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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report dated February 15, 2001 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, into
the Company's previously filed registration statements on Form S-3 (File No.
333-83407) and on Form S-8 (File No. 333-42165, File No. 333-70043 and File No.
333-80399).

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
March 20, 2001