diff --git a/ankiqt/config.py b/ankiqt/config.py
index b63db055e..9d44a4cd3 100644
--- a/ankiqt/config.py
+++ b/ankiqt/config.py
@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ class Config(dict):
             'alternativeTheme': False,
             'showStudyScreen': True,
             'showStudyOptions': False,
+            'showCardTimer': True,
             'created': time.time(),
             'id': genID(),
             }
diff --git a/ankiqt/ui/status.py b/ankiqt/ui/status.py
index f679d78a0..731c3981b 100644
--- a/ankiqt/ui/status.py
+++ b/ankiqt/ui/status.py
@@ -238,6 +238,8 @@ You should aim to answer each question within<br>
             if self.main.currentCard:
                 if time.time() - self.timerFlashStart < 1:
                     return
+                if not self.main.config['showCardTimer']:
+                    return
                 t = self.main.currentCard.thinkingTime()
                 self.timer.setText('%02d:%02d' % (t/60, t%60))
                 return
diff --git a/ankiqt/ui/view.py b/ankiqt/ui/view.py
index 6704fbff4..ec4deae8f 100644
--- a/ankiqt/ui/view.py
+++ b/ankiqt/ui/view.py
@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ class View(object):
         self.buffer = self.addStyles() + self.buffer
         # hook for user css
         runHook("preFlushHook")
+        #print self.buffer.encode("utf-8")
         self.body.setHtml(self.buffer)
 
     def write(self, text):