11.   The giant NRA opens its annual convention this week in Phoenix, with leadership more radical than any in its past history.

12.   The networks are making their announcements now so that their affiliates can shop for digital equipment at the National Association of Broadcasters convention this week in Las Vegas.

13.   The two conventions this week offer a unique window into the obscure world of computer hacking, where code names and pseudonyms are commonplace.

14.   The winner will be announced at the party convention that week in Long Beach, Calif.

15.   A more high-tech tool being pitched to food scientists at their annual convention this week is a system that uses high pressure to destroy microbes.

16.   Bush disappointed Beijing again when he allowed Taiwanese Defense Minister Tang Yiau-ming to attend a private defense convention this week in St. Petersburg, Florida.

17.   Can Hillary Rodham Clinton and her Senate campaign escape criticism among thousands of Republicans attending their national convention this week?

18.   One of the most sophisticated weapons being pitched to food scientists at their annual convention this week is a system that uses high pressure to destroy microbes.

19.   Republican Alan Keyes takes his message to a youth political convention this week.

20.   Somalia signed the convention this week and is expected to ratify it, which will leave the United States as the lone holdout.