COUNTDOWN

Credit: NY Times Crossword - Sept. 20, 1998

Charles Deber

The answers to the following clues each have something in common. Can you determine what it is?

1. Massachusetts marathon, for one

2. Police, fire, and hospital staff, for example

3. What astronauts hope for when they return to Earth

4. Long-running soap opera

5. What you might say if you let someone down

Answers to the clues:

1. Boston event

2. Shift workers

3. Smooth re-entry

4. Days of Our Lives

5. "Sorry if I've disappointed you."

Answer to what the clues have in common:

1. BostON Event

2. ShifT WOrkers

3. SmooTH RE-Entry

4. Days oF OUR Lives

5. "Sorry iF I'VE disappointed you."