• by Amy Corr , Staff Writer @MediaPostOTL, April 18, 2012

“Don’t get stuck in the IT past,” concludes a set of videos for Microsoft’s various cloud services. Microsoft’s secret weapon is a salesman named Tad from VMlimited, who’s stuck in the past and runs his company out of his van. At a sales conference, Tad gives the audience a “Tad Talk” using items from the ‘70s to convince attendees that cloud computing is just a fad. “They tell you they have a true cloud solution. I want you to look them square in the eye and I want you to say: ‘No thanks, brother. I’m cool being limited.’” See it here. In another video, seen here, Tad rides his bike through a hoop that says, “Keep on virtualizin.” Deutsch NY created the campaign.

This is the reason why I always work out on the treadmills in the back row of the gym: if you fall, less people will see you. I’ve had my share of close calls, but nothing compares to the tumble a man takes in an ad for Fallsview Casino Resort. A harmless reach for a towel turns detrimental for the man, who falls off the treadmill and nearly slides into the wall. He gets back on the treadmill, only to have two women talk about a popular video of a man falling off a treadmill. It can’t be his mishap, can it? “Need some fun,” closes the ad, seen here, and created by Blammo Worldwide.

Charles Barkley wants men to realize that Weight Watchers is not just for women, but men as well. He conveys this by donning a black dress, wig and high heels. Barkley will do whatever it takes to convince men that WW can help them lose weight while still eating their favorite foods, like steak and pizza. See the ad here, created by McCann Erickson New York.

DDB New York launched “Safe Sex for Seniors” on behalf of SaferSex4Seniors.org, an organization that provides safe sex education and information for senior citizens. Between 2005 and 2009, the number of cases of syphilis and Chlamydia in seniors in central Florida rose 71% and 62%, respectively. The video, simply put, shows clothed couples, 55 and over, acting out positions from the Kama Sutra. “While there are many ways to do it. There is only one way to do it safely. Use a condom,” closes the video, seen here.

Acura launched a TV spot promoting its part in the upcoming movie, “The Avengers.” Throughout the film, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents drive Acura vehicles, including the MDX, ZDX and TL models along with a convertible sports car created specifically for the movie. In the ad, “Re-routed,” a couple driving through a chaotic city street are given unique, but thorough, directions from their GPS system, like “turn left at flying car, turn right at explosion and stay left at lightning bolt.” Watch the ad here, created by rp&.

Farmers Insurance also launched a TV spot with an “Avengers” tie-in. “Suit Up” takes place at the University of Farmers, where Professor Burke has his agents dress up in homemade “Avengers” costumes. The agent dressed as Captain America exclaims, “We’re the superheroes of insurance!” Professor Burke then takes his plastic gun and shoots an arrow at the chalkboard. Seconds later, the chalkboard explodes, stunning the agents. See the ad here, created by RPA and directed by Roman Coppola.

Pepsi takes crowd surfing to an extreme level at San Sebastian beach, where a huge party is underway. Footballers Aguero, Drogba, Lampard, Messi, Torres and Wilshere play a friendly game atop a crowd of partygoers. Not something you see everyday. Their goal is to get the Pepsi vending machine flowing. By the end of the ad, the machine is also carried by partygoers. See it here, created by CLM BBDO. Framestore handled the VFX work

Wieden + Kennedy created a campaign for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society called "MS Kills Connection. Connection Kills MS." The print campaign shows how seemingly small actions, like sharing a healthcare article online, can have greater positive impacts. Creative shows connections between strangers and how these connections can help bring us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. One ad reads: “A woman in Georgia posts an article on how personal appearance affects mood. A woman in New York decides to start a program that gives makeovers to people with MS.” See additional work here, here, here and here.

Random iPhone App of the week: When Sony Pictures released “The Smurfs” on DVD, a fun augmented reality app came along. Using the GoldRun app and opening the Smurfs experience, adults and kids can have their picture taken alongside a virtual Smurf. Pictures can be shared on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. The app is available for free in the App Store.