[texhax] hbox problem and creating a red box with specified thickness

[hgi]

Hi All!

I'm using document class article and multicols as I'm doing a newsletter for a branch in our organization, for marketing and awareness.  

There are a few things that happen from time to time that are vexing to a newcomer.  For some reason when I attempt an \hbox, depending upon where it is attempted, it will take the text inside and make it go continuously off to the right until the text string terminates.  Does anyone have any idea as to what I'm doing wrong to cause this condition to occur?

Also, does anyone know how to create a red box with a specified thickness? 

Thanks heaps!

-Warren 
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