December 31, 1989

LEAD: FOR Christopher Fullagar and the hundreds of other youngsters in New Jersey like him, whose days are bounded, in a sense, by the frozen expanse of an ice skating rink, the journey from the first forward swizzle to the triple Axel takes at least 12 years and thousands of dollars. During that time, there are lessons, coaching sessions, jubilant moments and discouraging plateaus, with pulled muscles and bruises part of the territory.

LEAD: Frigid temperatures across much of the United States this month sent demand for heating oil soaring, providing a final upward jolt to crude oil prices. Some spot crude traded at prices up 40 percent or more from a year ago. Will these prices hold? Five experts on oil offer their views. Phillip Chisholm

LEAD: AS economic indicators go, the eerie emptiness in the B. Altman store on Manhasset's Miracle Mile during the holiday shopping season seemed a portentous signal for the new decade.

LEAD: PAINTING the town red on New Year's Eve and reaching the next day for a taste of the hair of the dog is ancient history for most people in Westchester. From the liquor industry to county restaurant owners and insurers, the expectation is that most celebrants will practice moderation tonight and wake up clear-headed tomorrow to talk about it.

LEAD: IN the battle among banks for retail customers, the victors are likely to be those that use high technology best. So banks are now spending more than $10 billion a year on electronic technology to attract more customers, serve them more efficiently and keep staffs free to sell more profitable products.