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The author discusses the relationship between mathematics and computing. He discusses the "discovery" of deductive mathematics in Ancient Greece 2,500 years ago and the role of Pythagoras, the work of mathematician David Hilbert and his "Hilbert's Program" which led to modern computer science, and the emergence of NP-completeness theory.

The author discusses his thoughts concerning the concept of over-choice in the availability of computing-research conferences. He examines the plethora of conferences and conventions available to computer science professionals, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and argues in favor of change in the computing-research publication system and community building.

The article discusses plans for the periodical "Communications of the Association for Computing Machinery" (CACM). By 2005 dissatisfaction with CACM had been felt within the computing community. In 2006 the author was appointed to oversee an overhaul of CACM. Through interacting with computing professionals he learned that there was still strong demand for a printed copy of the journal. Readers also wanted more research content, a livelier editorial page, and better graphic design. In addition to these changes, CACM will present more in-depth coverage of news, and will continue to publish refereed articles.

The article discusses the history of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) A. M. Turing Award in relation to the career of computer scientist Alan Turing. Topics include the beginning of the award as a lectureship, claims that Turing invented the computer in relation to his work as a mathematician, and the notion of a Universal Turing Machine.

The article explores the difference between theoretical computer science (TCS) in North America and Europe. TCS is defined as the division of general computer science and mathematics that focuses on more abstract or mathematical aspects of computing. The author highlights the broadening scope of TCS and the broadening gap between the narrow focus of the IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science (FOCS) and the ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing (STOC).

The article discusses publication culture within the field of computing research. Particular focus is given to a memo on the topic of evaluating computing scholarship by Batya Friedman and Fred B. Schneider, published by the Computing Research Association (CRA). The memo suggests that research organizations should focus on research quality and impact and dissuades administrators from emphasizing quantity of publications when making decisions about hiring, tenure, and promotion.

The author reflects on frictionless computing, or the elimination of delay in computer-based communication, stating that some small amount of friction is necessary in computer science. He notes that high-frequency stock trading, conducted by algorithms and software, was cited as a stock market crash on May 6, 2010 and suggests this demonstrates the need for friction. In addition, he argues that too many emails are sent daily, decreasing their value.

The article presents the author's comments on the global social phenomena in celebration of centennial anniversary of the birth of the mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing, one of the founding figures in computer engineering. Topics include Turing's accomplishments in the development of cryptoanalysis and the Turing Test for artificial intelligence (AI); preceding studies of computability upon which Turing built his work; and collective efforts in the creation of computer science.

The author offers opinions on computer science. It is argued that Moore's Law, the 1965 prediction that transistor density on integrated circuits could and would be exponentially increased does not necessarily translate into a subsequent exponential increase in microprocessor speed and performance, although the computer industry has in fact generated such increases since that time. Research indicating that the energy use of integrated circuits will become a barrier to continued improvement in microprocessor performance is cited in support of that contention.

The author discusses the problem of poor presentations at computer science conferences. He describes some common mistakes, such as trying to read the entire contents of a research paper out loud to an audience, and recommends that speakers practice with a video recorder. He also notes that presentation quality could be made a criterion for acceptance to a conference program.