Setting up a new MT install now and before I start adding content, I'm wondering if there is some simple addition to the template or overall system settings to prevent google caching of my blog? Occasionally I need to delete content because I've gone and said too much (usually after alcohol consumption) and I would like to know that it's gone when I delete it. I've been burned (and saved!) by Google's cache in the past.

See Google's information on this. You'll also want to think about your RSS feeds, and other search engines.