The seemingly unrelated words, names, and phrases in the list below follow a definite pattern. Can you determine what it is?

CONTRABAND

ACDC

HOUSEFLIES

LIGHTS

ELIJAH

TINKLE

CHIMNEY

PEOPLE

IRAQ RESIDENT

WEST

LOUVRE

NARRW XING

COUNTY ZOO

HINTS:

#1: The order of the words is not random.

#2: There are thirteen words.

#3: 13 X 2 = 26

Answer:

Each word or phrase contains two consecutive letters of the alphabet, beginning with AB in contrABand and ending with YZ in countY Zoo.

(Credit: NY Times Crossword - 3/28/98 - "Two by Thirteen" - Robert H. Wolfe)