I want to change view field value dynamically

For a given node, using view field, I can attach a view with an arg of %nid, even multiple args. works great! (I haven't tried more than one view for a node...yet)

My challenge is to find a way to change the view conditionally. For example, to display the node with OR without the view.

Is there a way to specify the view field values before I ask for the node?
Or maybe I can define the view field values (conditionally) in a theme?

There is probably a really easy way to do this that is right in front of my nose but I can't see it.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Lowell