Being a high-stakes online journalist is brutal, brain-taxing, soul-bruising work. But every now and then you get the little bit of recognition (read: free stuff) that makes it all worthwhile. On Friday I had the chance to attend the Haven/Elle magazine pre-Oscars "gifting suite" along with LAist's own Lisa B.* We made our way to the hills of Beverly Hills and after fighting our way through a forest of monstrous Cadillac Escalades -- what......

It's not about presence, it's about presents. And "gift suites," the latest rage in Hollywood tax-dodging, have been in full swing this week, with the Oscar masses foaming at the mouth for the latest in fashion handouts, scented swag, diamonds, massages, fancy cheese and chocolate luxuries. In a Beverly Hills mansion situated high above Hamburger Hamlet, LAist went undercover yesterday to one of these special events, called Haven -- a glam affair put on......