Why do certain apps run even when I don't use them? I've found that certain apps (Amazon MP3 and Stocks, for example) will occasionally be running in the background even when I've never once opened them. Why is this? This is not desirable - those CPU cycles are mine, not theirs!
Those apps come with the phone and can't be turned off or removed unless you root.  Blame your carrier.  There's really nothing you can do about it non-rooted.  I feel your pain.