Pluto-izing the world

So astronomers have decided that Pluto isn't really a planet and have thus reduced the planet world from nine to eight. That's a hard hit for anyone whose not-so-fond memories of Astronomy include trying to memorize the planets and rarely getting past eight. But if the International Astronomical Union can take such a bold step, maybe other long-established institutions can fall by the wayside, too.

Take our Legislature in Trenton. Many New Jerseyans are convinced that the two houses (the Senate and Assembly) are do-nothing places where 120 legislators collect $49,000 each to pass laws about the state dirt or state fruit when they're not enacting new taxes. Why not drop to one legislative body, the way Nebraska does it, with two people representing residents in 30 districts. Maybe half the number of politicians will make half as much mischief.

Then there's baseball. To read the attendance figures, with numbers often under 10,000 , the folks in Miami and Tampa don't deserve big league teams. So let's Pluto-ize the majors and go from 30 to 28 teams. Each league would have 14 teams (which American League moves can be decided by an online vote). The distribution of the Marlin and Devil Ray players would strengthen all the teams and put some young stars - Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabrera and, yes, Scott Kazmir - in cities where they'll be really appreciated.

Any other candidates?