Text box on home page and longer listing for recent posts

[unitedstarminds]

Hi

1) how can i add a text box on the right hand side on my home page so I can add a daily "inspiration comment'

2) How can i increase the Recent posts listing on the right column on home page it only shows 5 listings

3) How can I add an archive on the home page on the right column as widget or what, I tried but can't get it to work

4) Using explorer my website does not flow well at the bottom the white text boxes on left side flow longer than the banner at the bottom that includes my company name, can someone else check and see if it flows OK, it works ok with Mozilla.

Thanks
Mandip