def loads(self, requirements_text):
        lines = re.findall(Requirement.spec_regex,
                           requirements_text,
                           re.MULTILINE)
        for line in lines:
            self.add(Requirement(line[0], "".join(line[1:])))
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())