1.   At the start of the Clinton administration, officials even gave private political briefings to entertainers like Barbra Streisand.

2.   Bush invited some technology executives to Texas earlier this month for a private briefing that was part of his preparation to succeed President Clinton.

3.   Clark will outline possible actions by the U.S. against Iraq, Iran and North Korea in a private briefing.

4.   He has freed Cabinet officers, their aides and White House officials to give private briefings on business and politics to especially generous supporters.

5.   He invited a few reporters up to his hotel room for a rare private briefing.

6.   Microsoft Corp. held a private briefing for venture capitalists in Menlo Park last week.

7.   On Sunday, the Post reported that six members of Congress received private FBI briefings.

8.   Opponents of the private briefings say governing boards have used them to deliberate on controversial public business.

9.   Private briefings have been one of the most controversial aspects of the Open Meetings Act because of their potential for abuse.

10.   Ridge is to appear before the House Government Reform Committee on Thursday for a similar private briefing, and before the House Energy and Commerce Committee next Wednesday.