Problem with loading external text. > next line symbol + ampersand

Hi there

As i am working on my new site, i’ve encountered some troubles which i can’t seem to fix easely.

first off: I import my text through a .TXT file , this allows me to add html tags to the texts fe. < b > < i > etc.
example of the txt file : &content=this is the text to be shown.
i load in flash mx 2004 with this script

myData = new LoadVars();
myData.onLoad = function() {
myText_txt.htmlText = this.content;
};
myData.load(“text.txt”);

stop();

question 1: how can i now use the & symbol in my text? i tried the html code( & ) for it but it won’t work.
question 2: how do i place a “soft return”. when i put <br> i get lines like this:

and then this line

and then this line

so the whitespace is way too big, i tried <p> <br>
^n, it all doesn’t work.

i ask this because i need to make a scrollable tracklist of a mix
fe.
saphir & zief - ashfall - complex beatz
total science -mainline VIP - media::recordings
dylan & ink - need you re- amen edit - outbreak
photek - sidewinder - photek
danny c - i got what you need - creative source

i hope this explanation is well put so i can get any help on this.
a guider and or wise words would be appreciated.

kind regards
P