SNES controllers

[John McCutchan]

Hello,                                                                          
                                                                                
Under Documentation/joysticj-parport.txt there is a description of              
how to build an adapter for attaching SNES/NES control pads to                  
the parallel port. It says to use diodes. I am wondering what                   
kind of diodes should I use? aswell is it safe to bridge                        
pin's 4 - 9 together with diodes to get more power?                             
                                                                                
John