EXHIBIT 23(A)

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report  included  in  this  Form  10-K,  into  the  Company's  previously  filed
Registration  Statement File No. 333-46749 on Form S-8 and File No. 333-81356 on
Form S-3.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
March 29, 2002