NooB needs help with news flasher

Hi, im looking to have a simple news flasher/tickler. I would like to use xml for each option. But im not sure where to start. and the tutorial for one on this site isnt much help. http://www.kirupa.com/developer/mx/newsflasher.htm
But if anyone could help, thatll be much apprecaited.
PS. I would like the same effect as the one here, but just getting details from xml instead. with multiple lines. Thanks