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We're No. 1

BRUCE SICELOFF ON CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC

We have the priciest gas in the lower 48 states.

The average price for self-service regular Friday was $3.672 statewide (and even higher in the Triangle, $3.744), according to www.fuelgaugereport.com. That's 32.2 cents more than the national average. A month ago, North Carolinians were buying gas for $3.669 (and then we were almost exactly at the national average).

Why so high? With world oil prices falling sharply, why are our gas prices falling only slowly?

Hurricane Ike is still hurting us and our Southeastern neighbors in South Carolina and Georgia. The two Gulf refinery pipelines that deliver most of our gas have resumed full production, but a lot of retailers still aren't getting their full supplies.

Over the past month, while average U.S. prices FELL 32 cents nationwide, they ROSE by:

* 0.3 cents in North Carolina.

* 5.1 cents in Georgia (with the No. 2 price in the lower 48 states, $3.584).

Meanwhile, North Carolina's gas tax is high -- but not THAT high -- compared with other states: a combined state and federal 48.6 cents per gallon.

The American Petroleum Institute says motorists pay 0.2 cents more here than the national average tax, but less here than in 14 other states.

(California has the top tax at 67.1 cents, and usually some of the most-expensive gas. Friday's Golden State average price was a sunny $3.527.)

Seeking hot bratwurst tips

FOOD CRITIC GREG COX ON EPICUREAN

Just got an e-mail message from a reader looking for a German restaurant. He knows about J. Betski's but is looking for the kind of place that serves "the works: wurst, sauerkraut, strudel, schnitzel, potato salad, etc."

I told him about Bavarian Brathaus in Sanford and The Old South Diner (formerly Brats European Bistro, which still serves some German fare) in Southern Pines. And I told him I'd ask for more suggestions on my blog.

Well? Got any hot brat tips?

Bye bye Blahniks?

SAMANTHA THOMPSON SMITH ON THE FASHION PLATE

Reality kicked in a few hours ago as I watched the stock market tumble yet again.

Even with Bluefly's 10 percent one-day shoe discount, those Kate Spade Gina's just aren't going to happen. At least not this season. I'm just going to have to make do with my Anne Klein velvet peep toes from last fall.

You too? Having buyer's remorse before you even buy?

I've been hearing it all over. The same pair of boots or dress that last year you wouldn't have thought twice about buying, this year you're spending more time mulling it over. And then having to walk away because of fears about your job, making the mortgage payment or your retirement fund.

Wanna commiserate? samantha@newsobserver.com. There's a story brewing, and I need some shoppers to tell their tales of restraint.

Durham takes top honors as place to retire

JIM WISE ON BULL'S EYE

Hard upon Business Week's recognition of Durham's downtown as a "great buying opportunity," Black Enterprise magazine has ranked the Bull City No. 1 on its first-ever list of "20 Best Places to Retire."

The magazine, which has a paid circulation of 525,000, ranked cities on the bases of housing prices, public schools, crime rates, health-care services, taxes, climate and leisure-time opportunities.

"Durham's lineup of prestigious educational institutions and world-class medical facilities includes Duke University and Duke University Hospital," the magazine says. "Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Atlantic Ocean beaches and three hours from the Great Smoky Mountains, Durham is home to more than 300 restaurants and more than 40 annual festivals. A must-see is the annual Bimbe Festival, a lively weekend celebration of African-American culture."