I think you can also do something like this using an XSL Transformation. It sounds like you want to transform your old XML into a new XML document, based on the value of the DATE attribute. To do this you need a stylesheet and a transformation engine. There are many XSLT engines out there, you can use AxKit for an all-Perl solution or Xalan for a Java/Apache solution. There are many more that you can find here. I've been reading XSLT: Programmer's Reference for help on XSLT. It is really interesting stuff, but I'd look to XML::Twig and AxKit to help you get your job done today. When you have some time look at the other stuff.

I hope this helps.

Get Strong Together!!