anyone have any advise on how to remove the shift knob?

On the automatic there is a staple at the base of the shift knob. You pry it loose just use care so you don't damage it...

does the staple look like the one that holds the window knob on?

is it located at the very bottom of the plastic knob?

Window knob? My '96 had a leather shift knob and only one staple in it near the bottom of the knob...