Embedding Random images: straigh forward link/text?

Hello,

I want to embed a random image out of G2 into my site, and I'm trying to use imageBlock.

I have a couple of issues:

1) The actual display format (layout) of the imageBlock really does not fit what I want to do with the image

and

2) If I change the imageBlock template, it changes for everything...

So

a) The ideal for me is if I could simply have a function:
list($url,$text) = g2->GetRandomLink($album_id,'<text options>')
Is there any way to simply get these direct pieces of text, so that I can place them however I want in my other pages?

b) Or, how do I tell image block to use a specific block template for that request?

Thank you!

Alvar