def get_note_flags(note):
    """
    get the note flags

    Returns a fixed length string:
      'X' - needs sync
      '*' - favorite
    """
    flags = ''
    flags += 'X' if float(note['modified']) > float(note['syncdate']) else ' '
    if 'favorite' in note:
        flags += '*' if note['favorite'] else ' '
    else:
        flags += '  '
    return flags
