EXHIBIT A JOINT FILING AGREEMENT ----------------------

   1

                                   EXHIBIT A
                              JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
                              ----------------------

     We, the signatories of the statement on Schedule 13D to which this
Agreement is attached, hereby agree that such statement is filed on behalf of
each of us.

       Dated: January 7, 1998           X. X. XXXXXXX INVESTMENT, L. P.
                                        By: X. X. XXXXXXX ENTERPRISES, INC.
                                           General Partner
                                        By: /s/
                                           --------------------------------
                                           XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX, President

                                           XXXXXXX XXXXXX & COMPANY FINANCIAL 
                             SERVICES, INC.

                                        By:      /s/
                                           --------------------------------
                                           XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX, 
                                           Chief Executive Officer

                                        XXXXXXX XXXXXX & COMPANY LEASING, INC.

                                        By:      /s/
                                           --------------------------------
                                           XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX, President

                                        XXXXXXX XXXXXX & COMPANY
                                        INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                        By:      /s/
                                           --------------------------------
                                        XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX, 
                                        Chief Executive Officer

                                        XXXXXXX XXXXXX & COMPANY

                                        By:      /s/
                                           --------------------------------
                                        XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX, President

                                        /s/
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX

                                        X. X. XXXXXXX ENTERPRISES, INC.

                                        By:     /s/
                                           --------------------------------
                                        XXXXXX X. XXXXXXX, President

                                        /s/
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        XXXXXX XXXXXXX

                                        /s/
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        XXXXXX XXXXXXX, as Custodian for 
                                           Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
                                        /s/
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        XXXXXX XXXXXXX, as Custodian for 
                                           Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx


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