

2). A key goal is to create a 3D printer that can replicate itself. Of course, there's a fine line between 3D printers for all, and self-replicating printers taking over the planet, which is probably why Computerworld's story on Vik's efforts has proved a huge hit, namechecked everywhere from Slashdot to CNet. Yes, sorry, it's proved so popular that it's slowed down all our sites. Read it here.

Dancing With the Stars
Meanwhile, just when you thought nothing could top David Pomeroy's Trinny and Susannah makeover in the glamour stakes, ex-PC World staff writer Malcolm Burgess turns up as a budding ballroom impresario.

Malcolm, now books editor at Wellington's DomionPost, was roped in to partner Julie Jacobson for an article that saw the pair drilled by Dancing With the Stars judges Paul Mercurio and Brendan Cole. Here's the pair's "journey", as they say on reality TV, in photos (one question: why does Paul Mercurio look in worse shape than me???):

Read Julie's full story on Stuff here.