Calvin grew up hearing cautionary tales about the woes that indebtedness had brought upon neighbors and family, and he got his first glimpse of political life at Plymouth town meetings, selling popcorn and apples while his father, a storekeeper and a legislator, participated in the proceedings.

NEWYORKER: Less Said

The friendly neighbourhood storekeeper, for those unwilling to bear the trip or the gossip, will also readily deliver such small purchases home, at no extra fee, as many times a day as he is called upon to -- perhaps the biggest reason why Indian households remember their grocery needs only from one day to another.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS