Generally speaking, buying something from a dollar store is akin to setting your cash on fire. Most of the crap is closeout merchandise that is unreliable (e.g., pregnancy tests) and easily broken (e.g., wine glasses). Daiso is an exception. Japan’s super-popular 100-yen franchise boasts thousands of legitimate goods, and because the Japanese are obsessed with all things “kawaii” (cute), you can be rest assured that every purchase you make looks as good as it works, whether it’s a pair of beautifully painted wooden chopsticks or sparkling pink leg warmers. ERIKA HOBART 710 Sixth Ave. S., 355-4084, daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english