I was trying to call the Denver Center for the Performing Arts from my HP
phone.  Since it is a long distance call, I whipped out my personal AT&T
calling card.

Then, I did the following:

DIAL:  9-0-893-4100

"I'm sorry, but you must dial 303, then the number..."

Ok, DIAL:  9-0-303-893-4100

"<boing>US West"

Ok, DIAL my AT&T card number:  XXX-XXXX-XXXX

"I'm sorry, but that number is not complete as dialed."

Argh.  AT&T card number doesn't work with US West.  Ok, let's try this:

DIAL:  9-0-ATT-0-893-4100

"I'm sorry, but you must dial 303, then the number..."

Ok, DIAL:  9-0-ATT-0-303-893-4100

"I'm sorry, but you must first dial a 1 before dialing that number..."

Argh.  Ok, what was that AT&T access number again???

DIAL:  9-1-800-123-0ATT

"<doo><Daaa><DEEEP> I'm sorry, but that call cannot be completed as
dialed, please hang up and try again..."

Hmmmm.  Ok, look at the back of my card, look around.  Ah!  I had the
access number incorrect:

DIAL:  9-1-800-321-0ATT

"<BEEP>   <BEEP>   <BEEP>   <BEEP>"

Busy.  Try again:

"<bbblliiinnnggggg>  AT&T"

Ok, now we're getting somewhere!

DIAL:  303-893-4100

"Please enter your card number"

XXX-XXXX-XXXX

"Thank you"

<ring> <ring>

"Thank you for calling the Denver Center Ticket Office.  All lines are
busy..."

Remember, telephones are our friends....