Yesterday four members of the jQuery team held a live conference session via UStream.tv. They announced the release of jQuery 1.4 and answered questions about new features and performance.

Soon thereafter a few other jQuery team members worked behind the scenes in a post-production frenzy so that we can offer you the video right here in glorious high definition (HD). Enjoy!

The jQuery project’s web hosting provider, Media Temple, has announced an exciting contest in which they will be giving away a total of 15 prizes. Each day during the 14 days of jQuery, a web developer will receive a free (gs) Grid-Service account for one year. A grand prize winner will receive a 13" MacBook Pro!

In order to enter the contest, you must submit a link to your coolest use of jQuery. A winner will be chosen each day during the 14 Days of jQuery. The grand prize winner will be announced on Friday, January 29th.

Check the Media Template Giveaway webpage for more details about the content and to see the announced daily winners.

You only have 12 days left, so enter now!

Ralph Whitbeck and Elijah Manor grabbed jQuery creator John Resig after the video conference to chat with him some more about the jQuery 1.4 release. In this live recording of the official jQuery podcast, John provides more insight into new release’s features.

Download the mp3 or subscribe to the show via iTunes or RSS.