Cadmus is a great tool to maximize downtime. It displays content on Twitter since you last checked in. It manages Twitter streams and takes replies in Twitter and groups them into "conversations". (t. Ghaznavi)
Use tools like Flipboard, Reeder (iPhone app) and Cadmus (great tool for catching up with what you missed on Twitter since you last signed in–see below) to keep on top of industry trends and business news.