By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Feb 25, 2010 at 11:29 AM

"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee.com is back for another round! The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs -- including guides, the latest trends, rapid bar reviews and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!

Join in on the fun as OnMilwaukee.com hosts its second annual Bartender Olympics tonight at the Milwaukee Ale House.

We've spent the last two weeks profiling the 10 contestants, culminating today with last year's reigning champion, Jim Carney of the BBC.

All in the name of friendly competition, cheer on your favorite Olympian while you enjoy deals on Ale House food and Jim Beam, Malibu, Hornitos and Jameson, Absolut and X Rated.

OnMilwaukee.com: How long have you been a bartender?

Jim Carney: Nine years.

OMC: What's your signature drink?

JC: Jameson sour Old Fashioned.

OMC: What's your favorite Milwaukee bar (other than the one you work at)?

JC: Burnhearts, Ten Bells, Cafe Lulu, Up and Under, Riverhorse, and the Harp and Shamrock.

OMC: How do you get good tips?

JC: Treat people the way I would want to be treated and treat all of my patrons like they are on a mini vacation.

OMC: Have you ever cut someone off?

JC: Hell yes! Know your limits, because everyone else sure does.

OMC: Do you believe in "beer after liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you're in the clear?"

JC: No. Ride your drinking like a bull. Keep the good buzz and know when to get off before you hurt yourself too badly (and don't do what I do).

OMC: Are you more likely to go out for Sunday service industry night or Sunday morning brunch?

JC: Sunday morning brunch.

OMC: Are you looking forward to the smoking ban?

JC: As a dumbass chain-smoker I am actually looking forward to it. But I still think bars are supposed to make you feel like you're somewhere you shouldn't be. I need a smoke now.

OMC: What cocktail are you preparing at the Bartender Olympics?

Kentucky Reggata
1 ounce Jim Beam Black
1 ounce Malibu
Splash of lime juice
Orange juice
Touch of 7 Up

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”