Living briefs

LOOK AHEAD

BIG SCREEN

Fall is when movie-production companies bring out the big guns to prepare for the Oscars race. Take a look at what you'll be seeing at theaters.

Coming Thursday in Applause

SPACE COWBOYS

Joss Whedon's vision of the future, complete with six-shooters and soundless space explosions, takes flight with Serenity. See how it compares to other space-faring tales.

Coming Friday

HAVING FAITH

When 27-year-old Joel Sonnenberg was just 2 years old, he was burned beyond recognition in a car accident, but he hasn't let that interfere with his faith.

Coming Saturday

FAMILY BRIEF

Home play dates help shy children

Parents magazine offers tips on how to coax your shy child out of his shell:

With play dates, have the first get-together on your home turf. After your child gets comfortable, try a change of scenery such as the park. After a few get-togethers, suggest a play date at the other child's home, and take along one of your child's toys, which will give him a little security and comfort.

When you visit someone's home, talk beforehand about who will be there and whether your child has met them before.

FASHION BRIEF

Fall styles include beads, wide belts

The dos and don'ts of the hot fall trends from InStyle magazine:

- Jet beads. Do wear with head-to-toe black. Don't forget the contrast works even better with blue tones.

- Plush velvet. Do think of it as another texture to break up your outfit.

- Wide belts. Do wear the belt low slung over a tunic and slim trousers, Don't worry about the loops.

- Lace-up shoes and boots. Do pair with wide-leg trousers or fuller, longer skirts.

- From Wire Reports

BIRTHDAYS

Today's birthdays: Actress Brigitte Bardot is 71. Singer Ben E. King is 67. Actor Joel Higgins (Silver Spoons) is 62. Writer-director-actor John Sayles is 55. Actress Sylvia Kristel (Emmanuelle, Private Lessons) is 53. Actress-comedian Janeane Garofalo is 41. Actress Mira Sorvino is 38. TV personality Moon Zappa is 38. Actress Naomi Watts is 37. Country singer Mandy Barnett is 30. Actress Hilary Duff is18.

REACH US

Contact Lifestyles Editor Erica C. Cline at: 828-2946 or erica.cline@augusta chronicle.com.