Pleased we were able to guide you to the solution rather than just give answers. That must have been far more satisfying, and perhaps more informative. Just to close the whole thing and make sense of MYNAS NOISIER in the rubric, look at the 12 unchecked letters that make up the corner of the grid, ie clockwise from top left EIN, YON, SSI and MAR, that actually would have helped with the quotation and author.
You could try doing the Toughie in the Daily Telegraph, tuesday to friday, that can be challenging as is The Telegraph cryptic from time to time.
You were in good hands once shaneystar2 came along.
I suppose you are really looking forward to thursday and the next Speccie!
I suspect many of us find the following website helpful
http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/puzzl es/word_wizards/wwizards.py/main
Investing in a copy of The Chambers Dictionary is also worthwhile.