 		public const textGraphics:TextGraphics = new TextGraphics();
 		public const canvas:Canvas = new Canvas();
 		public var keys:Array;
+		public var locals:Object; // for use inside scripts
 		
 		public function getSelectableAttributes():Array
 		{

					PlotterUtils.clearBitmapData(bitmap);
				}
				
				// when the vars hash map changes, get the keys from all the columns in it
				if (varsChanged)
					keys = ColumnUtils.getAllKeys(vars.getObjects(IKeySet));

			if (!scriptChanged && !varsChanged && _prevSize.x == unscaledWidth && _prevSize.y == unscaledHeight)
				return;
			
			// wait until vars are not busy
			if (linkableObjectIsBusy(vars))
				return;
			
			// remember current size for next time
			_prevSize.x = unscaledWidth;
