I think xmlList, along with xml are not able to be bound for whatever reason, so binding doesn't work with them. You could convert your xmlList to an arrayCollection and bind to that. The flicker would probably have something to do with your custom itemRenderer, but I think we would need to see the code to know more.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.