def remove(self, elem):
        """Remove a requirement.

        :param elem: a string or :class:`Requirement` instance.
        """
        if isinstance(elem, text_type):
            for requirement in self:
                if requirement.package == elem:
                    return super(Requirements, self).remove(requirement)
        return super(Requirements, self).remove(elem)
def is_active(self):
        """
        Returns True when the start date is today or in the past and the
        task has not yet been completed.
        """
        start = self.start_date()
        return not self.is_completed() and (not start or start <= date.today())