CrazyJohn stands corrected... but remains seated:
"After reading your reindeer posting, I'd like to correct you on a small matter. While you stated that Rudolph's nose was sure to win him quite a few female admirers, I'm afraid you are mistaken. You see, Rudolph was FEMALE. Male reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall (Nov. and early Dec.) while female reindeer keep their antlers until spring. You might want to read this article: http://www.juneauempire.com/Archive/December98/122498/stories/122498/Loc_reindeer.html

This example is just another case of our hegemonic patriarchal culture taking a story of female power, erasing the gender distinctions, and rewriting the story as male. Pretty typical. Just goes to show you what a sexist tradition Santa Claus is in the first place. Mrs. Claus does all the work, presents shipped in a sleigh all over the world by a group of female reindeer, and who gets the credit? Yeah, that's right, the funny-looking guy in the red suit who didn't do a damn thing and gets to eat all the cookies. Bastard. And you bought into it John Steeno; way to perpetuate gender inequality.

As far as evolution vs. puntuated equilibrium goes, unless male reindeer were particularly attracted to a female with a red nose, I'd say the trait went nowhere and was just an isolated mutation.

Anyway, that's my comment on the matter. Hope you have a good day.

Sincerely,

The Angry Feminist"

Well, The Angry Feminist, you make a valid point... but, as you are a woman, I will easily dismiss it as your "special time," as we all know that is the only time when women can have opinions. Have a crazy gender :)