This Seattlest finds it slightly alarming that Paul Allen has a functioning fleet of war planes, even if they are vintage ones. Starting this Friday, for a fee--because Paul Allen really needs more money--you can see Allen's private vintage warplane collection. Again the phrase "private warplane collection" makes us quake in our boots just a little bit, and raises all kinds of questions: can Paul Allen launch these war planes from his gigantic boat? How does one begin collecting vintage war planes? Is this just a rich man's version of "boys love their toys?" Is having a fully functioning fleet of bombers the secret to Paul Allen's power? Are they the real reason that NFL and NBA owners would never consider trying to steal the Seahawks or the Trailblazers? Are they his insurance for one day owning all of South Lake Union? (If they won't be bought out, they can be bombed out.) Why is Paul Allen organizing and restoring a fleet of warplanes considered a collection and not an air force? On the other hand, if he ever decides to buy a country, rather than a neighborhood--he's all set for aerial battle. more ›