Oh, I gotcha.
Well, here is a parser package for you (currently for rss 2.0 only). I don't know if it will help or not but all your AS is there. It may just confuse the issue but since you've been doing your homework you'll probably understand it all. If not, please let me know and I'll explain any aspect for you. If it looks like it will just make matters worse, don't feel bad about just deleting it and not giving it another thought.
Hope that helps.
On the original subject, I would love to put together a .swf for your book! If you would give me the honor I would like to put together something for you. I have always wanted to do a Star Trek themed flash application but have never really had the opportunity presented. The closest I've ever gotten is probably my DotComBot website. I'll do it at no charge for ya if I can use it in my portfolio. Let me know.