
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report dated February 25, 2000, included herein in this Form 10-K into the
Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 No. 333-19127 and
333-19145 filed on December 31, 1996.


ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
March 30, 2000
