Category: Local

Friend: Comic store owner critically hurt in shooting

Friends of a comic-book store owner shot in an apparent robbery said they can’t understand why the shop would be a target.

David Pirkola is in critical but stable condition in a local hospital, said Stephen Jahner, who owns Apparitions Comics and Books with Pirkola.

“People open comic stores because they love comics and are lucky if they can make a living,” Jahner said. “It’s not like we ever have a lot of cash in the store. It’s just unbelievable.”

Kentwood police said a man entered the store at 2757 Ridgemoor Drive SE around 7 p.m. and demanded money, shot Pirkola and fled.

Jahner said Saturday he has known Pirkola for decades.

“He’s just a sweet guy, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” he said. “He’s the kind of guy you want watching your back.”

[From Friend: Comic store owner critically hurt in shooting – Latest News – The Grand Rapids Press – MLive.com]

That’s where I buy Knights of the Dinner Table and PvP every month. There are few places I can think of less likely for a robbery an shooting. I heard about this late Friday night in the news and I still can’t believe it. Dave’s a totally nice guy. Robbing a comic book store? Robbing Dave’s comic book store? And shooting? And now Dave’s in the hospital in critical condition for a gunshot wound? It’s terrible and it doesn’t make any sense.

UPDATE: Friends of Dave’s have set up a donation page so people who want to help out can do so.

“Granholm watches DeVos define race — and define her”

Granholm watches DeVos define race — and define her

As DeVos has bombarded the airwaves with effective messages emphasizing his business acumen, presenting him as a regular guy who drives his own car and subtly impugning the governor’s leadership, the Granholm campaign has observed an electronic blackout.

You know, the irony here, to me, is that the one time I met Dick DeVos, when he was visiting my workplace, he flew in in his private helicopter. Kid you not. [Update: Joel in comments points out that I have no idea what I’m talking about here.  Not too uncommon a situation.]
Don’t get me started on his business, Amway (aka Alticor). There’s enough dirt on them a google search away; I’m not going to repeat any of it here. I am grateful for the philanthropy DeVos has engaged in here in West Michigan, which is considerable. Children’s hospital and everything. That’s awesome. I just have a hard time feeling comfortable about the source of those millions.