Ask HN: How do I make better use of random browser checks?

Like most of HN probably, I spend a lot of time checking reddit, hn, fb, etc.. while waiting for things.

I love reading essays roughly the length of PGs but I find I get very little from reading traditional news articles. Books are fantastic, but not when I only have a few free minutes. Is there a good place I can check every once in a while to get digestible intellectual goodies?