[flexcoders] storing data in models within Flex 2

[jmwhittaker007]

How can I store data within my Flex application as XML that can be
used again in a DataGrid? 

I have created an mx:XML data model in MXML. It seems that this only
stores one model at a time from my form. 

How can I keep adding data from my form getting it to add to the model?

[flexcoders] Skinning a panel - background SWF graphic keeping dropshadow - possible?

[jmwhittaker007]

I am skinning an application. For panels i need a complex gradient
badckground and drop shadows that can be controlled via CSS. I have my
background gradient image as a symbol in my SWF file.

Placing the background image in the CSS using
borderSkin:Embed(source=skins/graphic/theme.swf#greenPanelGradient-1);

and having dropShadowEnabled set to true does not show the drop
shadow, obviously because i'm overwriting the halo border style. 

Is it possible to have an image (or SWF) as the background and still
draw a drop shadow?

Thanks james