EXHIBIT 24

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  each  person  whose  signature
appears below constitutes and appoints  Christopher J. Vizas, II, David Skriloff
and Anne E. Haas, jointly and severally,  each in his own capacity, his true and
lawful  attorneys-in-fact,  with full power of substitution,  for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
to this registration  statement (including  post-effective  amendments),  and to
file the same,  with all  exhibits  thereto and other  documents  in  connection
therewith,  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission,  granting  unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, with full power and authority to
do so and perform  each and every act and thing  requisite  and  necessary to be
done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might
or  could  do  in  person,   hereby  ratifying  and  confirming  all  that  said
attorneys-in-fact,  or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully door
cause to be done by virtue hereof.